6 Fast Facts About The Jersey Devil
JERSEY DEVIL by Tom Watters. Instagram: @tomwattersartThe Jersey Devil is the Pine Barrens’ most famous resident. For centuries, people reported encountering a mysterious creature in and around the Pinelands of New Jersey. Six fast facts about the Jersey Devil attempt to explain his origin story and sightings.
FACT ONE – The Jersey Devil Origin Story
The original story goes that in 1735, a witch known as Mother Leeds was about to give birth to her 13th child. During labor, she cursed it by shouting “Let it be the devil.” The baby boy was born beautiful, but soon began to deform before her eyes. He grew cloven hoofs, a goat head and bat wings, and flew out the chimney into the Pine Barrens.
FACT TWO – A Founding Father May Be Behind The Legend
Historians believe Ben Franklin is the author of the legend of the Leeds’ devil. It’s believed that legend is supposedly propaganda to tarnish the reputation of rival almanac publisher Titan Leeds.
FACT THREE – The Legend Ties To A Real Family
Titan Leeds’ father was Daniel Leeds, who came to New Jersey from England in 1677. Daniel began to publish an almanac with astrology -considered Satanic by local Quakers, which didn’t earn him many supporters in the region. In 1716, Daniel passed the almanac publishing company to his son, Titan. It’s believed that Titan’s sister-in-law Deborah Leeds is the “Mother Leeds” in the legend. She bore 12 children between 1704-1726.
FACT FOUR – Historical Figures Claim To Have Seen The Jersey Devil
In 1812, Joseph Bonaparte, Napoleon’s older brother who exiled to America, claimed he saw the Jersey Devil while hunting near his Bordentown estate. Bonaparte said he first saw tracks in the snow that looked like they came from a two-footed donkey. At that moment, Bonaparte came face to face with a hissing winged creature with a horse head. He said the creature stared at him for a moment. Then, he flew away.
FACT FIVE – Jersey Devil Sightings Grew In The 20th Century
1909 had the most reported sightings of the Jersey Devil – nearly 1,000 reports came in from eyewitnesses throughout South Jersey.
FACT SIX – Where To Find The Jersey Devil
Most people looking to find the Jersey Devil start at Leeds Point, off Moss Mill Road in Galloway Township.
References:
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