Photo by Bill Green Patrick Boyton has recently written a book titled "Snallygaster: The Lost Legend of Frederick County." "Snallygaster" is the author's first book. He will be featured at a book signing from 7-8 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 20, at the Middletown Public Library.

While newer residents may be unfamiliar with the subject, many Frederick natives have memories of the mythical dragon-like beast said to inhabit Frederick County.

Stories of a winged beastie that swooped down from the sky to steal chickens and children from unsuspecting townsfolk had been passed down from generation to generation. Over the course of many years, the legend was woven into the fabric of the region's folklore.

Sightings of the Snallygaster were first reported by local newspapers in February and March of 1909. The Middletown Valley Register described the beast as having "enormous wings, a long pointed bill, claws like steel hooks, and an eye in the center of its forehead." It was described as making screeches "like a locomotive whistle." According to the paper, the monster had generated so much interest that the Smithsonian Institute had offered an award for its hide. Legend has it, President Theodore Roosevelt even considered postponing an African Safari to hunt the mysterious beast.

In March of 1909, according to the Register, a group of brave men fought the winged terror for an hour and a half outside the Emmitsburg train station before chasing it into the woods of Carroll County. The Snallygaster re-emerged for a few weeks in 1932, only to be killed in a vat of illegal moonshine.

The beast has been resurrected several times over the years, taking on different shapes and characteristics. By the time The Washington Post sponsored an expedition for the creature in 1976, it had evolved into more of a Bigfoot-type cryptic.

When Patrick Boyton moved to Frederick from New Jersey three years ago, he became instantly intrigued by the Snallygaster legend. "I came across a copy of 'Ghosts and Legends of Frederick County' by Timothy L. Cannon and Nancy F. Whitmore at the Historical Society of Frederick Bookstore on Church Street," Boyton said. "There was a small chapter on the Snallygaster, and I thought, 'What a strange, wonderful story!' I started reading everything I could find on it."

Unfortunately, Boyton quickly discovered there wasn't much information available on the local legend. "That's when I thought, why not write a book myself for others to enjoy."

Boyton spent six months researching the elusive monster online and in local libraries. His book is called "Snallygaster: The Lost Legend of Frederick County" and can be purchased in Frederick at the Historical Society of Frederick County bookstore, Flights of Fancy and Borders; the Snallygaster in Middletown ; Book Crossing in Brunswick ; on amazon.com, lulu.com or through Boyton's site, marylandmonster.com. It retails for $12.95.

"My goal with 'Snallygaster: The Lost Legend of Frederick County' is that it may resurrect some interest in Frederick 's own local folklore."