A Haunting in Smiths Falls

About this episode

This episode explores the haunting history of Joshua Bates and his home in Smiths Falls, Ontario.

Episode description: Joshua Bates was a wealthy merchant who arrived in Smiths Falls, Ontario with big dreams in 1861. He had built mills along the Rideau Canal, courted the railway, and then constructed a beautiful home where he could greet the world from any direction. Sadly, he only lived in it for six months and when he died, his rival moved in. Then, Joshua Bates was erased from his own story so completely that the poem the Forgotten Man. was written about him. The outside world may have moved on but the house never did. In this episode of Haunted Canada, host Nadine Bailey sits down with Leisa Bell, curator of the Smiths Falls Heritage House Museum, to explore one of Ontario's most quietly unsettling historic homes.Whether you're a history lover, a paranormal enthusiast, or just someone who likes a good ghost story told honestly — this one is for you Guest info: Leisa Bell, Curator Smiths Falls Heritage House Have ghost stories of your own? E-mail them to me at hauntedcanadapodcast@gmail.com If you enjoy the show, please consider supporting: Donate:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ buymeacoffee.com/hauntedcanadapodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Donate: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click Donate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to Haunted…

People in this episode

Host: Nadine Bailey

Guest: Leisa Bell

Topics covered

• history
• ghost stories
• paranormal
• Ontario
• heritage
• unexplained

Keywords

• Joshua Bates
• Smiths Falls
• haunting
• heritage house
• ghost stories
• Leisa Bell
• paranormal

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: the Forgotten Man

Places: Smiths Falls, Ontario

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• The Sir John Johnson Manor House · May 18, 2026 · 39 min
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