In the murky depths of the New Jersey Pine Barrens, a spectral figure stalks the dense forests, forever etched into the region's folklore. This is the tale of the Black Doctor of the Pines, a ghostly healer whose presence still stirs the hearts and minds of those who traverse these eerie lands.
The New Jersey Pine Barrens, a extensive expanse of dense forests and mysterious wetlands, is a place steeped in unsettling folklore and haunting legends. Covering over a million acres, the wilderness is known not only for its natural beauty, but also for the chilling tales that emerge from its murky depths.
One of the most famed is the legend of the Jersey Devil, a terrifying creature that supposedly inhabits the Barrens, terrorizing locals with its unearthly shrieks and terrifying appearance. Ghost towns, remnants of once blossoming communities, now stand quiet, their abandoned buildings whispering secrets of the past. These tales, interwoven with the haunting silence of the landscape, create an atmosphere of mystery and unease, making the Pine Barrens a place where the past and the supernatural seem to coexist.
The alleged ghost we will take a closer look at, however, is Dr. James Still, a real man mentioned in The Black Doctor of the Pines:
Dr. James Still The Man and the Legend
James Still (1812-1882), the man who became known as the Black Doctor, was a determined individual with a passion for healing. However, in the mid-19th century, his aspirations were thwarted by the pervasive racial prejudice of the time.
Black Doctor of the Pines was born in Indian Mills and spent most of his life in Burlington County. One of 18 children of former slaves, Levin and Charity Still, his family was heavily involved in the abolitionist movement, and his brother was William Still, founder of the Underground Railroad, and Peter Still, a man who had escaped slavery.
Banned from practicing medicine because of his race, Still sought solace and purpose in the isolation of the Pine Barrens. Here, amidst the dense canopy of pines and whispering winds, he continued to study medicine through textbooks and, according to some legends, learned the secrets of herbal medicine from the Native Americans who had long called these woods home.
Still studied the healing properties of herbs and plants and developed medical practices based on his own observations. He began to earn a modest income by regularly selling his homemade oils, tinctures, and essences to Philadelphia apothecaries Charles and William Ellis.
The Black Doctor of the Pines did not hide in the pines forever, for he eventually became one of the wealthiest men in Burlington County, building a magnificent home and hospital, marrying, and having eight children. Although he became wealthy, he remembered the poverty from which he came, living a frugal life.
Ghost of the Black Doctor of the Pines
Some scary tales tell of a tragic end when the locals, upon discovering his secret practice, lynched the Black Doctor of the Pines in a fit of racial hatred. These stories tell of murky nights and ghostly figures swinging from the branches, their spirits eternally restless.
The truth is that he died in 1882 of a stroke. He was buried in Colemantown Cemetery in Mount Laurel, New Jersey surrounded by his family.
The legend of James Still lives on, and his spirit is said to dwell in the Pine Barrens. When the rumor of him haunting the pines first began to spread, there was no certainty, but it is said that it happens when people need it.
Those who venture deep into the forest at night may encounter a mysterious figure holding a flickering lantern who gently guides them to safety. Lost or injured travelers describe feeling a sense of peace and protection, as if an concealed force were guiding them away from harm and healing their ailments.
The Black Doctor of the Pines, whether a victim of violence or a benevolent healer, remains an enduring symbol of resilience and compassion. His ghostly presence serves as a reminder of both the darkness and airy that can exist in the human spirit. So if you ever find yourself lost in the extensive, quiet forests of the Pine Barrens, look out for the flickering airy of a lantern. It could be James Still, the Black Doctor, continuing his eternal vigil, ready to guide you home.
Bibliography:
NJDEP | Dr. James Still's Office Historic Site | New Jersey State Park Service
James Still (doctor) – Wikipedia
Legends and tales of the New Jersey Pine Barrens – Wikipedia
Legends and Abandoned Ghost Towns in New Jersey's Pine Barren
Image Source: Pixabay.com
