Strange Occurrences at Newry in Ireland.
Frances and Elizabeth Dixon are two sisters (one about forty, the other thirty years of age) who have lived together in a little house of their own, ever since their mother died, and have always maintained a fair character, both for Honesty and Piety. Seven weeks before Easter, 1779, they began to be disturbed in various ways; and the disturbances have continued day and night, to the present time, June 17, 1785.
One time a little dog appeared, running to and fro in the house. At another time, a little old man has appeared. Their own dog was often extremely frightened, and leaped as high as the table. After being thus tormented four weeks, he lay down, swelled exceedingly, and died.
Their cat appeared to be equally frighted; often cried and struggled violently with some invisible agent, by whom she was thrown many times on Fanny Dixon’s arms, or in her face, which she scratched terribly.
Many stones were thrown at them continually: one of which struck Fanny on the side of the head; almost took away her senses, and made a wound which was not easily healed.
Many times their yarn was cut, and also their clothes. Frequently their wheels were broke to pieces, and parts of them taken away, so that they could not go on with their work: in which likewise they were continually interrupted, by the throwing of every thing about the house day and night. And so much fire was thrown about, they were in constant fear of having the house set on fire. Yea, one day, when there was no fire near her, Fanny’s apron was set on fire, as she had it on; and a great part of it consumed, before she could get it off. Frequently an invisible hand took hold of her clothes all round, and pulled and held her down.
Every day they heard the sound as of persons walking to and fro in the house. Likewise an unaccountable breathing, puffing and snorting close to their faces. Often they heard the mewing as of many cats at the door; and many times the sound of pistols going off just by them, five or six at a time.
Almost every night they heard as it were the loud ticking of a watch close to their ears, which continued without any intermission till the morning, so that they could get no rest. At the same time little creeping things, like Clocks [beetles] seemed to be running over them, both upon and under the bed-clothes. And these often nipped them, so as to make them very sore. Almost every night, things as large as lap-dogs seemed to leap down upon them, from the tester [canopy] of the bed. By these exercises they have not only lost their strength and health, being pale and thin as skeletons, but are likewise reduced to great want; being incapable of earning their living. Yet no murmuring word falls from their mouths. They still say, Let the Lord do as seemeth him good.
The Arminian Magazine, December 1786 (pp. 660-662).