(Famous New Jersey Folklore Character)

Since the early 1700's, there have been many accounts of the "Jersey" or "Leeds Devil".  Descriptions vary from "Horse faced"to "Collie Faced"-from a large furry creature of a reddish brown color, with bat-like wings, cloven hoofs and a forked tail to an impish, nattily dressed character who delights in scaring people half out of their wits.

In days gone by he has been sighted in the Pine Barrens, Port Republic, New Gretna and many other nearby towns.  Some say his birthplace was in the Leeds Point area, near Smithville, and that he roamed the swamps along the Mullica River.  Most agree that a woman named Leeds (thought to be a witch) having twelve children already and finding herself with child again, cursed it and wished that the offspring be born a devil.  She got her wish apparently, and from that day on the Legend of "The Jersey Devil" became part of New Jersey's folklore.