The Stone-Throwing Devil of New Hampshire

In 1682, the household of George Walton in New Castle, New Hampshire, was subjected to months of bombardment by stones thrown from unseen sources. The case was documented by Richard Chamberlain in “Lithobolia,” making it one of the best-recorded colonial American poltergeist cases.

The Beginning

In June 1682, stones began falling on the Walton household from seemingly empty air. They struck the house, the fields, and the occupants. The attacks occurred day and night with no visible source.

The Phenomena

Stones of various sizes fell from the sky and flew horizontally through the air. Some were hot when they landed. Objects inside the house moved on their own. Strange noises echoed through the property. The activity continued for months.

The Witnesses

Secretary Richard Chamberlain was staying at the inn when the phenomena began. He observed events personally and documented everything in his pamphlet “Lithobolia, or the Stone-Throwing Devil.” His account provides a contemporary record.

The Suspect

A neighbor named Hannah Jones was suspected of witchcraft. She had quarreled with Walton and was believed to have cursed him. However, no formal charges were filed, perhaps influenced by the recent Salem witch trials.

The End

The stone attacks eventually ceased without formal resolution. George Walton died in 1689. The case remained famous in colonial folklore and influenced understanding of poltergeist phenomena.

Assessment

Lithobolia represents one of the earliest documented American poltergeist cases. The detailed contemporary account by a credible witness provides unusual insight into how colonial New Englanders experienced and interpreted supernatural phenomena.