Nestled in a remote corner of Ontario, in the long grass of the West Bentinck Cemetery, lies a mystery. It is a place that feels like the “middle of nowhere”. But for those familiar with the history, the names Lamlash and Rutherford feel like a forgotten piece of Scotland transport into Canada.
For years, one grave has stood apart from the rest. Literally, perched lonely on a hill.
It belongs to Isabella Rutherford, but to the locals, she is known by a legendary name … Mary Rutherford, the Witch of West Grey.
by Ghost Guide Daniel
Legend of a Bride’s Sorrow
The folklore surrounding “Mary” Rutherford (Isabella’s middle name) is the stuff of horror.
According to legend, Mary was an “old maid”. Finally set to be married. And left standing at the altar.
Heartbroken, she took her own life while still wearing her wedding dress.
In a rigid religious society of old, suicide was considered a terrible sin. She was denied burial on sacred ground, forced into a lonely grave on the hillside away from her family.
Other parts of the legend say Mary was a witch.
Leading to after her death and the need to severe her head from the body. Buried it in a separate plot to prevent her from rising again.
And now, many believe that at midnight, the ghost of Mary Rutherford wanders the cemetery grounds, searching for victims.
Real Costs of Ghostly Legends
Sadly, these legends have real-world consequences.
The cemetery has been a magnet for trespassers. Calling themselves “ghost hunters”, but not really. Just practitioners of weird rituals or spooky, alcohol-filled nights.
Vandalism plagued the site. Reaching the worst point in 2010. When Mary’s grave was dug up. For fun. Causing her headstone to collapse into the earth.
Odd though, they made efforts to restore the cemetery. Most stones moved to concrete supports. To preserve the fragile limestone markers.
Except Mary’s. Perhaps the bad reputation leading to unwanted attention made her plot “cursed”.
My Connection to Mary Rutherford
For a long time, I was a believer in the legend. Maybe because historical records were difficult to find. The storytellers took hold and I spent years fascinated with this story.
Included assisting with a post done on the old Haunted Hamilton site. We can’t claim to be the first ones to talk about the legend. But most likely the first Internet entry helping spread, what turned out to be, a false legend.
Gratefully, history has a way of revealing itself over time. The right person hears the lies and needs to expose the truth.
Many thanks to the research of Linda Seccaspina in 2021 on her blog. With this she told the real story of Mary Rutherford.
Real History of Isabella “Mary” Rutherford
The truth is far more poignant than any ghost story. Isabella Rutherford was not a lonely “old maid.” She was a wife and a mother.
In 1826, she married Robert Laidlaw in Scotland. Around 1855, their son Walter, now recognized as one of the first founders to the region, moved to Canada. To establish their home before bringing his parents over to join him.
Isabella (Mary) was the first of the family to die in Canada. In 1872. Her death prompted the creation of the West Bentinck Presbyterian Cemetery.
She wasn’t buried on the hill out of shame! She was buried there because it was the first plot chosen for the new family pioneer graveyard.
And when her husband Robert died two years later, they buried him right beside her. A grave marker most likely lost to history.
They started burying the bodies in a more open area of the field. For two possible reasons…
- The original plot didn’t work for more graves.
- They isolated Robert and Isabella out of respect.
Setting the Witch to Rest
History disproves the legend. Destroying the “suicide” and “witch” narratives.
Isabella “Mary” Rutherford was a pioneer who helped build a community, surrounded by a large family who loved her.
And I consider this my own “swansong”. Having played a part in the legend, I want to be a part of clearing up confusion. Honoring the real Isabella. It’s time to let Mary Rutherford rest in peace.