This is an actual hands on photo of Mother Barnes- The Witch of Plum Hollow
Mrs. Barnes the so called “witch” of Plum Hollow used to tell people things about their future which was remarkable to them. She had also had a reputation as a fortune teller finding many lost things for the folks in the surrounding area.
In this story from the 1870s the joke was rather on Mrs. Barnes, and yet perhaps not, as it was all focussed on her, but she was certainly right in her forecast. When Mrs. Barnes left Plum Hollow and visited Smiths Falls she always went to the home of Mrs. John Fields, wife of the chief local blacksmith.
One night upon visiting the Fields everyone was invited to spend the evening with Mrs. Barnes who proceeded to tell them all mostly pleasant things that would be happening to them in the near future. Towards the end of the evening she pulled a card and gasped. There would be a death in Smiths Falls that evening. It was said that everyone went to bed that night in a sad mood while the neighbours spread the news.
Everyone woke up at the Field’s home the next morning in a good state of mind as there had not been a death in the household. Mrs. Barnes was set to leave for home soon after breakfast so Mr. Fields went to the stable to feed her horse. The horse was found dead in his stall from no apparent cause. Had the Witch of Plum Hollow been right or wrong about her prediction? It seems the good people from Smiths Falls argued the point for years to come.
We Know About the Witch of Plum Hollow — But Have you Heard About Mother Lajeunesse?
Mother Barnes– The Colonel’s Daughter in Plum Hollow
An Interview with the Witch of Plum Hollow–Mother Barnes— The Ottawa Free Press 1891
The Witch of Plum Hollow and the Blacksmith
My Grandmother was Mother Barnes-The Witch of Plum Hollow
A Bewitched Bed in Odessa
The Witch of Plum Hollow – Carleton Place Grandmother
Plum Hollow Witch and The Mountain Man of Pakenham
Different Seasons of Witches in Lanark County
Local Miracle Story– Woken From a Ten Week Coma
Local Miracle Story– Woken From a Ten Week Coma
The White Witch of Lanark County–Having the Sight
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