John Ketcham (also spelt Catchum or Ketchum) was possibly a real man whose name appears in the book and film versions of The Amityville Horror. Although there may have been a real John Ketcham who lived during the 17th century, the claims made about him in conjunction with the story are likely to be untrue. An extract from Chapter 11 of The Amityville Horror by Jay Anson states: Ketcham was a common name in Suffolk County, New York during the 17th century. A page from the late George Lutz's site at notes: