■DSSPKI BMrnifiu zannii 1 % •*< ■ BDS .-* OCT »0 o ,* 4k <. -f \° °^ k V - ^ '■<■ -,. ' JS . & -5 v> •%. -- '/% ^ v* x '" .0* <,..tf /"% x o V * <&. >4 % c - ■ '**. l>< <\ WORKERS ix the VINEYARD A Review of the Progress of Spiritualism, Biographical Sketches, Lectures, Essays and Poems, BY rLIA SCHLESINGER EDITOR FOR TEN YEARS OF THE "CARRIER DOVE," ALSO OF THE "GLEANER, AND "PACIFIC COAST BPIRITUALIST.' ( bftte and labor in )>iy vineyard, for to, the harvest now IS > //v but the lai are few" SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, 180 I ^ Copyrighted by the Author, 1896. DEDICATION. TO THE MEMORY OF THE BRAVE PIONE1 RS ( IIWI TOILED IX THE VINEYARD OF TRUTH, AND MAD! ) POSSIBL1 IIIF. BENEFICEN1 RESULTS OF THE PRESENT ERA 01 MENTAL AND SPIRITUAL LIBERTY Tills VOLUME is LOVINGLY DEDIC Mil' BY 1 HI Al' IHOk. - The author has endeavored in this volume to present a brief historical sketch of the progress of Modern Spiritualism since the raps at Hydesville announced the ushering in of a new dispensation bringing light, truth, and proof of immortal life to humanity. Nearly half a century has passed since that memorable day, and many of the pioneers who went forth proclaiming the new revelation to the world have passed to spirit life leaving no record of their labors save that which lingers in the hearts and memories of those who were blest through their ministrations. This lack of authentic records of much that should have been preserved and formed the history of so great a movement, is an irreparable loss to Spiritualism, and an injustice to those who so grandly proclaimed the truth when it required almost the heroism of a martyr to brave the taunts and ridicule, the ignorance and intolerance of friends and toes, and the vituperations of pulpit and press. Such persecu- tion is not the lot of the present-day worker, save from narrow minds whose avenues of information and enlightenment are limited, or whose eyes are so blinded by superstition that the truth can not be seen when presented to them. The value of the lessons to be learned from the experiences, the strug- defeats, and conquests of other lives, cannot be over-estimated. They • as beacon lights along a stormy, rock-bound shore, warning others of the dangers, reefs, and shoals, and pointing the way to a safe harbor. In the brief histories of individual effort and labor in the field of reform as ted in these pages, smh lessens can be -leaned by coming generations long alter the workers in the vineyard of to-day have -one to their eternal homes. They will bear fruit in the heroic lives, devotion to truth, and grand numanitarianism of those who are to folli 1 ) u ring the past twelve ■ The Carrier I > for a time of The G and lastly. - m'/i, Coast Spiritualist^ I have been prepared lor this work, and a vasi amount of i 4 PREFACE. material — sufficient for several volumes — has been collected. If my humble efforts in this line meet the approval of Spiritualists, and there is a demand for another volume, it will be forthcoming. During all these years of struggle and trials consequent upon rearing a family, and incessant toil with hands and brain, I have ever been conscious of the loving guardianship of angel friends. They have comforted me in seasons of sorrow,encouraged and strengthened me when almost doubting and despairing, rejoiced in my success, and sympathized with me when failure seemed written on everything. They have ever taught the highest and purest principles as the rules of daily life and conduct. They have ever stimulated noble impulses and the highest aims; they have taught lessons of charity, patience, forbearance and justice. When the hasty word of criticism and censure has been uttered, their gentle reproaches have brought remorse and repentance. They have been a daily inspiration to a life of generous deeds, kindly words and tender compassion for all humanity. To them — my dear angel benefactors in spirit life, and the dear angels still in mortal form, who have given me strength in times of weakness, hope in days of dark despair, faith in the ultimate good, and aid spiritual and material to do that which was given me to do — to them am I indebted for whatever merit or success my labors deserve. Julia Schlesinger. INTRODUCTXOlSr. One of the most important epochs in the history of the world dates from March 31, 1848; for upon that day dawned the recognition of a new world of being, — nay, of a new