Extraordinary Doings in Michigan.—"Supernatural Fires."
[BRo. WHITE: The following-described wonderful phenomena commenced the day before I came from St. Charles to Owasso; and as I passed the house where these fires broke out and have had an opportunity of conversing with eye witnesses of the fires, men of candor, I would say that the following agrees nearly with what was told me; and still greater wonders were also related. Is not this a prelude to the miracles of Rev. xiii, 13? "Maketh fire to come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men." I have no doubt this is the work of spirits of devils. A friend residing in this city, but who is on a visit to Owasso, Michigan, informs us of a very singular and unaccountable affair, that is now transpiring in Bush Township, five miles north of Owasso. A farmer named Stearns, residing in that town, has an adopted daughter by the name of Freeman, who is ten years of age. While this little girl was sweeping the sitting-room, about a week since, she discovered the carpet to be on fire, and the inmates having put out the fire, undertook to learn its origin. There had been no fire built in the room that morning; no light had been carried into the room, nor could the family in any way account for the fire. In less than an hour flames were seen issuing from some rags in another room. The same day the girl's clothes caught fire, and the next morning a damp towel that Mrs. Stearns had used in wiping her face, upon being hung on a nail, commenced burning. The last occurrence took place in the presence of some twelve persons, some of whom are among the most respectable citizens of the place. Next a straw stack near Mr. Stearns' house, was consumed. At one time, when a number of persons were in the house, the falling of some heavy substance was heard in the chamber directly over their heads. Upon going up stairs it proved to be a bag filled with books and rags, and suspended by a cord to a beam. The bag was on fire, and the string was also burning when the parties entered the room. Mr. S. and family became so alarmed by these movements that they left their home. When the furniture was being moved, a trunk, said not to have been opened for more than a year, was discovered to be on fire, and when opened, the flames burst forth, consuming all its contents. The family are now living in a house some three miles distant from their farm, but the mysterious torment, is bound to stick by them like a brother. No sooner had the girl entered her new home than her clothing took fire in three different places. And now, another family, where she has visited, are as badly tormented as Mr. Stearns'. In Owasso, as well as in the adjoining village of Carma, the excitement is most intense. People are flocking from all directions to witness this truly wonderful mystery. Some of the most profound scholars of the State, among whom are Dr. Tappan, Chancellor of the University of Michigan, President Fairchild, of Hillsdale College, and others, have been to "see the sights;" and all agree that there are hidden mysteries beyond the depth of the closest observers.—Cleveland Herald.