January 2nd, 1815, Marks Toronto’s Very First Murder
In 1809, John Radelmuller (a German immigrant) was appointed the first keeper of Toronto Island’s Gibraltar Point Lighthouse. He would ensure the lighthouse lamp stayed lit for the merchant ships and cargo vessels transporting supplies to and from the growing city of York (now Toronto).
German Beer and the Lighthouse Keeper
To earn additional income, Radelmuller made and sold homemade beer in the small wooden cabin in which he lived, beside the lighthouse. Nearby soldiers at Gibraltar Point and Fort York would partake in his wares and enjoy the barkeeper’s quiet but likeable company (and the lack of supervision and convenient location).
Things Turn Ugly
However, on the cold evening of January 2nd 1815, things turned unruly and violent. Angered by Radelmuller’s decision to “cut them off” from further drink, two belligerent soldiers, John Henry and John Blueman (Irish descent) allegedly attacked Radelmuller with a belt and rock, chasing him up the lighthouse steps where further fighting took place before Radelmuller was pushed over the railing.
Further accounts say Radelmuller was stabbed with a bayonet and perhaps even beheaded. Fearing punishment by death, Henry and Blueman allegedly dismembered and hid the body.
The next day, with Radelmuller and the two soldiers now missing, suspicion grew towards Henry and Blueman. They were found and apprehended two months later.
A trial was held, but with lack of evidence and no body to be found, they were acquitted.
Radelmuller’s death has become one of Toronto’s oldest ghost stories; claiming his spirit still haunts the lighthouse…particularly the 13th step of the staircase.
The true details still elude us, however historians agree that Radelmuller did, without doubt, suffer a very violent death.
No Resolution, Despite Remains
This is Toronto’s longest unsolved murder case. Later investigations indicate that Radelmuller’s remains were discovered, examined by a coroner, and laid to rest near the lighthouse shortly after his death.
