The Jersey Devil

The Jersey Devil, a creature with the facial structure of a dragon, horns, tail and wings. He is believed to be immortal, which is why he has been troubling us for centuries. Believed to be created from Satan himself, he was born from resident Mrs. Leeds, but there are many versions of the story.

In one, she had twins: one a human, one a demonic creature. She tried to smother them both, but one escaped. She had never seen him since. In another version, he was born in an affair between Mrs. Leeds and a Catolic priest, whom had failed to convince her to convert from Quaker beliefs. He cursed her, saying that her next born would be a devil from Satan. In yet another version, he was the thirteenth born, and Mrs. Leeds said, "I hope it's a devil!" Her wish was granted. The child was born disformed, and she shouted for the creature to leave. He visited her every day, and every day she refused to accept him. After a few years, he left her alone forever.

Many people claimed to have sighted the Jersey Devil. Commodore Stephen Decur claimed to have spotted the creature while practicing his aim with a long-range cannonball. He told everyone that he hit it, but was proved wrong. Hitting a moving, long-ranged target is a near impossible feat. In 1909, over one hundred people spotted his tracks, and even the devil himself; this was the biggest sighting yet.

Also in the tale, Captain Kidd, the pirate, buried treasure on many inlets in New Jersey. He beheaded one of his crew mates, and left the spirit to guard his treasure, and the ghost befriended the Devil. Many people claimed they saw the Jersey Devil and the apparition walking on Leeds' Point Beach, and in many marshes.

Have you ever been watching your favorite movie in bed when your dog starts barking-or howling-at nothing? Cat hissing, then running and hiding for no apparent reason? Have you walked home, then heard a rustling in that dark alley? What is that shadow that escaped when you pulled up into the driveway? Why was there a breeze on that hot, sticky, still day, and nothing seemed to move? And what was that blur you passed on the side of the road? The Jersey Devil? Nothing is impossible. Many theories have been shot down, but it proves there is something out there. By Frank M.

 

The "21 Friends"

During the midst of the 1800's, a group of Quakers, or the "Friends," were invested in a sailing ship.

They sailed many times, but one time it was different. There were rough winds; they had been stuck in a storm. Their beautiful ship was struck and damaged. After it was damaged, they were able to float to shore. They lived in safety but the abandoned ship was a different story altogether.

The abandoned ship, ripped and torn, has been spotted along many spots. Therefore, the ship was named "Ghost Ship."