The Birth of the Jersey Devil

According to legend, the Jersey Devil was born in 1735 when Mrs. Leeds of Leeds Point, New Jersey, cursed her thirteenth pregnancy. The child transformed into a demon, killed the midwife, and flew up the chimney to haunt the Pine Barrens forever.

The Legend

Mother Leeds was exhausted by her large family. When she discovered her thirteenth pregnancy, she cried out that the Devil could take this one. The baby was born normal but immediately transformed: growing wings, claws, and a forked tail. It killed everyone present and escaped.

The History

The story may originate in political satire against Daniel Leeds, a colonial publisher whose family crest featured a dragon-like creature. The legend grew over centuries, blending family drama with supernatural horror.

The Creature

The Jersey Devil is described as having bat-like wings, cloven hooves, a forked tail, and a head like a horse or dog. It stands about three feet tall. Its scream is piercing and terrifying.

The Persistence

Whatever the origin, the Jersey Devil has been reported ever since. The Pine Barrens, a vast wilderness in southern New Jersey, provide perfect habitat for such a creature. Sightings peaked in 1909 when hundreds reported encounters.

Assessment

The Jersey Devil may be purely legendary, or the legend may have attached to an existing creature. The 1909 sightings by credible witnesses suggest something inhabits the Pine Barrens. The curse of Mother Leeds lives on.