Truth Or Tale: Encounters With The Jersey Devil

PINELANDS, NJ — Is the Jersey Devil real? The people who believe they've heard his screams in towns near the Pinelands would tell you so. And the state Pinelands Commission website? Well, it doesn't completely deny the possibility.

According to the urban legend, the Jersey Devil has roamed the Pinelands for centuries. Some call him the protector of the Pinelands. Several have told stories of encounters with the Jersey Devil on dark nights in the wilderness of the Pines, according to the Pinelands Commission.

There exist many depictions of the creature, which generally include horns, a forked tail and a mostly animal body. People have created so many depictions because his ugliness scares people, and they quickly run away, according to the Pinelands Commission.

Birth of the Legend

According to popular folklore, the Jersey Devil originated with Pine Barrens resident Jane Leeds, known as Mother Leeds. After discovering her pregnancy with a 13th child, Mother Leeds cursed the child in frustration and claims he would be the devil, according to the legend.

Mother Leeds gave birth to the boy — born a normal child — in 1735. But he transformed, developing hooves, a goat's head, bat wings and a forked tail. Growling and screaming, the child beat everyone with its tail and flew up the chimney before heading into the Pines. In some versions of the story, Mother Leeds was a witch, and the father was the devil himself.

Alleged Encounters

Several reported facing the Jersey Devil around the 19th century. According to legend, while visiting the Hanover Mill Works to inspect cannonballs getting forged, Commodore Stephen Decatur saw a flying creature. He fired a cannonball directly upon it, to no effect, according to James F McCloy and Ray Miller Jr., who wrote a book called "The Jersey Devil."

Joseph Bonaparte, Napoleon's older brother, claimed he saw the Jersey Devil while hunting on his Bordentown estate in 1820. The creature received blame for several livestock killings in 1840. Similar attacks were reported in 1841, accompanied by tracks and screams, according to the legend.

20th Century Hauntings

From Jan. 16-23, 1909, newspapers published hundreds of claimed encounters with the Jersey Devil throughout the state. The alleged encounters included an "attack" in a trolley car in Haddon Heights and a social club in Camden.

Sightings came from throughout South Jersey and ranged as far as Delaware and Western Maryland.

The widespread coverage created fear throughout the Delaware Valley, prompting several schools to close and workers to stay home, according to Robert E. Bartholomew's book, "A Colorful History of Popular Delusions." Vigilante groups and hunters roamed the Pines and countrysides to find the devil.

Public domain photo link.

What are your favorite urban legends from around New Jersey? Have any frightening encounters to share? Comment below.