Watch the skies and listen…
Halloween is my favorite time of year! And the reason is not only the numerous showings of the Rocky Horror Picture Show. The primary reason these days is the Jersey Devil, who makes (made) his home in the NJ Pine Barrens!
Never heard of him? Well he’s also known as the Leeds Devil, and is rumored to be the 13th child born to old Mother Leeds.
The story goes like this…
Mother Leeds had 12 children and after giving life to the dozen, she said if she had another it would be the Devil.
In 1735, her friends gathered round as a storm rolled in and Mother Leeds went into labor for the 13th time. The child was born normal, but then changed form.
It changed from a normal baby to a creature with hooves, a horses head, bat wings and a forked tail. It growled and screamed, some say it killed the midwife, before flying up the chimney. The Devil then circled the village and headed toward into the pines.
Those who’ve seen the Jersey Devil almost all say the devil has a long neck, wings and hooves. The creature is often said to have the head of a horse and a tail. Its reported height varies from about three feet to more than seven feet. Most say the creature has glowing red eyes, and that it utters a high-pitched, humanlike scream.
In 1740, a minister exorcized the devil for 100 years. There were no more reports of the Jersey Devil until 1890.
But it was in January, 1909 that pandemonium broke out in and around
the New Jersey Pinelands. Thousands of people claimed to witness the Jersey Devil during the week of January 16 – 23, 1909. Eyewitness accounts were published in newspapers nationwide. And the reports continue to this day!
So if you’re traveling the back roads of southern Ocean or northern Atlantic counties, do not be surprised if you see a shadowy figure flying above your car, or hear a bone chilling scream…it’s just the Jersey Devil.
Keller Williams Atlantic Shore Laura Giannotta Homes for sale in Waretown, Barnegat, Manahawkin, Eagleswood, Little Egg Harbor, Tuckerton and northern Atlantic County!
Laura Giannotta
Keller Williams Realty - Atlantic Shore
REALTOR-Associate®
e-PRO®, ABR®
609-384-6121
Laura@JerseyShoreViews.com
Representing New Jersey home buyers and sellers in southern Ocean County; Homes in Waretown, Homes in Barnegat, Homes in Manahawkin, Homes in Eagleswood, Homes in Tuckerton, Homes in Little Egg Harbor and Homes on Long Beach Island. You can also contact me about homes in northern Atlantic County; Homes in Galloway, Homes in Absecon, Homes in Mullica, Homes in Egg Harbor, Homes in Mizpah and Homes in Mays Landing.
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Laura, that's a great story. :)
I like Halloween too ... and look forward to all the little 'monsters' who knock on the door looking for a trick or a treat. Hopefully the weather will cooperate, so we can have big crowds. :)
Laura, you mean the Jersey Devil doesnt live in Staford Twp? Never knew the history of it...thanks...
Hi Laura G!
Beware of the Devil in the Pines!!! My sons scout troop was camping in Bass River State Forrest last year, one of our Scout masters told his version of the story around the camp fire, the scary one of course, red glowing eyes and all... Scared the crap out of one of the younger boys... and then left for the night, Shook my hand good bye and laughed as I was left to deal with a panicing kid!
So we went to bed, and the older kids were shining a red light on his tent to add to the fun! Good Times!
Thanks for the little history lesson in local folklore. They quite often are the best.
Laura,
All that was missing was the full moon, the howling wind, and the campfire. Great story. :)
Steve
I'm thinking that the Jersey Devil was my last client!
Great story Laura.
I'm wondering if that's how that horrible hockey team chose it's name! (caveat: die hard Rangers fan here!)
Laura - I was a boy scout here in South Jersey. Camping throughout the area we heard many tales of the Jersey Devil and spent some sleepless nights. Thanks for sharing the story with the AR community.
Hi Laura - I never knew this story! I guess this is how that AWESOME hockey team got their name :)
Hello Laura, I personally know the Leeds family descendent's. Poor child (aka Jersey Devil)