West Virginia Paranormal Mystery—’Wizard Clip’ Haunting Leaves Town Shaken for Years!
A chilling tale from West Virginia, spins a web of supernatural activity, demonic unrest, and an unshakable voice from beyond the grave. 🌐 #News #MiddlewayWV #WestVirginia #WeirdNews
MIDDLEWAY, WV — A ghost story passed down for generations continues to haunt the town of Middleway, West Virginia, where strange events in the late 1700s became the stuff of legend. Known as the “Wizard Clip,” the chilling saga centers on Adam Livingston, a former Pennsylvania resident, whose quiet home became the epicenter of eerie, unexplained activity after a stranger’s death.
Unexpected Visitor on the Tracks
In 1794, a traveling man reportedly fell gravely ill while staying at the Livingston home. His final wish was to receive the rites of a Catholic priest, but with the area sparsely populated by Catholics—and Livingston being a Lutheran—no priest could be located in time. The man died without the sacrament and was buried nearby.
That’s when the nightmare began.
Candles refused to stay lit in the death room. The echoes of galloping horses and breaking dishes filled the air, and burning coals leapt from the hearth. Perhaps most bizarre, a sharp clipping noise was heard throughout the house, and every manner of cloth—sheets, garments, even boots—was slashed with crescent-shaped cuts. The phenomenon earned its eerie name: the “Wizard Clip.”
One story that stuck involved a guest who tried to protect her silk cap by wrapping it in a handkerchief. She left to find the cloth untouched—but her cap shredded beyond repair.
The Priests Step In
As the disturbances escalated, Livingston pleaded for help from Father Dennis Cahill, a Catholic priest in nearby Shepherdstown. When the priest arrived and sprinkled holy water, the strange occurrences reportedly shifted—some even ceased. A previously lost sum of money mysteriously appeared on the doorstep.
Later, Father Cahill returned, this time with Father Demetrius Gallitzin, who had heard about the strange happenings from afar. After celebrating Mass inside the house, the supernatural assaults finally stopped.
Gallitzin documented the bizarre case in letters to Bishop John Carroll. Though the full report has vanished, remnants of his account survive in his writings.
A Voice in the Night
But the end of the hauntings didn’t bring silence. Not long after the priests’ visit, the Livingston family was awakened by a bright light and a peaceful voice urging them to pray together. They obeyed—and the voice joined them, offering gentle but compelling guidance.
This spectral companion remained with the family for 17 years, instructing them on Catholic teachings with such clarity and warmth that the Livingstons eventually embraced the faith. They came to believe the voice belonged to a soul in purgatory.
Land of Gratitude
In 1802, Adam Livingston donated 35 acres of land along Opequon Creek to the Catholic Church. His gift, made in appreciation for the end of the household affliction, was meant to support a priest. The land, dubbed “The Priest’s Field,” remains a sacred site today. In 1983, the Diocese of Wheeling–Charleston established the Priest Field Pastoral Center on that very ground.
Did You Know?
- Middleway’s name has ghostly origins: The town is also known locally as “Wizard Clip,” a nod to this infamous legend (West Virginia Encyclopedia).
- Father Gallitzin became America’s first Roman Catholic priest ordained entirely on U.S. soil (Catholic News Agency).
- “Priest Field” remains an active spiritual retreat for Catholics seeking reflection and renewal (Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston).
Moment for Reflection
In a tale where fear gave way to faith, and mystery led to mercy, the story of the Wizard Clip reminds us that even in the darkest places, light can enter. The Livingstons’ transformation from turmoil to peace speaks of a grace that often finds us in life’s most bewildering moments. Whether through prayer, presence, or quiet guidance, the divine always finds a way to reach those willing to listen.
What do you think is going on? Have you ever had a paranormal experience? Tell us in the comments!
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RELATED TOPICS: Haunted Places | Paranormal | West Virginia
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