Main Heading Goes Here Subheading Goes Here

Terrell Tribune Article October 24, 2002

"Ghostly" interests T. M. Simmons (left) and Billy York enjoy wandering through old cemeteries and investigating old homesites in their pursuit of ghosts. (10-24-02) By Gayla Baker Have a pesky spirit camped out in your guest bedroom? A ghost in your hall closet who’s worn out his welcome? Not sure if it’s a haunt or a dust bunny lurking under the couch? Maybe with Halloween right around the corner, you need the services of paranormals Billy York and T. M. Simmons. They seek out those who have passed this life but haven’t quite made it to the next one yet. York, a self-employed glass engraver and web-designer and Simmons, an author, both live in East Texas. York said he has been interested in all things paranormal most of his life. "I would see unexplainable things show up in photographs, for example, and always thought there were more here than what we could see with the naked eye," he said. Simmons became interested in psychic phenomenon through her aunt, who is psychic. "I went to the Myrtles Plantation in Louisiana with my aunt and realized I am also psychic," she said. "I can see and feel the ghosts." According to York, who authored "Ghost Hunting For The Novice," there is a difference between a ghost and a spirit. "A ghost is someone who has passed yet is still tied to this earthly plane," he explained. "A spirit is one who has passed over and come back." Simmons said when ghosts are visible, they are almost always in period clothing and look like their life image. "Ghosts are merely spirits of the dead living in another dimension or plane," York said. "They don’t try to harm you. They do not turn evil or have super powers. They won’t follow you home and don’t haunt your sleep."		In York’s book he states most psychic researchers believe a ghost to be a memory of someone who has died a tragic death and the spirit is unaware of its passing. "Sometimes when I know I’ve been in the presence of ghosts or spirits, it can make me feel physically ill," he said. Simmons said she has experienced the same symptoms. "For example, being near the ghost of someone who died of stomach cancer can cause a severe stomach ache," she said. Both said it has taken time to develop the ability to sense the presence of spirits. "It takes discipline to tune in and talk to them and hear them talking to you," Simmons said. "Most of the time they are lonely. One time we were in a house which had two ghosts and they didn’t know the other was there." York and Simmons took part in a hunt in the Granbury Opry House where after all the wall lamps were unplugged, the lights flickered on and off several times. According to York, the event was recorded on videotape. York admits to being afraid of the dark, yet is not usually afraid in the presence of ghosts. "The only time I was really afraid was when I was at the Fort Parker State Park in Groesbeck," he said. The park was named for Fort Parker, a nearby historic settlement established in 1833, and the site of the well-known Comanche Indian raid in May 1836, during which Cynthia Ann Parker was captured. "The spirits there just seemed to be extremely angry," he said. Simmons had the same reaction at the Vicksburg Civil War battleground. "I could feel so much pain and anger," she said. "I even saw a young man wearing blue walking along an embankment." The two ghost hunters will join others with the same interest soon at the historic Baker Hotel in Mineral Wells. "There are 14 floors and 450 rooms," York said. "There’s no elevator and no electricity past the first floor. It’s been reported to have at least 40 ghosts in residence." Both recommend anyone wishing to have a ghostly experience contact one of the many groups available through the Internet. "You should never go alone and you should always be prepared," York said. "Remember, there is an etiquette for ghost hunting and you should always be respectful."