Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1897-03-15
HAD A WEIRD POWER
AMELIA LOST HER LOVER BY CHARM
 ING BEASTS.

Death Of B Strange WOman-Sho Had Bears
 and snakes as Pets Harrison Didn't
 Like to Have a Catamount at His Table.
 So He wouidn'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, eata- mounts, foxes, snakes and fishes She was a 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 packet boat and walked thence to Bald Eagle, where she passed several nights in the woods. Later she moved to Farrands- vile, where she made her home with family i'll whose honor the village was named The woods in the vicinity of Farrandsville were donse, 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 Jauas, and Henry Harrison, yet alive, was her lover for many years, but on account of her 1neanuy power over untamed ani- uals he never married her. Flo didn't fancy having to sit at the table with q 3boar ou either side of him, 8 oatamount opposite bis wife at his left. fox rum ming under his feet and black snako and rattlesnake in boxes in the corner of the dining room. Whilo he was her tsteady company she had as pets tho animals mentioned aud 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 6 lumber camp and refused 10 havo any thing whatever to do with women. He 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 oame east to attend her funeral, and prior to starting for his California home related the following story of tIlo peculiarities of the dead woman:
 Amelia was the dearest girl ever knew. She was beautiful and had lov- ing disposition, Everything seemed to fall in lovo with her. She possessed great strength and enjoyed a tramp through tho woods, She would often go alone, and 1t was while on such trips 5ihaf she would capture the animals and snakes of which she made pets often wondered how she aia it. ] often assksd Der. bat the subject was always instant y changed. l finally concluded that would learn at least a portion of her secret if it took me all my life.
 One day in 1854, as l was coming down Che road and saw Amelia, [ hur- rfed after her. She went to a stream and sang 8 weird song The words were such as had never heard, and the appear anee of Amelia was greatly changed Her voice seemed unnatural.
 was frightened Presently q 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, earessed the birds and stroked the deer She remain ed in this queer state about one hour. It was this sight that made ne 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, a cata- mount, fox and two snakes as pets. It was not unusual to see Amelia enjoying her dinner, supper OF breakfast sur rounded by her pets. Those that ate meat would get 1t off plato especially arranged.
 Tho bears wero often hitched to a carriage. and sine would ride behind them. The postofilce was some miles away, and among the sights each week vas Amelia, accompanied by bear and deer. These pets were extremely fond of their owner and would allow no oae to molest her.
 Some odd things happened Amelia was finer than the other girls ill the vi. oinsty intellectually and was a general fayarite. 1 remember [ used 10 shudder at having her ugly catamount near us as we sat on the old settee. Then, too, 1t wasn delightful to have 9 big snake crawl over my log as sat thero talking sentiment to Amelia When Amelia got cross, she would sit on the floor, sur round herself with her pets and laugh et me was afraid of tho pets, and she knew it.
 All of these animals were taught to 10 various tricks, and 10 matter when the word was givon all ftets responded. 1 recall the first time l ever attempted to kiss her As all country lovers go about it, 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'd 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 her waist. Finally strohed her hair, and. with sudden movement pulled her head toward nc and was about to take the kiss, when from her throat came the magic word which made the bears jump toward me, the oatamoun6 land On my back, the fox give a cry and the snakes stand in the