Historic Oddity Headline: February 21, 1889 - They Fled In Terror

Press and Daily Dakotaian

February 21, 1889

“THEY FLED IN TERROR.”

The Odd Occurrence that Startled the Inhabitants of Litchfield, Ills.

LITCHFIELD, Ills., Feb. 20. - This city was greatly excited over an occurrence that for a time was so inexplicable as to border on the supernatural. In boring for gas the heavy drill caught at a depth of 300 feet. After some work it was released, and when brought to the surface was covered in blood. The amazed drillers instinctively leaned over the hole. They heard a dull, rumbling noise, and presently heard a sepulchral voice calling up to them, “You have killed somebody down here.” The horror stricken men fled. They spread the news and the town was turned upside down in an hour. Hundreds went to the well and gazed down open-mouthed at the bloody drill and the mysterious cavity it had made. Not until late in the evening was the mystery solved by the presentation of a bill for $50 by the Litchfield Coal company “for one mule killed by drill.” The explanation was simple. The coal company’s mine extended under the gas company’s territory, and the best mule had been in the way of the drill when it pierced the roof of the mine and was killed.

“Historic Oddity Headlines” showcases actual articles written about truly odd occurrences that took place and were published within United States newspapers back in the 1800s-1900s. The articles posted here are written exactly as they appeared during their original publishing date.

-The Pine Barrens Institute

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