The Whistling Doctor is said to still Haunt S.C. Most Ghost Infested Street

The Thomas Rose House in Charleston, South Carolina, is unique, as it is on the National Register of Historic Places. The house is also publicly listed as haunted. Who haunts this place that sits on 59 Church Street? His name is Dr. Joseph Brown Ladd - known today as The Whistling Doctor. Witnesses say that the doctor whistled everywhere he went, which is something that continues today. 

Philadelphia Alley in Charleston, SCPhoto byCharleston Daily

Joseph moved to Charleston from Rhode Island in 1785 to practice medicine. Shortly after arriving, he befriended a man named Ralph Isaacs. Joseph and Ralph had their differences, which became all the more apparent as time passed. The doctor quickly found himself in Charleston’s high society, which left Ralph behind. This high society rejected Ralph, leaving him with jealousy and anger.

The men exchanged insults that grew to the point where the letters that went to one another began to be published in the local newspaper. Ralph had little to lose and wanted Dr. Ladd’s attention. Ralph got it. The last letter that the doctor wrote to Isaacs said, “I regret ever making the acquaintance of Mr. Isaacs, and as I now move at a sphere of influence far superior to that of Mr. Isaacs, I want nothing to do with him or anyone who does have something to do with him.” The bottom of the letter stated, “I leave you with your insignificance.”

Isaacs retorted that the doctor was a fake who owed him money. He continued, calling his former friend both a deadbeat and a scoundrel. As their dirty laundry continued to air into the streets, Isaacs took it a step further—a satisfying conclusion for himself. Isaacs challenged Joseph to a duel.

The city of Charleston had just the location for the duel: Philadelphia Alley - Also known as Duelers Alley. It was where every major problem had one resolution. The doctor considered this barbaric, refusing to take part in it. However, a prominent friend of Joseph’s took him aside, explaining that duels are serious business in Charleston. And that if he declined, he would be branded a coward. In other words, Joseph needed to leave behind his new South Carolina life if he did not accept the duel. The doctor reluctantly agreed, but as they arranged details for the duel, he found a way to where nobody has to get hurt. Supposedly, Isaacs agreed. Nobody needed to get hurt.

Just a year after Isaacs and Joseph first met, they met at their scheduled spot. They took their twenty steps away from one another, with Joseph having every intention of missing his shot. Assuming Isaacs would hold his end of the deal, Joseph purposefully missed his shot when he turned around. Isaacs, however, did not. His shot landed in Joseph’s knee.

It was a ten-minute walk from the alley back to Joseph’s house. His support group helped carry him back home, where he could heal. Unfortunately, Joseph passed away in his house from gangrene ten days later in 1786. Whether Isaac’s words rang true about Joseph’s questionable profession or the infection was spreading too quickly. We may never know. 

Whistling can be heard at Dr. Joseph Ladd’s house today. Ironically, whistling can also be heard through Duelers Alley, leaving many to wonder if Joseph was just that confident in his ability to get out of trouble on that fateful day. 

Disclaimer: The Lantern does not profit from tourism or any businesses mentioned in our articles.

Written By: Izzy

Photo By: Charleston Daily

Source: https://www.charlestonpiratetour.com/post/ghost-of-the-whistling-doctor-in-philadelphia-alley 

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