According to Barbara Smith's book, "Ontario Ghost Stories", the dying screams of one Jem Horner might still be heard near the docks in Burlington almost 170 years after the fact.
Horner, while unloading a barge, slipped between the boat and the docks. He managed to get himself almost back up on the dock when a wave took the barge and rammed it into the dock and mangling Jem's leg.
Jem screached in agony and this brought out his workmates. They managed to drag the poor man to a nearby abandoned house where he was left while his "mates" (apparently, Jem was none too popular,) continued to unload the barge.
A passer-by heard the man's screams and summoned a doctor. Unfotunately, he was far too late. Jem Horner died in agony in the house and his tormented screams were heard for years after.
The building was eventually torn down but there have been relatively recent reports of a man's screams heard near the spot where Jem died.
Have you heard the screams? Have you anything to add to this story? Please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. We'd like to hear from you!
Horner, while unloading a barge, slipped between the boat and the docks. He managed to get himself almost back up on the dock when a wave took the barge and rammed it into the dock and mangling Jem's leg.
Jem screached in agony and this brought out his workmates. They managed to drag the poor man to a nearby abandoned house where he was left while his "mates" (apparently, Jem was none too popular,) continued to unload the barge.
A passer-by heard the man's screams and summoned a doctor. Unfotunately, he was far too late. Jem Horner died in agony in the house and his tormented screams were heard for years after.
The building was eventually torn down but there have been relatively recent reports of a man's screams heard near the spot where Jem died.
Have you heard the screams? Have you anything to add to this story? Please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. We'd like to hear from you!