THE STORY
Reported Haunting
The historic King House is rumored to be haunted by former occupants. Witnesses have described strange noises, apparitions, and an eerie atmosphere.
King House is a historic building used by the Mayport Cats Program, a group that assists feral cats. It is said to be haunted by many ghosts, including that of a sailor. Records say the land was once a Spanish burial ground and the building was once a boardinghouse for sailors. It burned down in 1881 and was rebuilt in 1907 by namesake William Joseph King. Witnesses say a rocking chair moves on its own, the very chair where some say King’s aunt was killed by pitchfork by a jealous ex-boyfriend. High heels have been heard walking in the unoccupied attic, and another ghost called Little Butler is said to open doors for visitors. A spirit maid is said to throw her weight around in the kitchen, and a ghostly bride is said to reside here as well. She is rumored to have died in a car crash outside the house on her wedding day. A 1999 book called Jetty Man by Bill Reynolds tells of the hauntings.