karen from rural hall area
Guest
|
Post by karen from rural hall area on Sept 20, 2005 0:17:37 GMT -4
i live about 10 miles from this local legendary "payne rd" when i was a teenager we used to drive down payne rd and as i can best recall was not paved at that time. the thing was if you stopped your car on the bridge and turned it off, it would not start. it did honestly happen one time.and yes what i have always heard was that a man killed his entire family on that road when you come onto payne from bolejack road and cross the small bridge the house was on the right hand side on a bit of a hill the only thing there now is a corn field . i was very confused when i saw the photos that said " payne rd" because i believe that to be the small graveyard on edwards rd which is NOT payne road, by the way ( look at forsyth county tax listings) if you don't believe me. i have been to that area many, many times and to that graveyard also, daylight and night and i tell you the place that i get the worst vibes are at the houses that the car in the dive way you mentioned. i would not condone trespassing though and i believe that is posted land. i have found alot of places that i know to have spirits and i am no ghost hunter but i do believe. i am curious to know some concrete info on what exactly happened on payne rd, name and year. the only way i found you guys was to put in payne rd. i do believe that whatever was on payne rd moved to edwards rd ;D
|
|
|
Post by Dan on Sept 23, 2005 3:59:46 GMT -4
Yeah, the whole area is creepy. I've already decided to drop by Walmart to pick up a few disposeable cameras and get a friend to ride me up there just before it gets dark so, we can investigate all 3 roads. I just hope he doesn't chickin out.
|
|
|
Post by brian on Oct 4, 2005 14:25:18 GMT -4
I live in Kernersville, and I'm extremely interested in checking out Payne Rd. I'm a little wary however, seeing as how it's so close to halloween and the traffic is no doubt heavier. Would you recommend going now in the spirit of the season, or waiting till there's a less likely chance of encountering other people?
|
|
|
Post by DJ Lostutter on Oct 14, 2005 11:01:49 GMT -4
hey i wanted to say that i live in a development called woodcreek in king nc and i take payne road almost 4 times a week to walnut cove...as a short cut to the hwy #8. well the road gives me a spooky feeling and all but as far as headlights...never seen any...i kno the story of the massacre...
its told here in king that the owner of the now demolished house on payne road sent his son down to the store on christmas eve. the payne road gas station is what it is now. while his son was out the father was driven to kill his wife his children and his dog even...he went out to one of the "slave shacks" on the road and waited for his son to return...his son came trudging up the road and the father followed him back to the house where he shot him too.. then he proceeded to cut off the heads and place them facing him on the mantle...staring at the faces he then shot himself.
|
|
|
Post by DJ Lostutter on Oct 14, 2005 11:15:54 GMT -4
Lawson Murder, The (Charlie Lawson) [Laws F35] DESCRIPTION: Charlie Lawson goes mad on a Christmas evening and shoots first his wife and then, despite their pleas, his six children. He prepares them for burial, bids goodbye, and kills himself also. The family is buried in a common grave AUTHOR: Wiley Morris? EARLIEST DATE: 1937 (Brown) KEYWORDS: murder family burial suicide madness children HISTORICAL REFERENCES: Dec 25, 1898 - 43-year-old Charles D. Lawson shoots his family and himself FOUND IN: US(SE) REFERENCES (5 citations): Laws F35, "The Lawson Murder (Charlie Lawson)" Warner 114, "The Lawson Family Murder" (1 text, 1 tune) BrownII 298, "The Lawson Murder" (1 text plus mention of 2 more) Darling-NAS, pp. 206-207, "The Lawson Murder" (1 text) DT 729, LAWSNMRD Roud #697 RECORDINGS: Spencer Moore with Everett Blevins, "The Lawson Murder" (on LomaxCD1705) The Morris Brothers, "The Story of Charlie Lawson" (Bluebird B-7903, c. 1938) E. R. Nance Singers, "The Lawson Murder" (Brunswick 542, c. 1930) CROSS-REFERENCES: cf. "The Dark Knight" (plot) cf. "William Beadle" (plot) Notes: The Carolina Buddies recorded a song called "Murder of the Lawson Family" (Columbia 15537-D, 1930), but I have no way of learning if that is the same song. - RBW File: LF35
|
|
|
Post by DJ Lostutter on Oct 14, 2005 11:16:45 GMT -4
The Lawson Murder
The Lawson Murder
It was on last Christmas Evening; A snow was on the ground. His home in North Carolina Where the murderer was found His name was Charlie Lawson, And he had a loving wife. But we'll never know what caused him To take his family's life.
