The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

BELIEF

IN MT. CRAWFORD, VIRGINIA THS STORY IS OFTEN TOLD. THERE WAS
A REAL OLD LADY THAT LIVED IN A LOG CABIN. SHE WAS VERY
SUPERSTITIOUS AND EVERYONE THOUGHT THAT SHE WAS A WITCH. SHE
HAD A CAT THAT WOULD CLIMB ON TOP OF AN OLD BOARD FENCE
EVERY NIGHT AND WOULD MAKE A WHOLE LOT OF NOISE. SO ONE
NIGHT, THESE BOYS TOOK THE CAT AND CUT OFF HIS CLAWS SO THAT
HE WOULDN'T CLIMB THE FENCE. THEY DIDN'T HEAR ANYMORE ABOUT
THE CAT. HOWEVER. WHEN SOMEONE WENT TO VISIT THE OLD LADY,
SHE WAS SITTING IN HER ROCKING CHAIR. ALL OF HER FINGERS
WERE CUT OFF AT THE ENDS AND SHE HAD RAGS WRAPPED AROUND THEM.

Submitter comment: REASON COLLECTED: CLASS ASSIGNMENT

Where learned: NOT GIVEN

Date learned: 03-07-1969