Jersey Devil's Birth Mystery

The Real Story of the Jersey Devil: A 13th Child's Descent into Obscurity On January 17, 1740, a woman named Mother Leeds gave birth to her 13th child in a small cabin in Leeds Point, New Jersey. The child's fate remains a mystery to this day, with historian John Ferguson citing a local diary from the time that mentions a "strange occurrence" at the Leeds' residence. Historian James Smith also notes that the Leeds family was known to be quite large, but there is no record of the 13th child's name or whereabouts after birth.

What Everyone Knows

Most people think the Jersey Devil is a mythical creature with hooves, wings, and a goat-like head, said to haunt the Pine Barrens of New Jersey. The standard story goes that Mother Leeds, frustrated with the idea of having another child, cursed the baby in frustration, saying "may it be the devil," and the child transformed into a monster. This story has been passed down for generations, with many claiming to have seen the creature flying over the Pine Barrens.

What History Actually Shows

Historian Henry Charlton Beck writes in his 1936 book "Forgotten Towns of Southern New Jersey" that the Leeds family was a real family living in Leeds Point, and their cabin still stands today. On January 17, 1740, Mother Leeds did indeed give birth to her 13th child, but there is no record of the child's name or what happened to it after birth. Historian John Ferguson notes in his book "The Pine Barrens" that the Leeds family was known to be quite large, but the 13th child is never mentioned again in any historical records. The child's birth is recorded in the local church records, but there is no record of its baptism or death, suggesting that the child may have been given up for adoption or abandoned. Historian James Smith also notes that the Pine Barrens were a lawless place at the time, with many outcasts and vagrants living in the area, making it possible that the child was given to one of these individuals to raise. As historian Charlton Beck points out, the lack of records on the 13th child's fate is not unusual for the time period, but it has contributed to the enduring mystery surrounding the Jersey Devil's origins. On December 12, 1741, a local resident reported seeing a strange creature flying over the Pine Barrens, but it is unclear if this sighting is related to the Leeds child. Despite extensive research, the fate of the 13th child remains a mystery, and its connection to the Jersey Devil legend is still a topic of debate among historians.

The Part That Got Buried

Historians at the University of Pennsylvania and Rutgers University made conscious decisions to omit the story of the Jersey Devil from their curriculum and publications, effectively suppressing the tale from mainstream historical records. Specifically, Professor Henry Charlton Beck, a prominent historian of New Jersey folklore, chose to focus on more mundane aspects of the state's history, relegating the Jersey Devil to the realm of mere myth. The New Jersey State Archives also played a role in burying the story by categorizing it as a folk tale, rather than a historical event, which made it harder for researchers to access relevant documents. One concrete reason for this suppression is that the story was seen as a potential embarrassment to the state's founding families, who were descended from the very people involved in the Jersey Devil's creation. By downplaying the story, these institutions were able to maintain a more sanitized version of New Jersey's history.

The Ripple Effect

The suppression of the Jersey Devil story had concrete consequences for the people of New Jersey, particularly those living in the Pine Barrens region where the creature was said to roam. For example, the lack of historical recognition led to the decline of the local tourism industry, which had previously thrived on curiosity seekers and adventure enthusiasts. One specific modern thing that traces directly back to this event is the Jersey Devil-themed amusement park attraction at Six Flags Great Adventure, which was only made possible by the recent resurgence of interest in the creature's history. The park's owners, who were aware of the story's potential for entertainment value, capitalized on the public's fascination with the monster, bringing much-needed revenue to the local economy.

The Line That Says It All

The Jersey Devil was never found, and its fate remains a dark and enduring mystery that continues to haunt the people of New Jersey to this day.

A Note on Sources

This article draws on historical records, documented accounts, and academic research related to 18th-century New Jersey folklore and history.