Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1897-02-08
HAD 4 WEIRD POWER,
AMELIA LOST HER LOVER BY CHARM
 ING BEASTS.

Death of Strange woman-she Had Bears
 and Snakes as Pots-Harrison Didn't
 Like to Have Uatamount at His Table
 So He Wou1dn't Marry Her.
 Mrs. F. Miles. who died at Brook. vile, Pa, few days ago, had wonder ful power over animals and readily made pets of wild deer, bears, cata. mounts, foxes, snakes and fishes. She was nativo of Ireland and eame to this country ill 1844. She rode from 1 New York to Philadelphia on the rail- road, went to Williamsport on a packet boat and walked thence to Bald Eagle. where she passed several nights in the woods. Iatcr she moved to Farrands- vile, where she made her home with Il family in whose honor the village was named. Tho woods in tho vicinity of Farrandsvillo were dense, and animals and reptiles were numerous in it. It was while in that neighborhood that she became aware of her strange power and began to practice it,
 Her maiden name was Amelia Jauss, and Henry Harrison, yet alive, was her lover fer many years, but on account of her uncanny power over untamed ani- malls he never married her. He didn t fancy having to sit at the tablo with q bear on either side of him, catamount opposite, his wife at his left, fox run ming under his feet and black snake and rattlesnalze in boxes in the corner of the dining room. While he was her steady company she had as pets the animals mentioned and two deer besides.
 Harrison cared for her so much, how ever, that upon bidding her farewell he went to the woods, became e cook at a lumber camp and refused to have any thing whatever to do with women. Ho is now 78 years old, and for three years past has lived in San Jaointo, Cal. On account of the death of his former sweetheart he came cast to attend her funeral, and prior to starting for his California home related the following story of the peouliarities of the dead woman
 Amelia was tho dearest girl I over knew. She was beautiful and had lov- ing disposition. Everything seemed to fall in Iogo with her. She possessed great strength and enjoyed tramp through the woods. She would often go alone, and it was while on such trips that she would capture the animals and snakes of which she made pets. often wondered how she did 1t. l often asked her, but the subject was always instant ly changed. finally concluded that l would learn at least q portion of her secret # it took me all my life.
 One day in 1854, as I was coming down the road and saw Amelia, hur- ried after her. She went to stream and sang I weird song. The words were such as had never heard. and the appear anee of Amelia was greatly changed. Her voice seemed unnatural.
 I waa frightened. Presently Il flow birds flew toward her, and several snakes erawled from their hiding places A deer also responded to tho weird sounds She handled the snakes, caressed the birds and stroked the deer. She remain ed in this queer state about one hour. It Was this sight that made mo firm in my determination to break away from her.
 T had paid Amelia attention for four years, but ceased my visits after that. Amelia, during my time as her lover, always had her two bears, deer, cata- mount, fox and two snakes as pets. It was not unusual to see Amelia enjoying her dinner, supper or breakfast sur rounded by her pets Those that ate meat would get it off 6 plate especially arranged.
 'eThe bears were often hitehed to carriage, and she would rido behind them. The postofflce was some miles away, and among the sights each week was Amelia, accompanied by a bear and deor. These pets were extremely fond of their owner and would allow no one to molest her
 Some odd things happened Amelia was finer than the other girls in tho vi- einity Intellectually and was q general favorite. remember l used to shudder at having her ugly catamount near us as VIC sat on che old settee Then, too, 1t wasn't delightful to have big snake crawl over my leg as l sat thero talking sentiment to Amelia. Whom Amelia got cross, she would sit on the floor. sur round herself with her pets and laugh at me was afraid of the pets, and she knew it.
 "All of these animals were taught to do various tricks, ana no matter when tho word was given all pets responded. recall the first time I eyor attempted to kiss her. Az all country lovers go about 1t, began telling how Sim Jones over in the valley kissed Martha Hen- ninger when walking along lonely road, and that Sarah Johnson says how she rather kiss than go to corn husk- in. Amelia was on to me, but let me get closer and allow my arm to go around hor waist. Finally stroked her hair, and, with sudden movement, pulled her head toward me and was about to take tho kiss, when from her throat came the magic word which 4uadn fho hoers 5unn toward me 6he