New Book Unveils Dark Paranormal Secrets of North Central Ohio

A Journey from Skeptic to Paranormal Explorer

Mark Sebastian Jordan’s journey from a skeptic to a dedicated paranormal researcher began with a simple, everyday moment that changed his perspective forever. Initially, he approached the idea of ghosts with scientific skepticism, believing there was no provable basis for such phenomena. As a young person, he even considered careers in paleontology or volcanology, envisioning a future rooted in science and discovery. However, over the course of four decades, Jordan's experiences led him to explore the mysterious and often unexplained events that have shaped the history of North Central Ohio.

His new book, In These Haunted Hills: Ghosts of the Ohio Highlands, is a culmination of this lifelong exploration. The book will be officially launched during the Ohio Heritage Days at Malabar Farm State Park near Lucas on September 27-28, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This event offers a unique opportunity for locals and visitors alike to learn more about the region’s rich and eerie history.

A Moment That Changed Everything

The turning point in Jordan’s life came one afternoon after college when he returned home for lunch. Exhausted from working on a play production, he sat down and turned on the television. He could hear his mother moving around in the kitchen, and then he heard the sound of a baby walking past the couch. As he reached out to acknowledge the child, he felt a strange sensation on his chin.

That’s when he realized something was wrong. His mother wasn’t in the kitchen, and the baby had already been taken for a nap. The experience left him shaken and forced him to reconsider everything he thought he knew. “That was the first point when I was confronted with the realization, ‘Oh, maybe there are things going on that I can't easily explain or dismiss,’” Jordan recalled. From that moment on, he became more open to the possibility of the paranormal.

Tuning Into the Unseen

Jordan describes the process of recognizing paranormal activity as similar to tuning into a radio signal. “You have to open yourself up to tune into it,” he said. “It’s very possible to tune it out.” Over the years, he has traveled extensively across the state, investigating various locations known for their haunting histories.

His work has given him access to some of the most intriguing stories from the region, including those tied to historical events and local folklore. Jordan has spent years researching these accounts, gathering eyewitness testimonies, and documenting his own experiences.

A New Book for Heritage Days

This summer, Jordan faced an unexpected setback when his publisher informed him that the release of his eighth book would be delayed until 2026. Determined to have something new for the Heritage Days event, he took matters into his own hands. Within two weeks, he managed to write and publish a new book, which is now his ninth completed work, though only his eighth published.

The book, In These Haunted Hills: Ghosts of the Ohio Highlands, includes thirteen chapters covering local hauntings, personal experiences, folklore, and historical research. It features stories from Richland, Ashland, Holmes, Coshocton, Knox, and Crawford counties, ranging from well-known locations to lesser-known spots.

Exploring the Most Haunted Places

One chapter focuses on Brownella Cottage in Galion, a house known for its paranormal activity and museum status. Another delves into the Ohio State Reformatory, made famous by Stephen King’s The Shawshank Redemption. The book also includes a section on the Renaissance Theatre in Mansfield.

Jordan also dedicated three chapters to Malabar Farm, exploring different aspects of the estate, including the Big House, the hostel, and other notable areas. Some of the stories, like the tale of Sarah’s grave near Greer, may be unfamiliar to many readers. According to Jordan, the legend of Sarah originated from a real person, and he uncovered the truth behind the spooky tradition that once captivated high school students.

A Storyteller, Not a Believer

While Jordan shares these stories with enthusiasm, he emphasizes that he does not claim to have all the answers. “When I tell these stories, I do not claim to have all the answers,” he said. “Anyone who tells you they do have the answers is trying to sell you something.”

For Jordan, the goal is not to provide definitive explanations but to spark curiosity and encourage people to explore the mysteries of the past. His work continues to shed light on the haunted hills of North Central Ohio, offering a glimpse into a world where the line between history and the supernatural is often blurred.