They say he killed his wife at first, And then the little ones did cry, "Please, Papa, won't you spare our life? For it is so hard to die!' But the raging man could not be stopped; He would not heed their call, And he kept on firing fatal shots Until he killed them all.
And when the sad, sad news was heard It was a great surprise. He killed six children and his wife, And then he closed their eyes. "And now farewell, kind friends and home; I'II see you all no more. Into my breast I'll fire one fatal shot; Then my troubles will be o'er."
They did not carry him to jail; No lawyers did he pay. He'll have his trial in another world On the final judgment day. They were all buried in a crowded grave While angels watched above. "Come home, come home, my little ones. To the land of peace and love."
From North Carolina Folklore, Henry Collected from J. C. Folger, NC, I937, DT #729 Laws F35 RG
|
|
|
Post by DJ Lostutter on Oct 14, 2005 11:20:03 GMT -4
The story in the book is pretty correct I heard. I have not read it, but here is part of an article that was in a local newspaper: * There is a newspaper article in the Twin City Sentinel, but do not know if it is the following article? Newspaper article ,dated Dec.27, 1929. [This terrible tragedy may be of interest to someone]. FAMILY OF SEVEN IS BURIED TODAY Walnut Cove, N.C.- A plot in the Bowder burying ground near Germanton, waited today to receive the bodies of CHARLES D. LAWSON, Stokes Co. farmer, his wife, and six children. Two pm was the hour set for the funeral. On Christmas Day, LAWSON, seized with a fit of insanity, slew the seven members of this family. He went to a patch of woods near the home a few minutes later and fired a bullet through his heart. A rifle and a shot-gun were found by the body. Out of a family of nine, only a son, ARTHUR LAWSON, age 19, was spared. He was visiting an uncle near Germanton, when his father, wielding disjointed gun barrel, a rifle and a shot-gun, slaughtered the rest of the family. The dead: The father and mother both shot to death. MARIE, 17, CARRIE, 14, and MARIBELLE, 10, slain with a shot-gun and rifle. JAMES, 7, RAYMOND, 5 and MARY LOU, 5months- beaten to death. Neighbors of the family and persons living at a distance as they prepared today to attend the mass funeral wondered at the gruesome tragedy that horrified Stokes County in the midst of its Christmas celebration. CHARLES LAWSON, who owned his home and provided well for his family, had been a good neighbor. He was honest, sober and considerate, and especially kind to his family. The whole family remembered that a year ago he accidentally received a sharp blow on the head....Last night the funeral in charge said they were inclined to decide in favor of a single large grave...." There is a lady in Mt. Airy, NC who has an on-line group of people from the area, and she has presentations on the Christmas Murders. Charlie was the son of August E. "Gus" Lawson and Nancy R. Lawson. You mentioned you were related through Charlies sister "Etta" or Mary S. Lawson, married to James "Jim" Lawson. I have their children, but only have the line going back through Stawdy Elmber Bullin/Boulding. I am related to BOTH the Lawson and Bullin/Bullen families src genforum.genealogy.com/lawson/messages/5982.html
|
|
|
Post by DJ Lostutter on Oct 14, 2005 11:26:24 GMT -4
THE LOCATION: The focus of the investigations has been a cluster of buildings that dated back to the late 1800's/early 1900's. Upon entering the area everything appears relatively normal. However after crossing the plantation line the road begins a sharp descent, nearly 30 degrees down. The land drops off into deep valleys on both sides of the road as it twists and turns 90 to 140 degrees left and right. A noticeable trait of the area is the relatively young age of the surrounding trees. Located in the left turn is the foundation of the house. The House was a large, multi leveled colonial style home built primarily from wood and stone. To the left/center of the house was located a small wooden bridge.. this has been replaced with an earthen bridge about 15 feet from the original location. Behind the house stands a small shack, roughly 8x8 feet. To the right of the house is a large tin shed, corn crib, chicken coop and feed barn. To the right of the tin shed is a large stone foundation (very possibly the Chapel from a previous era). An additional 10x10 shack is located in front of the house. To the left of the bridge is an open field and a 200 foot sheer rock cliff. The entire area is located on ground which is very unsuitable for any sort of large scale farming due to the cliffs an soil. THE LEGENDS: This has been compiled from eye witness accounts, urban legend, historic events and court record research. The area has been a local legend for many generations. Sometime during the late 1900's the road name was changed. During that point the **** family was the primary residence along the road... during their stay there were a total of 16 suicides reported in their family, nearly all of which were located in or in the immediate vicinity of the house. The remaining 1 was the suicide of a young man elsewhere , a result of his accidental shooting of his girlfriend in that house. There were several murders surrounding the area. Some attributed to this location are the torture and murder of a prostitute, the execution style murders of 2 people under the awning of one of the outbuildings, two undetermined murders of a couple, as well as numerous hangings and drownings. Unconfirmed reports tell a tale