Middleway's Wizard’s Clip: A Tale of Superstition and Faith
The legend of Wizard’s Clip — rooted in religion, superstition and frontier life
The Shepherdstown Chronicle | Thursday, October 16, 2025
By Staff
The haunting tale of Wizard’s Clip, originating from the strange occurrences faced by German immigrant Adam Livingston in Middleway during the 1790s, intertwines local folklore, faith, and cultural tensions of early America. The community's anti-Catholic sentiment and superstitions set the stage for Livingston’s reliance on Father Dennis Cahill, whose interventions reportedly brought peace to his troubled home. This legend not only illustrates the clash between religion and superstition but also marks the establishment of the Catholic Church's presence in the region, eventually leading to the creation of Priest Field, a pastoral retreat. As the story continues to resonate through local narrative traditions, it remains a vivid part of the area's cultural heritage.