Ghost Of Buckland Lock Defiance Democrat 17 July 1902 Probate Judge James Donovan

Buckland locks  Henry County Ohio

    Nestled in a clump of trees almost on the boundary line between Lucas and Henry Counties (Ohio), is a famous landmark of the Miami & Erie Canal. Called Buckland lock, and about this spot there is a strange tale of mystery, which has gathered a series of the strangest happening ever recorded in the history of the canal, which is told like this.

    Boatman passing the spot after dark one night, were startled by weird groans near the tow path, as though someone was in great agony. Instead of growing fainter as they advance, the groans increase, seeming almost at the water's edge. As the locks were approached. Suddenly  from the water a ghostly appeared. Its outline growing plain, as the boat pauses near the locks, showing it to be that of an elderly man. His beard of an unusual length and eerie whiteness. The clothes are of the pattern of the ordinary working man. The man delays an instant at the sluice gate. Then throw it open for the boat to pass. So natural has been the whole operation. The crew of the boat did not known that there was no lock tender at Buckland's lock. They would have supposed that the old man was the lock keeper. He has often hailed, but there has never been an answer from him. His duty done, he walks away, vanishing in the darkness. But as the boat continues its course to pass through the locks. The crew see to their shock that the gates are closed. Although they could have sworn, that the old man had thrown the gates open, the moment before. At the next lock the ghostly figure is a again seen. This time he makes a friendly motion to the crew with his hands. Here as before the same experience is taking place. It is not until the locks is left behind that the ghost disappears for good.