Most places have tall tales and creepy stories about evil witches or a satanic tree. But if you make your way to Mill Pond in Easton, MA…they have a wizard. That’s right, according to a nice little sign situated on a small trot of land,. there was an infamous incident which occurred in the late 1700’s. The tale centers around an old sawmill built back in the 18th century by John Selee, later to be run by his son Nathan, the one known as the “wizard”. The sawmill no longer exists, but in its place is a sign that tantalizes visitors. Erected in 1999 by the Easton Conservation Commission it states:
“Site of the sawmill built by John Selee in the 18th century and continued by his son, Nathan, a wizard, who purportedly used satanic imps to run the mill at night”
In accordance with the legend, John Selee’s son Nathan Seele was a wizard, and one night was visited in his home the by the devil himself. The devil told Nathan to follow him. Nathan obliged, grabbing one of his magical spell books from the shelf and following the demon deep into the wood. In an attempt to show the devil his power, Nathan stopped and opened the book. Upon opening the book a huge storm of thunder and lightening broke out, scaring Nathan Selee so bad that he ran back to his house and threw the book on the fire, stopping the storm. As Nathan ran home, the devil followed him, leaving a trail of stones behind him. As they crossed through the swamp the devil crossed from rock to rock, eventually landing on one to regain his view of Nathan in the distance. While doing this he left a demon hoof print 24″ long and 10″ wide which can still be seen today. The devil continued to Nathan’s house, bursting through the door. Nathan explained that he didn’t know what happened with the book, that he was upset at himself for being so overcome with fear.
The devil offered him a solution. The devil would take away his fear, and help him with the operation of the mill. In return, he asked for only one thing, Nathans soul. From then on Nathan was able to run the mill using satanic imps as his free laborers round the clock. Locals said they heard noises from the woods at night, the sound of creatures laughing and murmuring. Eventually the saw mill caught fire and burned to the ground. Nathan later passed away in August of 1815, leaving his legacy to his 8 children. His gravestone location is unknown although his fathers grave can be found in the John Selee cemetery near the former location of the mill.
Many locals still claim to hear noises at night near Mill Pond. They claim these are still the imps running around and looking for a new master, or wizard to serve.
Share your Instagram pictures, use
Try to Scare me is NOT intended as a guide to trespassing. We present these sites, locations and stories as local unwritten history and the legends surrounding it that are told to us while traveling. Although we provide locations, and some directions, these articles are intended to be read with the knowledge that some places cannot be visited. We do not encourage trespassing onto private property and do not encourage trespassing to obtain articles, videos, pictures and other evidence to be submitted. Trespassing is illegal and those who disregard this advice will (in most cases) be arrested and charged.