History & local legend
At Young Womans Creek in North Bend, Clinton County, a mysterious glowing presence became known as the Swamp Angel. Unlike many local spirits, it was said to help people who sought its aid. Historian Lou Bernard retells one such encounter involving Isaac Gaines, the folkloric problem-solver better known as Loop Hill Ike.
A woman named Liz had helped deliver Maud’s baby, but Maud died and her ghost began haunting Liz. Unable to stop the visits, Liz turned to Ike. He took her to seek the Swamp Angel, burning foxfire for three nights to attract its attention.
When the angel appeared, it told Liz to sleep in Maud’s bed for three nights. She followed the instructions and remained there as the dead woman visited. On the third night, the apparition faded away. Bernard places this helpful spirit alongside older creek legends about a dead woman gliding above the stream.
