Castle Kilbride in Baden, Ontario near Kitchener and Stratford. It stands as a testament to the Livingston family’s prominence. Yet its grand halls are partly defined by a “curse” spanning generations.
When James Livingston and Louise wed in 1861, they could not have foreseen the relentless shadow that the disease tuberculosis cast over their daughters. A lineage of loss starting with Louise’s own mother.
Starting with a fateful trip to the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair and ending with Louise’s own collapse on the staircase in Kilbride. This article is a chilling blend of hardship and eerie coincidence. And a mysterious Woman in Black that connects us today.
by Ghost Guide Daniel
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LOSS | CURSE | HER DEATH | GHOST
*Step inside this Victorian masterpiece with our only indoor Castle Kilbride Ghost Walks with limited dates*
King & Queen of Castle Kilbride in Baden
The story of Castle Kilbride is linked to the union of James Livingston and Louise (nee Liersch), who married in 1861.
Together, they raised a large family of 12 children, eight daughters and four sons.
And out of all the challenges they faced in that house, nothing stands over the tragic “curse” of tuberculosis that followed Louise and her daughters.
Lineage of Loss for Louise
Louise Livingston was the daughter of German immigrants who moved to the Town of Baden around the 1840s.
Her father, Carl, served as a Superintendent of the Common School. This was a system pioneered by Egerton Ryerson. Creating the foundation for modern classrooms today.
Louise was one of ten kids born to her mother, Agnes. Showing a family lineage of large families.
But tragedy struck (for the first time) when Louise’s mother died of tuberculosis in 1863 at only 52-years-old.
Following her death, father Carl remarried a younger woman named Ann. Shockingly, fathered two more children when he was nearly 60 years old. Giving a grand total of 12 … just like Louise later in life.
The “Curse” Returns
Tuberculosis proved to be a recurring nightmare for Louise.
It claimed her mother but then returned for her daughters. The cycle began again with Rebecca Livingston in 1895.
World’s Fair & HH Holmes Connection
Rebecca had recently visited the Chicago World’s Fair, happening in 1893. Which happens to be where the notorious H.H. Holmes was hunting victims.
Holmes was history’s second-ever serial killer. The first being Jack the Ripper in London, England.
Known for his “murder castle”. A supposed house with secret halls and rooms for disposing of the murdered victims. However, much of this was considered sensationalized.
No proof Rebecca ever came in the notice of the infamous killer. As she left the Fair unharmed.
But she brought something home with her … the dreaded tuberculosis! Rebecca passed away in 1895 at only 28 years old.
Four years later, in 1899, her sisters Agnes and Barbara followed.
Strange connections…
- Despite Agnes living in Baden and Barbara living in Michigan. They died only three months apart.
- Both like Rebecca were around 30 years old (Agnes was 30 & Barbara 28)
- And an odd one only I’d notice … they were married to men with similar last names … Becker and Bricker. Crazy!
Caroline was One Too Many
The last of the four daughters to die was Caroline. This is about 6 years after Barbara.
Some records suggest she died in Michigan. This isn’t true. Caroline returned home to Castle Kilbride to be with her family.
To be with her mother. Who planned to spend Caroline’s final months caring for her. Sadly, Louise didn’t make it.
On one day, Caroline called out for help from a second-floor bedroom.
Louise, who was downstairs, ran down the hall and up the grand staircase to reach her daughter. Upon reaching the top step, she collapsed.
Found soon after, Louise was carried to the master bedroom. Dying in there just one hour later.
Her death announcement at the time noted…
“A gloom of sorrow had been cast by the sudden death of the wife of James Livingston. Her daughter, who was ill, was reported to be much worse than Mrs. Livingston. [She died] hastened to the room.
“On reaching the top of the stairs she became faint and fell and an hour later expired. She was a robust, active lady and her sudden death comes as a terrible shock.”
Caroline passed away about a year later.
And the family took some comfort in the belief that Louise’s suffering had ended. And she was reunited with her girls.
Who is the Woman in Black
During a tour led by former Ghost Guide Jessica. On the second floor, allowing the group to wander.
From the hallway, she noticed a man standing in front of the middle bedroom. He was stone still and staring inside with a look of concern.
Walking over, she asked if he was okay. The man said, “I walked by this room and noticed movement. Looked over and I saw her.”
It was quick but unmistakable. A woman was standing in the middle of that bedroom dressed in black. Dress, hat and something covering over her face.
Jessica was shocked. Started asking questions before realizing the man was slowly backing away from her. He didn’t want to talk about it.
Then the tour continued. Eventually ending up in the attic.
Curious, Jessica approached the man again, asking, “… did you see anything else?”
But before the man could answer, a woman cut in, “… you saw something too?”
Woman Followed the Group
She explained. The same tour but on the first floor. During some free time, this woman walked out of the games room, which is opposite the Parlour.
She then noticed a woman dressed all in black walk into the Parlour. Thinking it was Ghost Guide Jessica in her black cape, she followed. Wanting to ask a question.
And when in the Parlour … she was alone! The woman in black had vanished.
Now, I have a strong opinion on who the spirit was. And after reading this article, I’m sure you can easily guess … Louise Livingston.
Makes sense. Dressed completely in black, a common sight of mourning during the Victorian-time.
And most likely a common outfit for her during that cursed decade.
*Step inside this Victorian masterpiece with our only indoor Castle Kilbride Ghost Walks with limited dates*