The former homestead of Mother Barnes (aka the Witch of Plum Hollow) in (Sheldon's Corners) Athens, Ontario
The former homestead of Mother Barnes (aka the Witch of Plum Hollow) in (Sheldon's Corners) Athens, Ontario, Canada.
People from all walks of life came to Mother Barnes for advice, from farmers and doctors to government officials and police. Before the confederation of Canada, the capital city changed many times. Attorney General, John A. McDonald, asked her where the new capital would be located. She said that Queen Victoria would choose a city known as Bytown on the Ontario river. To the dismay of many, the Queen did choose the small, isolated town of Bytown, now known as Ottawa.
She also told McDonald that he would become prime minister. McDonald later served as the first Canadian prime minister for 19 years.
Mother Barnes died around 1891, although the actual date is disputed. At the time of her death she left behind 7 biological children, 3 orphans that she raised, 47 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Aside from her oldest boys who were lost in childhood, she was predeceased by 3 other children, including her son by her first marriage. Robert Harrison jr would die serving for the Union in the American Civil War.
She is buried in an unmarked grave in Sheldon cemetery in Ontario. In life she claimed to be the 7th daughter of a 7th daughter. Eerily enough her great granddaughter, Gertrude, would give birth to 7 consecutive daughters – actually 8 which is even more astounding.
Was Mother Barnes a witch?
Not likely. Was she psychic?
Who knows, but the tiny woman, wrapped in a shawl, reading people (and tea leaves) made quite an impression. Her story has persevered for centuries and her descendants now number in the thousands.
Mother Barnes, aka the Witch of Plum Hollow, was born Jane Elizabeth Martin some time between 1794-1800 in County Cork, Ireland.
Fully restored, it is now up for sale for $249,000.
The former homestead of Mother Barnes (aka the Witch of Plum Hollow) in (Sheldon's Corners) Athens, Ontario
The former homestead of Mother Barnes (aka the Witch of Plum Hollow) in (Sheldon's Corners) Athens, Ontario, Canada.
People from all walks of life came to Mother Barnes for advice, from farmers and doctors to government officials and police. Before the confederation of Canada, the capital city changed many times. Attorney General, John A. McDonald, asked her where the new capital would be located. She said that Queen Victoria would choose a city known as Bytown on the Ontario river. To the dismay of many, the Queen did choose the small, isolated town of Bytown, now known as Ottawa.
She also told McDonald that he would become prime minister. McDonald later served as the first Canadian prime minister for 19 years.
Mother Barnes died around 1891, although the actual date is disputed. At the time of her death she left behind 7 biological children, 3 orphans that she raised, 47 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Aside from her oldest boys who were lost in childhood, she was predeceased by 3 other children, including her son by her first marriage. Robert Harrison jr would die serving for the Union in the American Civil War.
She is buried in an unmarked grave in Sheldon cemetery in Ontario. In life she claimed to be the 7th daughter of a 7th daughter. Eerily enough her great granddaughter, Gertrude, would give birth to 7 consecutive daughters – actually 8 which is even more astounding.
Was Mother Barnes a witch?
Not likely. Was she psychic?
Who knows, but the tiny woman, wrapped in a shawl, reading people (and tea leaves) made quite an impression. Her story has persevered for centuries and her descendants now number in the thousands.
Mother Barnes, aka the Witch of Plum Hollow, was born Jane Elizabeth Martin some time between 1794-1800 in County Cork, Ireland.
Fully restored, it is now up for sale for $249,000.