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Story
May 2, 1951
The Key West Citizen
Key West, Monroe County, Florida
What is this article about?
In 1789, Ontario settler John Troyer held the superstition that dark-eyed women were witches, using a bear trap for protection; the story reflects on how modern views may seem equally silly in the future.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
NOT SO PECULIAR, AFTER ALL
In 1789, John Troyer settled in the Province of Ontario, where he served the settlement as a blacksmith, constable, water diviner, shipbuilder and herb doctor. In addition, John farmed a richly productive tract of land.
What calls attention to this early settler at this time is the bear trap now resting in a museum to remind the present-day world of John's belief that all dark-eyed women were witches. Most historical journals say that whenever he saw a dark-eyed beauty, he would run to his cabin, barricade the door, nail horseshoes over the door and, at night, set the trap at the foot of the bed to catch any marauding witch.
We are inclined to smile as we read of his strange superstition but we would be lacking in intelligence if we did not realize that some of the mental aberrations of the present day are as silly as his belief. It is all right to laugh at John Troyer but you might give a thought, occasionally, to what people will think of your views one hundred and sixty years from today.
In 1789, John Troyer settled in the Province of Ontario, where he served the settlement as a blacksmith, constable, water diviner, shipbuilder and herb doctor. In addition, John farmed a richly productive tract of land.
What calls attention to this early settler at this time is the bear trap now resting in a museum to remind the present-day world of John's belief that all dark-eyed women were witches. Most historical journals say that whenever he saw a dark-eyed beauty, he would run to his cabin, barricade the door, nail horseshoes over the door and, at night, set the trap at the foot of the bed to catch any marauding witch.
We are inclined to smile as we read of his strange superstition but we would be lacking in intelligence if we did not realize that some of the mental aberrations of the present day are as silly as his belief. It is all right to laugh at John Troyer but you might give a thought, occasionally, to what people will think of your views one hundred and sixty years from today.
What sub-type of article is it?
Biography
Curiosity
Supernatural
What themes does it cover?
Madness
Moral Virtue
What keywords are associated?
John Troyer
Ontario Settler
Witch Superstition
Bear Trap
Mental Aberration
What entities or persons were involved?
John Troyer
Where did it happen?
Province Of Ontario
Story Details
Key Persons
John Troyer
Location
Province Of Ontario
Event Date
1789
Story Details
John Troyer settled in Ontario in 1789, working as blacksmith, constable, water diviner, shipbuilder, herb doctor, and farmer. He believed dark-eyed women were witches and used a bear trap to protect himself from them at night.