Positively Jersey: The legend of the Jersey Devil lives on

The story of the Jersey Devil has been around for many years, but few people know that it's based on a South Jersey family with some descendants who still live in New Jersey today.

News 12 Staff

Apr 12, 2019, 11:33 PM

Updated 1,850 days ago

Share:

The story of the Jersey Devil has been around for many years, but few people know that it's based on a South Jersey family with some descendants who still live in New Jersey today.
When people go searching for the Jersey Devil, they come to Leeds Point, the spot in Atlantic County where legend has it, Mother Leeds gave birth to a winged cloven hoofed creature in 1735.
Bill Sprouse, a direct descendant of Mother Leeds, wrote the book "Domestic Life of the New Jersey Devil." In the process of writing, he studied property records, poking at holes in the ground, trying to find the old Leeds house.
But because the story isn't real and is just a legend, he spent even more time a Jersey staples like Wawa, asking residents what they know about the story. Sprouse says he has met a surprising amount of people who say they've either seen or believe in the Jersey Devil.
The book retraces Sprouse's personal ties to the legend through stories of his grandmother. He also examines the story roots in a religious schism among Quakers in the 1700s.


More from News 12
0:22
Police: Driver wanted in fatal New Cassel hit-and-run

Police: Driver wanted in fatal New Cassel hit-and-run

2:32
Chance of showers today with a high near 67 degrees

Chance of showers today with a high near 67 degrees

2:04
Glen Cove Hospital to hold clap-in for nurses to kick off National Nurses Week

Glen Cove Hospital to hold clap-in for nurses to kick off National Nurses Week

0:39
$400 million boost in federal funds coming for security at places of worship

$400 million boost in federal funds coming for security at places of worship

2:01
Main Street Long Island: Showcasing the best of Massapequa Park

Main Street Long Island: Showcasing the best of Massapequa Park

0:19
Loop Parkway to close overnight for the next two weeks for construction

Loop Parkway to close overnight for the next two weeks for construction

1:05
Paws & Pals: Dogs up for adoption at Forgotten Friends of Long Island on May 6

Paws & Pals: Dogs up for adoption at Forgotten Friends of Long Island on May 6

Long Island National Teacher Appreciation Week Photos

Long Island National Teacher Appreciation Week Photos

1:53
Long Island's Jewish communities pause and reflect on Holocaust Remembrance Day

Long Island's Jewish communities pause and reflect on Holocaust Remembrance Day

2:14
Teen accused of driving stolen car while high, causing fatal crash in Centereach

Teen accused of driving stolen car while high, causing fatal crash in Centereach

1:34
2nd annual Long Island Jewish Film Festival celebrated at Cinema Arts Center in Huntington

2nd annual Long Island Jewish Film Festival celebrated at Cinema Arts Center in Huntington

0:23
Suffolk police: Pedestrian struck, killed by car in Copiague

Suffolk police: Pedestrian struck, killed by car in Copiague

0:50
Hundreds of athletes compete in Special Olympics New York Spring Games at Plainedge High School

Hundreds of athletes compete in Special Olympics New York Spring Games at Plainedge High School

0:30
Zibanejad has 2 goals and 1 assist, Panarin scores as Rangers beat Hurricanes 4-3 in Game 1

Zibanejad has 2 goals and 1 assist, Panarin scores as Rangers beat Hurricanes 4-3 in Game 1

0:24
Police: Huntington Station man critically injured in Dix Hills hit-and-run

Police: Huntington Station man critically injured in Dix Hills hit-and-run

0:27
Nassau police: 6 injured in shooting at Westbury home

Nassau police: 6 injured in shooting at Westbury home

0:45
Fire breaks out at Plainview storage facility

Fire breaks out at Plainview storage facility

1:50
‘No one is helping.’ Freeport tenants say complaints about fire alarm are falling on deaf ears

‘No one is helping.’ Freeport tenants say complaints about fire alarm are falling on deaf ears

0:53
Prosecutors: Queens man stole used cooking oil from 16 restaurants

Prosecutors: Queens man stole used cooking oil from 16 restaurants

2:15
EXCLUSIVE: Gov. Hochul talks retail theft, bail reform during visit to Lindenhurst

EXCLUSIVE: Gov. Hochul talks retail theft, bail reform during visit to Lindenhurst