Loyd Hall Plantation
William Loyd was originally a member of the Lloyd’s of London insurance dynasty in England. He embarrassed the family so much that he was forced to move to America. They gave him a small amount of money to start a new life, but he was never again to return to England, nor was he allowed to use the 2nd l in his last name. This was the final installment to complete separation from the family. In 1820, William purchased a piece of land in Cheneyville, Louisiana and built Loyd Plantation on it. He stocked the plantation with 60 slaves and established tobacco, cotton, indigo, and sugarcane. He began to get involved in the affairs of the local Indians, resulting in Coctaw attacks on his manor house.
During the Civil War, Loyd spied for both the Confederate and Union armies. He played both sides of the war, but most probably to protect his manor house. In 1864, the Union army caught on and found Loyd guilty of counterespionage, placing him under house arrest. After a few days of isolation, he was dragged from his house and hung on an oak tree where he could still view his family and slaves. William’s brother James took over the plantation following his death until 1871. After selling the plantation, he was followed by 21 owners of the next 71 years. None of these owners turned a profit for some strange reason.
The ghost of William Loyd is quite active, opening the front door to the mansion, making footsteps, playing the piano, and opening and closing the cabinets in the kitchen. William has been known to breathe on guests necks or touch their shoulders as they eat a meal in one of the rooms. Inez Loyd, William’s niece, also haunts Loyd Hall. Inez was set to be married at the plantation, with a grand party set up. As she walked down the aisle with everyone watching her, she noticed that the groom had not arrived, nor was he going to. She began to cry and scream, running upstairs to her room. She then jumped out of the window and killed herself.
The ghost of Anne Loyd calls out the names of the staff at times. Her apparition has also been seen on the first floor near the kitchen. Anne’s appearance is of a tall and slender woman in a black dress. Nanny Sally Boston also haunts the plantation, seen in black and white dresses with a long apron. She is a kind ghost even though her death was due to an intentional poisoning. Candles placed in the back parlor have been knocked on the floor by Sally because she does not like when this is done. Also in the back parlor is the ghost of Harry Henry, who was a Union soldier. All that is seen of Harry is his polished black boots. In other areas of the house however, his full apparition is seen.
During the Civil War, the Union army would take over the house and entire plantation. Despite the execution of William, a woman in the Loyd family fell in love with this Union Soldier, Harry Henry. When it was time for the army to leave, he could not leave his love, so he stayed hidden in the attic. When his food and water ran out, he went downstairs at dark. However, he ran into Grandma Loyd, who had no idea of this arrangement. Startled, she pulled out a pistol and shot and killed Harry. He was buried in a grave under the house, and his desire to stay at the house has stayed with him, even through death.
Currently, Loyd Plantation is a bed-and-breakfast inn. It is also a place for special events to be held, such as weddings. Tours of the grounds are administered hourly, but the best experience at the plantation is by staying overnight at the guest cottages. Some of those who stay overnight report hearing the sounds of screams. On the occasion, lights are also turned on for those who have fallen asleep.
(Source: Dwyer, Jeff. Ghost Hunter’s Guide to New Orleans. 2007.)
