Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1897-01-28
HAD 4 WEIRD POWER
AMELIA LOST HER LOVER BY CHARM
 ING BEASTS.


 and Snakes as Pots-Harrison Didn't
 Liko to Have Catanaount at His Table,
 So He Wouldn't Marry Her.
 Mrs. E. Miles, who died at Brook vile, Pa, a 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 native of Ireland and came to this country in 1844 She rode from New York to Philadelphia on the rail- road, went to Williamsport on 6 packet 1 boat and walked thence to Bald Eagle, where she passed several nights in the woods. Lator she moved to Farrands- l vile, where she made her home with @ family in whose honor the village was named Tho woods in the vicinity of | Farrandsyille were dense, and animals and reptiles were numerous in it. It was while in that neighhorhood 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 for many years, but on account of her uncanny power over untamed ani- mals he never married her. He didn t fancy having to sit at the table with a bear on either side of him, a catamount opposite, his wife at his left, fox run ming under his feet and 8 black snake and rattlesnake in boxes in the corner of the dining room. While he was her "steady company" she had as pets the l 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 a cook at a lumber camp and refused to have any, i thing whatever to do with women. He is HOW 78 years old, and for three years past has lived in San Jaeinto, Gal. On account of the death of his former sweetheart he came east to attend her funeral, and prior to starting for his California home related the following story of the peculiarities of the dead woman
 Amelia was the dearest girl I ever knew. She was beautiful and had lov- ing disposition. Everything seemed to fall in love with her. She possessed | great strength and enjoyed Q tramp through the woods. She would often go alone, and it was while on such trips that she would capture tho animals and snakes of which she made pets. l often wondered how sho did It. often asked her, but the subject was always instant ly changed. l finally concluded that I would learn at least portion of hor secret if it took me all my life.
 A0ne day in 1854, as I was coming down the road and saw Amelia, hur- ried after her. She went to stream and sang q weird song. Tho words were such as I had never heard, and the appear ance of Amelia was greatly changed. ] Her voice seemed unnatural.
 I was frightened. Presently a few birds flew toward her, and several snakes crawled from their hiding places. A deer also responded to the weird sounds. She handled the snakes, caressed tho birds and stroked the deer. She remain cd 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, eata- mount, fox and two snakes as pets. It 1 was not unusual to see Amelia enjoying her dinner. supper or breakfast sur rounded by hor pets. Those that ate meat would get it off a plate especially arranged.
 ''The bears were often hitehed to a carriage, and she would ride behind them. The postoflioo was some miles away, and among the sights each week was Amelia, accompanied by bear and deer. Those pets were extremely fond of their owner and would allow no one to moIest her.
 tSomo odd things happened Amelia was finer than tho other girls in the vi- oinity Intellectually and was q general favorite. l remember used to shudder | at having her ugly oatamount near us as we sat on the old setteo. Then, too, it wasn't delightful to havo big snake crawl over my leg as I sat there talking sentiment to Amelia. When 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 wero taught to do various tricks, and no matter when the word was given all pets responded. recall the first time I ever attempted to kiss her. As all country lovers go about it, began telling how Sim Jones over in tho valley kissed Martha Hen ninger when walking along q lonely road, and that Sarah Johnson says how she'd rather kiss than go to Q corn husk- i'll. Amelia was on to me, but let me get closer and allow my arm to go around her waist. Finally I strolzed her hair, and with a sudden movement, pulled her head toward mo and was about to take the kiss, when from her throat came the magic word which made the bears jump toward me, the 1 C.