of a mysterious plantation that once covered this ground (a story that explains the numerous work and storage sheds on the grounds). The owner of the plantation was reportedly was a sadistic man who tortured his slaves, and at times saw fit to murder them. He said to have gone crazy, turned to devil worship and murdered his entire family before burning the plantation. This legend coincides with the nearby located 1929 Lawson Family Murders with the exception of the satanic worship and fire. Currently three stories surrounding the location have been confirmed through area law enforcement and court records THE FIRST INVESTIGATION: Currently several day runs, and two night runs have been successfully completed. In the large tobacco shed located 1 mile west of the foundation (reported as being the site of the murder of two children by their father) audio recording captured the sound of voice (or possibly multiple voices... it was captured in two distinct tracks) saying "Help Us'. A bright, distinct reddish/white anomaly was also captured on film here. Visual inspection showed a sound tobaccos shed, with normal damage and wear, however essentially very intact. Both porches also were intact. Behind the shed the terrain became steeper and rougher, however we found some junk, metal debris from an old car. EMF readings showed the overhead lines to be too weak to register from the ground. After walking the area, we set up a Magnavox VHS camcorder on a tripod filming the rear entrance of the building. Also an audio tape was set up using a GE full size cassette recorder, external microphone extended full the full length of the cord away from the machine, and TDK High Bias 110 audio tapes. Only the A side of these tapes are recorded on. EMF readings inside of the building were normal. Once equipment was set up we left the building and the immediate area, to allow the recording equipment to work uninterrupted. At all times a person was spotting the building to be sure no person, animal etc. entered or exited without being documented. Russell took part of watch while two members crossed the main road, and went some distance along a path into the woods on the other side. Essentially this appeared to be an old logging trail that dead ended. Quiet a few small animal bones were found as well. In the corn crib a compass fluctuation of 30+ degrees was witnessed by two members In this same shack, Christine experienced the sensation of being touched on her hand. LG simultaneously witnessed the hair on Christine's arm standing up. A red welt also appeared on her hand that remained throughout the evening. As she left the corn crib, she felt someone's hand touch her hair. We followed by setting up the video camera on the shed behind the foundation of the main house. This shed has some interesting burn patterns on the floor and support beams. It is also home to a good bit of junk dating back to the 20' or 30's and oddly has not been disturbed. We allowed the camera to film undisturbed. The video camera catches on oddity... the camera begins shifting focus although nothing has crossed the screen. As soon as the focus change begins you can hear a sharp step inside the building, followed by approximately 4 more steps towards the camera on the ground. The sound stops and the focus immediately refocuses and stays still. No more sounds are heard following this. Audio tape recording at the same time confirms this activity, with the addition of the sound of a bell and laughter. During this same time we set the audio recorder near remnants of the fireplace in the foundation of the main house. Tape was set up by member. The first EVP captured is the sound of a chime or bell. Likened to a tuning fork being struck but not allowed to vibrate more than once. Very distinct, and separate from other sounds. The second is a short cry followed by 2 1/2 distinct raps as if on a door or table. There is nothing in that location that could be the source for the noise, and it too is distinct and above the static. The third is a voice that pronounces two syllables. After lowering the pitch once it distinctly says "Hello" in an odd flat inflection, with an odd speech pattern. It's worth noting that these sounds are very distinct in how they sound on the tape... there isn't any mistaking them for background noise. The foundation is also the location of several interesting orb photos. All but four of the investigation team witnessed a form, what appeared to be a person (in fact was initially mistaken for a team member) walking along the tree line at the river towards us. A dense fog quickly followed the apparition, and just as quickly dispersed. The NOAA does not have a classification of fog that would follow the local weather conditions for that night. A Second Night Investigation has been done! Activity was higher than the first time, with a spirit mocking, one walking in circles, a full apparition, and a playful... or irritated spirit grabbing keys and people, and the infamous bells being recorded again. SECOND INVESTIGATION: The activity of the first time, coupled with the spectacular EVP was cause enough for use to do a second night time investigation. This time was of shorter duration but appeared even more active. Perhaps because of the smaller group? Perhaps it was just "right"? The evening began shortly before sundown with the placement and setting up of equipment. This time in effort to hopefully capture the sound recordings of before and also to possibly triangulate the position as well as securing the location better