Southport, North Carolina -
Graves of the Gentleman Giant, Singing Ghost Tony

19 year old Tony Caseletta was an Italian immigrant and musician that relocated to the Southport area in 1882. With him were his wife and children. Tony quickly became well known in the area for his beautiful music. Tony's family stayed at the Brunswick Hotel, now the Brunswick Inn.

In 1882, the ship Tony was riding in on his way to work sunk. He was the only casualty. Apparently, Tony was done with his music career, and today supposedly haunts the inn and the cemetery. The cemetery is typical southern spooky, loads of Spanish moss, dark corners, Freemasons and the like. It is worth a look-see for those who love the weird.

Besides Tony's grave, there is also a headstone that reads "joe's legs" and one that looks like it is giving visitors the bird (it's not, it is supposed to be pointing up) and the grave of Elias G. Gore, a local giant. Yes giant. Burial site of Elias Gerthal Gore, Southport's Gentleman Giant. Known as Nehi, he stood 7-feet 11-inches and weighed 400 lbs. Born, January 1906, Died, March 1944. [Emma Koziarski, 08/23/2008]