The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1874-02-06

STRANGE EFFECTS OF LOCAL OPTION
The following story of a haunted bridge is
from the Bedford H3qlttrer of last week 1t
seems 10 have had serious effect on some
one in the Inquirer office, as the paper is
dated Feb. 80. 1871:
And now we stumble upon mystery in
Harrison township. About six miles west
of this place is bridge known as Kinton' 5
! bridge, which spans the Jnniata, and is a
spot OF no mean Significance in the history
of the township. BY many of the citizens
for many years, this bridge has been dread
ed, and there are those who rather than
cross 1t would wade the sparkling stream at
q temperature of 200 not that tine super-
structure is family, or that there is any petty
Jealousy because Smith or Jones built the
bridge, but because it is believed that the
Devil or some other body or thingwhO has not
the interests and happiness of the citizens
AT heart, wields terrible evil magic intlu-
ence over it. Many wonderful, and, if they
did not come from men of unQuestionable
Veracity, we would say slightly incredible
stories are told concerning what has hap
pened the famous bridge, but as we have
not the space to recount them ALL we Will
give the latest sensation
One afternoon some time since a farmer
started with = load of corn to MaIns Choice,
and on his way had TO pass through the
bridge. He was a man not given to fear
nor TO the belief in spooks, ghosts and hob
COLLINS He arrived at the town in safety,
unloaded his corn and started for home.
Just as the sun was disappearing IN the
western horizon, his wagon, drawn by two
powerful horses, entered the bridge, when all
of "A sudden, they came to halt-whack
went the whip about the legs of the fiery
steedS who strained every nerve to go for
ward, but it was a dead stall. The driver
diSmOuGted and examined the wagon, found
that it had not caught against anything and
proceeded to lead his team but 10 his great
astoniShmeut the wagon would not move
He unhitched the horses, led them out of
the bridge and tied them to a fence. He
then returned with the intention of backing
the wagon out, but he found that the wheels
were firInly set, the tongue was immOvable,
and the light bed which he had handled
many a time without assistance, was so sol
idly fixed that he could not move even the
one corner. Night came on, and With an
athemas loud and deep, he declared he could
not 90 home without his wagon, TO be
laughed IT by his neighbOrS The services
of man and bow. who lived near the bridge
were brought into requisition. They had
lantern. The trio did all in their pow er to
loose the wagon, but ii remained as station
ary as though it were a part of the bridge.
Finally they gave up in despair. The far
iner had already mounted his horse prepara-
tory 10 starting for home when the chains
attached to the tongue ratified. He went
baCk-the magic spell was broken, and the
wagon followed in theswake of the horses as
though nothing had occurred. The affair
created wonderful sensation in the neigh
bOrhoOd. and TO this day is a dark mystery.
So late as one night last week two young
men in buggy drawn by powerfully built
horse, approached the bridge, and when
about two-thirds through, their progress was
suddenly and InysteriOusly stopped. The
horse put forth his best licks, but the buggy
remained firm. The gentlemen alighted,
and discovered that their vehicle had grown
fast to the bridge and would not give any
where. After half an hours pulling and
tuggiug they concluded to unhitch and go
home. When the horse was about half I'm
hitched the buggy became loose aud they
went on their way rejoicing. We do not
pretend to give any reasons for these myS-
teries, hut are willing TO swear that we
get our information from as reliable men as
Bedford county can produce and that they
are candid in their convictions.