Devil Child01

Waupaca County News

April 1, 1926

OMRO HAS DEVIL CHILD

ELEVEN YEAR OLD GIRL AROUSES THE VILLAGES

Marie Maybourne, 11, said to be possessed with a “spirit” which has manifested itself in numerous ways, has become the object of the community’s curiosity in the village of Omro.

All about the village there is talk about the strange happenings when the little girl is present. They tell of doors suddenly opening and refusing to remain closed, of voices proceeding from the walls and of furniture moving whenever she is about. All these weird happenings are beyond her control and none are more disturbed than she, it is said.

According to James Stead, village marshal and deputy sheriff of Winnebago county, he has conducted an investigation but all in vain. He also declared he wanted to bring the little girl to his home, but that her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Maybourne, would not permit it.

Henry Houdini, America’s outstanding skeptic in the matter of supernatural phenomena has been advised of the case and been asked to come there and investigate. It is also said that Rev. Father Theophius, Capuchin priest, who is known to have performed exorcisms, the ceremony of driving out or warding off demons, evil spirits, from persons, places or things believed to be possessed, may also be asked to Omro to see the little girl.