Haunted Portsmouth: Ten True Stories from a Haunted River Town

Mark H. Roe is a retired Corrections Supervisor turned writer, researcher, and regional folklore historian who uncovers the strange, the forgotten, and the unsettling across Southern Ohio. Based in Chillicothe, he explores river towns, vanished neighborhoods, and historic districts with a storyteller’s eye for atmosphere and a deep respect for the communities that shaped them. Known for blending verified history with lived folklore, Mark’s work preserves the stories that slip between official records and whispers passed down through families, tales rooted in place, and memories tied to the land itself. His Haunted Southern Ohio series continues this mission, guiding readers through the region’s shadows with clarity, curiosity, and a steady hand. He isn’t writing. Mark can often be found walking old streets, studying forgotten maps, or listening to the quiet places where history still breathes. He believes every town has a heartbeat, and some never stop echoing.