The Clarksburg Telegram (Clarksburg, W. Va.), June 18th 1897
Wild Woman Seen Near Elkins
Some farmers near Elkins have seen a wild woman in the woods. She leaps fences like a deer, and at night can be heard making the most hideous noises.
Disclaimer: This 1897 newspaper article was published prior to 1931. Under United States copyright law (specifically the 95-year rule), this work has entered the public domain and is thus free to use or republish. It is presented here as an interesting and folkloric newspaper oddity.
Context: “Wild Men” or “Wild People” were purportedly “feral” people who lived in the wilderness in European folklore, representing nature. They were often depicted as tall and hair-covered. In the 1800’s and early 1900’s, stories of encounters with people in or from the wilderness including hermits, houseless people, or people going through a mental health crisis, were often reported in American newspress and labeled “Wild Men” as a popular newspaper curiosity genre.
Note: A longer version of this story was printed on July 11th 1897 in The Cambria Freeman newspaper entitled “Wild Woman In The Woods.”
Source(s): https://www.loc.gov/resource/sn84037844/1897-06-18/ed-1/?sp=2
Categories: Newspapers, Wild People, West Virginia (WV)