The Wizard Clip Haunting: A True Early American Ghost Story

by Stanley Williams

Historical Fiction When America was young, reckless, and fiercely independent, an equally independent farmer and a renegade priest reluctantly join forces to confront a spirit from another realm who threatens their safety and the country's freedom. Flax farmer, Adam Livingston, and pioneering Irish priest Fr. Denis Cahill struggle to accept each other, then together battle their common enemy, an ancient Babylonian spirit who wreaks havoc on Livingston, his family, and farm. A host of historical figures make their appearance in this dramatic celebration of traditional American values and themes. This may be a work of historical fiction, but a great many of the characters and events it chronicles actually happened. The main characters, Adam and Mary Ann Livingston, their friends Richard and Anastasia McSherry, and the McSherry's priest, Fr. Denis Cahill actually lived through the hauntings of the spirit that historically came to be known as the Wizard Clip. Further, the events were investigated by none other than Rev. (Prince) Demetrius Augustine Gallitzin, The Apostle of the Alleghenies, who is being considered for canonization by the Catholic Church. His current title is "Servant of God." Gallitzin, who narrates this tale, wrote of the Wizard Clip "After three months of investigation, I was soon converted to a full belief of them. No lawyer in a court of justice did more than I, nor procured more than your unworthy servant." Today, over 200 years later, the village of Middleway, West Virginia, continues to celebrate its place in history with wood-block emblems on building fronts depicting a crescent moon and a pair of scissors. The village, to some, is still remembered as Clip Town.

1163 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 19, 2023

Reviews

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a historical fiction horror novel based on solid primary sources but with a lot of liberties and speculation. It's written from a Catholic perspective (which I liked but I realize it's not everyone's cup of tea). I overall enjoyed the book, but was disappointed with Father Cahill's fate, everything going on during the Mass that led to the exorcism of the evil spirit was a bit much, and at times the book was wordy.