Came across this article about a book written by a Jersey Devil descendant, Bill Sprouse. The book titled, “The Domestic Life of The Jersey Devil: or, BeBop’s Miscellany” attempts to prod through family history to explain the story. While I do agree that the original tale of the demon being born to Mrs. Leeds could be explained away by saying she had a physically or mentally handicapped child, it doesn’t account for the sightings that have happened regularly since the 1700’s. Looks like an interesting read though and should definitely offer some insight into the Leeds family.
picture from shorenewstoday.com
Megan Taraszkiewicz 
Thanks for the plug, Megan! I wasn’t really trying to debunk or “explain away” the story. I never thought of it as anything other than an interesting piece of folklore, so the question “real or not?” wasn’t really one that I considered.
I was more interested in where the story came from how how it has survived for 150 years–probably much longer–in a place like New Jersey, which isn’t necessarily renowned for its folksiness or authenticity.
But you’re right, I don’t think it’s real (smiley face).
I should have clarified in my post that I was reacting more to the article about your book and not your book itself (since I haven’t read it yet). In my fictional worlds, all the monsters are real and as a Jersey girl who has had a Jersey Devil experience, I do believe SOMETHING is out there.
Good luck with your book. Again, I look forward to checking it out!
Oh…ohhhh. I think I understand better. Thanks for clarifying…
Thank you for enlightening me about this tale; I had not come across it before. Fascinating stuff whether or not there is any mileage in the demonic elements. Regards, Paul
Glad you like it, Paul. It’s such a localized story that most folks outside of the New Jersey area don’t know it unless they’ve wondered why our hockey team is named The Devils. 🙂 It really is a fascinating story though and still persists to this day!