We've had a few people write in to us about a tree in the Fort Erie area that has a reputation of being a 'gallows' and having an apparition of a hanging man in it as well as hearing the gasps and screams from him. This tree, we were told via three e-mails, was used for quick execution of law breakers but, to be honest, historically, it didn't seem feasable.
Then, while preparing for a trip to the area, I discovered an entry in John Robert Colombo's Mysteries of Ontario a report about a haunted oak tree near Thompson Road near the "Old John Born Farm". Colombo reports the strange sounds but not the apparition near this great tree. According to his version of the local legend, the tree was indeed the site of a hanging but, it was the suicide of a farmer named John Windicker. According to the legend told in book, Windicker's farm was all but destroyed completely during the War of 1812 and in despair, he hung himself in the tree. Since then, the noises are that of Windicker lamenting his loss.
We are very interested in this report and the exact location of this tree (if it still stands). If you can assist us, please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and please let us know in your message that this is about the Oak Tree in Fort Erie.
Then, while preparing for a trip to the area, I discovered an entry in John Robert Colombo's Mysteries of Ontario a report about a haunted oak tree near Thompson Road near the "Old John Born Farm". Colombo reports the strange sounds but not the apparition near this great tree. According to his version of the local legend, the tree was indeed the site of a hanging but, it was the suicide of a farmer named John Windicker. According to the legend told in book, Windicker's farm was all but destroyed completely during the War of 1812 and in despair, he hung himself in the tree. Since then, the noises are that of Windicker lamenting his loss.
We are very interested in this report and the exact location of this tree (if it still stands). If you can assist us, please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and please let us know in your message that this is about the Oak Tree in Fort Erie.