Knockemstiff, Ohio

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Knockemstiff, also known as Glenn Shade or Shady Glenn, is a ghost town located in Huntington Township, Ross County, Ohio, to the west of Chillicothe. It sits at an elevation of 692 ft. (211 m). The Geographic Names Information System gives Knockemstiff's coordinates as 39°16′04″ N, 83°07′09″ W, placing the original hamlet at the intersection of Black Run Rd (County Road 156) and Shady Glen Rd. A number of more recent rural residences now occupy the same area.

A number of stories exist to explain the town's odd name. One claims that a tremendous brawl broke out when the town was in its infancy. Less believable but more humorous is the tale of a woman confronted her preacher during a Sunday morning worship service, informing the clergyman that her husband was cheating on her. She wanted the preacher's advice, and his response was straightforward: "Knock 'em stiff." Perhaps the most reasonable explanation is that the town takes its name from one of the many slang terms used for moonshine.

A flashing light phenomenon, during which periodic flashes of light appear in the sky night after night, has been recently reported in the area.