About

O.P. Pyle House

The O.P. Pyle House in Mineola, famously known as the House of the Raccoon, casts a haunting spell over East Texas. Erected in 1903 by O.P. Pyle, pictured, on land once traversed by the Wichita Indian Tribe, also known as the Raccoon People, this historical residence showcases a distinctive Queen Anne style meticulously crafted by local artisans “Zonn” Wren and his brothers William and Frank Wren. Having withstood the test of time, the house has borne witness to significant historical events, including the Civil War, drawing in a medley of supernatural entities that still linger within its walls.

Situated on grounds once roamed by the Wichita Indian Tribe, the house acts as a spiritual nexus, creating a portal for various intensities of spiritual activity. Some have reported encounters with negative spiritual energy and unsettling experiences, particularly within the cottage. Adding to the mystique, the property holds the resting place of the parents of its long-time owners, stewards of the house for many years, with another family member buried beneath the gazebo. The O.P. Pyle House stands as a testament to the intertwined history and otherworldly mysteries that continue to captivate those who dare to explore its enigmatic corridors.

Wichita Indian Tribe

The Kitikiti’sh, or Wichita tribes, refer to themselves as Kitikiti’sh or Kirikirish, signifying “raccoon-eyed people” due to their historical custom of tattooing marks around their eyes. This collective of Southern Plains Native American tribes, known as the Wichita people, is native to regions such as Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas, with a notable presence in Mineola, Texas.

Over time, paranormal investigators have unearthed compelling evidence suggesting that Wichita tribe members once traversed the land upon which the O.P. Pyle House now stands. Through the analysis of E.V.P.s, EMF readings, and photographs, there is a prevailing belief that they constitute the primary group associated with the haunting of the O.P. Pyle House.

Additionally, numerous witnesses have reported sightings of raccoons on the grounds where the O.P. Pyle House is situated.

Civil War Connection

David Wyatt Aiken, the first person pictured, was a Confederate Army Officer and US Congressman. He led the 7th South Carolina Infantry during pivotal moments in the War Between the States. Notable for his service in campaigns like Peninsular and battles including Antietam and Gettysburg, Aiken’s injuries led to his resignation in 1864. Post-war, he served in the South Carolina state legislature and represented the state’s 3rd District in the US House of Representatives from 1877 to 1887. Aiken, father of Congressman Wyatt Aiken, passed away shortly after leaving office, leaving a lasting impact on Southern history.

Numerous paranormal events strongly suggest that David Atkins’ spirit haunts the O.P. Pyle House, possibly linked to an unidentified object on the property. The nature of this object remains a mystery. Atkins appears to serve as a guardian spirit, actively warding off negative entities to protect the property.

Sergeant J.H. Randall, a Civil War veteran, was employed on the railroads near Mineola in the 1870s. There are beliefs that he mistreated prisoners who worked alongside him on the railroads, going as far as committing murder. It is thought that his lingering spirit may be connected to the property, potentially tethered to an unidentified object.

Family Hogg Connection

Ima Hogg, renowned as “The First Lady of Texas,” was born in a separate house on the O.P. Pyle House property on July 10, 1882, to Sarah Ann “Sallie” Stinson and James Stephen “Big Jim” Hogg. In 1929, she established the Houston Child Guidance Center, offering counseling for children with mental health issues and their families. Unfortunately, the house of her birth succumbed to fire in later years.

James Stephen Hogg (March 24, 1851 – March 3, 1906) was an American lawyer, statesman, and the 20th Governor of Texas, born near Rusk, Texas. A proponent of the conservative New South Creed, he was also associated with populism and was the first Texas Governor born in the state. Jim Hogg County is named in his honor.

Hogg’s peculiar choice of naming his daughter Ima stemmed from a poem by his brother, Thomas Elisha Hogg. The tale of a sister named “Ura” is an urban legend.

Paranormal Occurences

Numerous paranormal investigators have reported encounters with peculiar spirits adorned in animal-like masks, exhibiting unusual movements—an occurrence believed to be associated with members of the Wichita Indian Tribe.

Evidences of paranormal activity strongly suggest that the spirit of Civil War veteran David Atkins lingers within the O.P. Pyle House, potentially tied to an unidentified object on the property. The nature of this object remains shrouded in mystery, with Atkins seemingly acting as a protective spirit, actively fending off negative entities to safeguard the premises.

Sergeant J.H. Randall, a Civil War veteran engaged in railroad work near Mineola in the 1870s, is linked to beliefs of mistreatment and murder of prisoners under his supervision. It’s speculated that his lingering spirit may be connected to the property, possibly tethered to an unidentified object.

Paranormal investigators have reported sightings of Ima and her father James, engaging in communication through EVPs, EMF readings, and other techniques during investigations.

A malevolent entity known as “The Rotten One” has been detected, possessing the ability to mimic other spirits in appearance and voice. Typically found in the music room and attic, this negative entity adds an eerie presence to the paranormal occurrences at the location.

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