we set up multiple cameras and audio recording equipment as well as posting 2 investigators at all times to watch the building from the outside. An audio recorder was set up inside in the same position as previously. A second machine was set up in the same location approximately 8-10 feet away from the first one. A video camera was set up outside the door filming inside and covering the entire entrance (the only possible entrance) and the inside area. Our first activity occurred then, although we wouldn't know it until the video tape was played back. As the set up investigator walked away from the cameras and out of sound range he made a remark in reference to our hopes of picking up the bells from the previous investigation, about how the ghosties were probably laughing at us even now and would spend the night making bell sounds just to annoy us. Several minutes later the video camera picks up the sound of a small childlike voice saying "Boonnng" followed by stilted laughter. It is interesting to note that while the voice was clear and easily identified as a child it had a flat atonal quality to it likened to a 2 dimensional picture. Again later on the camera would show an empty building even as the sound of constant walking could be heard. This continued for over 8 minutes with occasional interruptions and 'banging into furniture' sounds as well. It was not heard again on any of our sound equipment. EMF Fluctuations occurred spontaneously throughout the night. During the evening two investigators left this area to scout out another area where we had previously also captured photos and EVP. This walk took them through a grassy area with relatively high, thick vegetation. As is habit, one investigator had car keys attached to his belt and tucked into his pocked to prevent loss or noise that could interfere with sound recordings. Upon return to the set up location he found his keys missing and begin to panic as he retraced his steps (after all... he wasn't getting back into his car or going home without them!). A fruitless search brought him back in frustration only to find the keys dangling in the ignition. Since several investigators witnessed him remove the keys prior and also witnessed him with the keys at a later point it was at least a very curious occurrence (downright scary even....) During the time these two investigators where gone, the other two remained in position monitoring the building where recording equipment was operating. Periodic temperature and EMF readings occupied the time. At one point a somewhat distant metallic banging was heard from the other side of the road. Assuming it was either the missing two investigators looking around in a building or something in the distance the noise was noted and ignored. Several minutes later it repeated but louder and closer. Again noted and now concerned the two investigators began looking for a reason. The sound repeated again twice more, louder and closer each time the final time being almost overhead. The closest comparable sound would be the sound of an anvil being struck. Fearing imminent storms or something happening to the other two both investigators called the other two in by radio. Interestingly there are several things to note about this sound: 1) it was NOT captured by any of the sound equipment so we can not verify it 2) the other two investigators did not hear it and 3) the sound AND the fact the some hear it and others don't has occurred before to other people who have written there statements for us. It is completely unknown what it was nor can we find a suitable explanation for the occurrence. Later evaluation of the audio and video tapes revealed we had indeed captured the bells. Completely different equipment was used including different brands of tapes to removed the possibility it was a machine error or a tape quirk. The bells again sounded frequently and sporadically, sometimes singularly at other times together in different tones, one after the other. A possible explanation was presented that somehow the shifts of the earth plates could possibly cause such faint sound that could be recorded as sounding like bells. We have no evidence that this is so, but are looking into the possibility with the help of those more experienced in the fields of geology and geophysics. On the other hand, it in no way explains the laughter and voices. So what IS out there? We have more than a few stories and experiences from others, including local law enforcement. It is unfortunate that kids looking for a party location or date place with a high creepiness factor, as well as those with a penchant for vandalism have caused headaches for property care taker and local law. It may never be known for sure what it is. But it was a most interesting investigation which gave us much evidence to evaluate and hypothesize over for some time! FINAL NOTE: Local law now patrols even more frequently and will ask you to leave. PHOTOS:http://www.hauntednc.com/photo_abfarmsteadphotos.htm#house www.hauntednc.com/photo_abfarmsteadphotos.htm#blueroomsounds www.hauntednc.com/evp_afchimes.htmwww.hauntednc.com/evp_afhelpus.htmwww.hauntednc.com/evp_afbells.htmwww.hauntednc.com/evp_afbong.htmsrc www.hauntednc.com/investigation_farmstead.htm
|
|
|
Post by Julia on Oct 20, 2005 22:30:11 GMT -4
Hi...just ran across this thread and wanted to add my 2 cents. I live about 5 minutes from Payne Road, pretty much always have. (Live right across the street from the house I grew up in!) I also work in Walnut Cove near the Lawson murder areas. Anyway.
