The lesser known Hamilton, and his lesser known haunted house in Niagara-on-the-Lake (Queenston Heights). Called Willowbank Mansion.
Why the house was beyond his means. And the ghost of his wife Hannah… still in her beloved mansion.
by Ghost Guide Daniel
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Alexander’s Stress | Beyond Means | Haunted Piano
Willowbank Mansion History
Willowbank Mansion was built by Alexander Hamilton. Not the one you’re thinking.
This was the son of Niagara’s first merchant, Robert Hamilton …
- His mother was Catharine – the namesake of the City of St. Catharines.
- His brother was George (not the actor) – founder and namesake for the City of Hamilton.
And he was a Postmaster and Judge in the town of Queenston Heights.
Sounds Better than it Was
Being the son of Niagara’s first merchant, Robert Hamilton, put pressure on him. Didn’t help being under the shadow of his mother and brother too.
Unlike his father, Alexander was terrible at business.
It made him dependent on jobs in a small town. Like being Postmaster and the local court judge. Also, an assessor and a collector of Customs.
Didn’t end there! Finally, the job he despised most … Sheriff of Queenston Heights.
Being Sheriff is blamed for Alexander’s death. Starting from the day he was forced to cause the hanging of James Morreau, one of the top rebels who served alongside William Lyon Mackenzie.
Beyond their Means
Willowbank was built to impress in 1834. But this was trickery. As Alexander was living well beyond his means.
Partly pushed by his wife, Hannah Hamilton. She wanted to seem rich all her family and friends.
She was obsessed with it. So much so … they say she remains till today.
Haunted Piano or House
A piano still sits in the first-floor parlour.
Students at the Restoration School (current occupants of Willowbank) will hear light piano music from their nearby classrooms.
Some stay put and wait for it to stop. But the curious excitedly rushed into the parlour. Trying to catch Hannah. All failing, as the parlour becomes silent and empty.
But a few students saw something. From a distance seeing a woman hunched over the piano keys. One thought she knew he was watching. When she stopped, got up and walked across the room.
Into the hallway, where Hannah vanished.