Built in 1761 by James Brearley II and his son, James, the Brearley house reflects the style of an English manor.  The house was specifically built for James, who married three times throughout his life.  His wives bore to him 11 healthy children, including 9 sons and 2 daughters.  The structures on the property originally included a separate kitchen building, which greatly reduced the possibility of a fire destroying the main house.  As time and technology marched on, the kitchen building was demolished in 1935 and a modern kitchen was built within the house.

The home was occupied until 1963, when a developer bought the property, turning it over to Lawrence Township in 1978.  As the house stood "abandoned," a squatter by the name of Clarence Siebert moved in and started a pig farm.  Although he was not supposed to be on the property, his pig farm and reported 17 dogs, kept vandals and thieves from helping themselves to pieces of the 18th century fireplaces, woodwork, and other bits of architecture.  

In 1998, the Township of Lawrence stepped in to begin restoration of this beautiful historical site.  Mr. Siebert was set up on the property in a fully functional trailer and became the building's first caretaker.  By 2000, the home had been restored to its original, stately grandeur.  Part of the second floor has been converted into an apartment where the current caretaker resides.  

Take the time to visit the Brearley House during their tours and other ongoing functions to help support this niche of American history.  We are privileged to have been granted access to investigate this spectacular house and offer some of our findings here. 

-Click on a photo for a larger image-

On this trip to the Brearley House, we recorded 19 instances of EVP!  Below is just a sampling of the spirit voices we managed to capture.

While investigating in the foyer of the home, Investigator Thornton recorded this female voice saying, "Don't forget me now."   Listen

On the second floor of the house, Investigator Thornton recorded this female voice saying, "We do, Melinda."  It should be noted that no one present for this investigation is named Melinda, or has a name similar sounding.   Listen

In this clip recorded by Investigator Bove' in the foyer, you will hear two voices - one of a man and one of a woman.  The male voice says, "Don't do it, Susan...don't."  He is followed by a female voice saying, "It turns me on."  Interestingly enough, Investigator Bove's name is Susan, but there is also history of a woman named Susan who lived in the house.   Listen

While investigating the active foyer, the group of investigators where getting the impression of a young girl who was frightened of someone who had also lived in the house at one time.  We felt that the figure of whom she was afraid was a relative, possibly a grandfather.  The fear also appeared to be centered around the basement.  Investigator Bove' was sitting on the main staircase during this discussion and at that time recorded this young female saying, "I'm scared."   Listen

While still sitting on the staircase, Investigator Bove' asked if any spirits were present.  Possibly the same young female says, "Oh, my God."   Listen

While descending the stairs to the basement, the investigators felt as though they were not welcome.  It was at this time that Investigator Hubert recorded two female voices.  The first female says, "They're coming!"  The second one says, "I hope they stop!"  Although the voices spoke right after one another, they are clipped separately to enable them to be better heard.  The "banging" heard in the clips is the footfall of the investigators as they descend the stairs.   They're coming!   I hope they stop!

While in one of the back parlors, Investigator Hubert captured the voice of a woman offering a strange suggestion saying, "Try and keep your feet off the floor."   Listen