Devil Shmevil
Don't confuse the 'Shourds' house - not 'Shrouds' house - with the old homestead of Japhet and Deborah Leeds. The Shourds house was of a much later vintage. The location of the Japhet Leeds homestead has always been a carefully held local secret. We don't want what's left of the brick foundation and chimney being carted off by Jersey Devil souvenir hunters. Lord knows there isn't much left of Paynes Tavern up t' Chestnut Neck as a result of people carrying off remnants of its brick foundation.
Unfortunately, old Harry Leeds has been giving the location some publicity in the media. The result has yet to be gauged. So, to me, the only Devilish figure in Leeds point, is Harry.
Deborah or 'mother' Leeds, like all our local women of her time, was a God-Fearing, hard-working mother, wife, and respected member of her community. She does not deserve to be remembered as a witch or someone who trafficked with the dark forces. The Jersey Devil is a modern literary invention, probably built around a nucleus based upon the reputation of 'Daniel' Leeds - Japhet's father, who was somewhat shady in his business dealings and a drunkard. Well...according to the tradition handed down in my family.
The bastard once humiliated my 6th great grandfather in front of an assemblage of his Quaker brethren, basically denouncing him as a rabble-rouser and a fallen Christian, just because he slugged a neighbour in the chin. The neighbour probably deserved it, especially if he was a Leeds man or a Higbee...lol
God bless you mother Leeds. The old stock locals know the truth about you.
BK