The Charlie Lawson family were relatives of mine. He was a cousin? to my grandmother I believe. Something like that. The Lawson house and Payne house are NOT the same. Charlie Lawson's house was located on Brookcove Road, close to the intersection of Hwy 8. In order to get to Payne Road from the Lawson home site, you would have to go down Hwy 8 to Hwy 65, then turn on Friendship and follow to Payne/Edwards. It's not too far as the crow flies, but takes about 15-20 minutes by car. Maybe longer...it's not exactly a straight shot of a drive. From my bosses back pasture, you can see what remains of the hold Lawson homesite....his land borders Hwy 65 on the front and Brookcove in the rear.
I've always thought that the legend of the Lawson murder was absorbed into the Payne legend and at this point it would be hard to separate the two. My main problem is with documentation of the Payne murders. While I'll admit to not doing an in depth search of records, I can't seem to find anything as substantial as the murders claimed to have occurred there. When Charlie killed his family, it made headlines across the nation....Can't find so much as a blurb about killings in the Payne area. Again, I haven't looked all that hard.
Would love to talk with you more if you plan on conducting another investigation or need someone in the area to do research! Would really be interested in finding a way to investigate the Lawson home site!! ;D
|
|
|
Post by ncgirl on Mar 13, 2006 12:15:28 GMT -4
Hey,
Julia, does the old Lawson family home still exist? I thought it had been torn down. I talked to the owner's of the property a couple years ago and they said the family home was torn down by them and now stands their garage in its place. Do you know if any of the original Lawson family buildings are still there? Does anyone know where the children of the oldest son that lived are? Ok, as for Payne/Edwards Rd. I've come across some confusion. I'm about an hours drive out from the Rural Hall and was wondering if someone could tell me which road the house was actually on, Payne or Edwards? I've seen some big tobacco barns on Payne Rd. and someone said that is the spot where it used to stand, and I've had someone tell me its on Payne across the street from where the chimneys stand and to the right up a trail near some old buildings. Does anyone happen to know who the owner's are of either of these properties? I'd love to speak with them if possible. If nothing else to find out what they know of its history. If anyone grew up in the area or just knows of its history, the stories surrounding it, please email me and let me know. My email is oofirewalker@yahoo.com . I'm very interested in searching court documents and talking with local law enforcement if someone could tell me where its located in that area, and if someone wants to ride out there with me just contact me. Lastly, does any know what purpose the road serves that runs by the Oak Grove Cemetary with the gate or who knowns it? Does it have any connection with the haunted property?
Thanks.
|
|
julia
Spirit Stalker
Posts: 48
|
Post by julia on Mar 24, 2006 23:24:03 GMT -4
The Lawson house has been gone for years....I'm not really sure about the whole garage thing, as you can see the what I was told is the foundation of the house from the crest of the hill in my boss's back pasture. I'm pretty sure that at least the remnants of some of the buildings are still standing. As for the son, Arthur, I'm not sure about his family, but for some reason want to say that they left the area after his death. He was killed in an accident while working for the DOT in the 1940's I believe. (Going on memory for some of the dates and details, bear with me....I'll try to verify this next week.)
Payne house, or at least the land it was located on, the last I heard, was owned by a member of the Hartgrove family. There have been so many rumors and stories about the house that seperating fact and fiction would be almost impossible. I THINK the homesite is still on Payne Road.....If you come Hwy 66 to Payne, go down a bit, you'll see an area that you can tell is rather newly cleared with a stand of young trees. That's the original location. The house was burned, maybe at the families request, not sure about that, I was living in Germany at the time it happened.
Give me a yell sometime, doodlebug1969@alltel.net, I'll try and get more details as time allows....
DJ Lostutter; I've always heard the same thing from family. The book was no big surprise, as it was always the rumor. Hmmm...if you're related to the Lawsons and Bullins, we should figure out the connection....sounds like our family trees might overlap a time or two! Mine are predominately Bennetts, Sheltons and Stanley, with an odd Lawson and Bullins thrown in!
Julia
|
|
|
Post by Zack on Apr 9, 2006 0:01:59 GMT -4
Alright guys-- I live in Winston Salem, about 10 minutes from Payne Road (aka Edwards Rd.). I have lived here all my life, and so have my parents. The story was passed down, and so a teen has no choice but to check it out. Tonight was my 4th stop at Payne Road. Nothing has every happened... Untill this time. My girlfriend and I were traveling down the road and my girlfriend told me that something wasnt right. She has never said this before, but she told me she could feel something. I told her she was being silly and that we should continue. We traveled down Edwards and took a RIGHT onto Payne. We continued through the 4 way stop that intersects with FRIENDSHIP LN. Shortly after, the bridge appeared on the right side of the road. The actuall Payne Rd bridge is no longer in service, and no longer accessible unless by foot. They have made a step up and piled dirt around it so no one can drive accross. Anyways, I continued driving past the bridge, and was planning on stopping to check it out. The instant I passed the bridge, something happened that I had never experianced before. Six figures appeared infront of and above my car. These figures were not human-like, but more like clouds, white whisps of nothingness. They passed by the slow moving car, and when I turned around, there was nothing. There were six distinct, seperate, and real figures there, and I have no idea what it was. Tonight was a new moon, and I figure that had a major role in what I saw. If anyone has information, and experiances, Email me at zackatcha423@triad.rr.com . Id love to hear from you.
|
|
|
Post by Mandi on May 8, 2006 0:26:35 GMT -4
Hey, I've been researching incidents involving Payne Road the past couple of months. I've come to a point where I need some more information before I can procede much further. If anyone has done some research on the history or events involving Payne Road please email me, I'd love to chat about it and find out more.
Also, I'm researching the Lawson Family Murders, does anyone happen to know anyone I could talk to who may be related to those who would have known the Lawsons?
Anyone who might be interested in doing ghost hunts , drop me an email at dchildress@northstate.net
Thanks.
|
|
|
Post by Zach on May 14, 2006 23:54:01 GMT -4
I was with some friends tonight and we got to talking about how we wanted to visit someplace that actually gives everyone the creeps bcus we have already been to the devils trampin ground and i was dissappointed. but i was wondering if anybody wud be able to join me one night and go up to edwards rd ( payne rd) just for some exploring and chills also i wanted to go around the forest areas and the rlly creepy areas but i heard theres a gate can anyone help me around that? or how do we get permission to travel thru at night time my email is punkrockersofti@yahoo.com PLEASE PLEASE email me
|
|
|
Post by The Arab on Jun 6, 2006 8:35:38 GMT -4
A couple of friends of mine and I have investigated Payne Road for the past 8 years now. We have too many stories to post up on here and we live approx 10 minutes from the site. WE've done the research wit hthe local police station and there is definitely more to the paranormal activity in that area than the Payne legend. We've seen, heard, and had things come in contact with us physically. Went down there with Jim Hall of HauntedNC.com and got interesting pictures, readings, and definitely odd voices on tape. Hall has all the documentation. Im not a common visitor to the site so if anyone has any questions about what we've found out just get ahold of me on AIM at TheEgyptianMoMo or via e mail at me60377@appstate.edu
|
|