universe, of which previously men had had faint glimmerings and fitful gleams, but of which demonstrative evidence of actuality had never before been systematically presented. From the little beginning at that time, at Hydesville, New York, there has arisen the grand and mighty movement called Modern Spiritualism, — a movement whose benefi- cent sway has been extended into all parts of the civilized world, even into the remote regions of Japan and China, Australia and New Zealand, India and Africa. The crowning glory of this new evangel of life and light is its demonstra- tion of the existence of the spiritual universe and of a future life for man; and concomitant therewith, and almos t of equal value, is its demonstration of the true character of that universe and of man's estate therein. Not alone is Spiritualism probative of a future life for all mankind, but it reveals to us a natural, rational, progressive spiritual existence, in full accord with the high- est, best aspirations and hopes of the human heart. It dispels forever the darksome dogmas and superstitious myths regarding the nature of the life after physical death that have for ages been regnant in the world, and imparts to mankind here on earth a joy and happiness beyond compare. To the enlightened Spiritualist the universe assumes a new aspect; all being is respon- sive to the felicity and serenity of his enraptured mind. The heavens wear a gladdening smile ne'er seen before and earth seems robed in silvery sheen. Spiritualism now encircles the earth, and embraces millions of earnest adherents. To what agencies is this wondrous progress due? To the com bined action of the inhabitants of the Morning Land, the spiritual spheres above, and of the "workers in the vineyard here below. Little could have been accomplished, in disseminating the truths of the philosophy and 16 INTRODUCTION. religion of Spiritualism, by our spiritual friends alone, without the co-operation of the faithful workers still encased in flesh and blood. Spirit- ualism stands where it does to-day because of the untirrng zeal, the unselfish, philanthropic labors of a host of true-hearted men and women. These "workers in the vineyard" have toiled on, and struggled on, regardless of the obloquy and ridicule, the persecutions and misrepresentations, so freely showered upon them by an unthinking, unbelieving world. Little recked they of the abuse and slander meeting them at every turn. They knew that they were right, they knew what their duty was; that duty they fearlessly performed, and they are still in steady performance thereof. To-day, all over the world, the sturdy "workers in the vineyard" are at their posts, aglow with enthusiasm, inspired with devotion to the holy cause enshrining their life-work. It is fitting that record be made of the good work that has been done and is being done by these laborers for the good and true. One of the important centers of action, in furtherance of the Spiritualistic gospel, has been the Pacific Coast of America. In addition to many noble workers native to it or resident therein, this coast has been enriched by the presence and labors of a number of the leading "workers in the vineyard" from all parts of America, and from England and other countries. In this initial volume of a projected series, it is purposed to present a faithful summary of the life-work of some of the men and women who have been active in the sustentation and presentation of the phenomena and philosophy of Spirit > ualism on the Pacific Coast, — the mediums, the lecturers, the writers, the workers in the societies and the lyceums, the sustainers and promoters of the good work by their means, their time, their influence, etc., — the active ''workers" in the cause, whether with voice, pen, money, or otherwise. In succeeding volumes, perhaps, similar record may be made of the "workers', in other parts of America and of the world Among the host of uns -llish, devoted "workers" On the Coast stands the co ( m£iler. and. publisher of this volume, Mrs. Julia Schlesinger. For a dozen ycais past she has stood in the forefront of the struggle for the advan< eincnt of Spiritualistic truth here. In the, ten years of the publication INTRODUCTION. 17 by her, in Oakland and San Francisco, of the Carrier Dove, she became possessed of a vast amount of historical and biographical information anent the progress of Spiritualism and the life-lines of its advocates and chamDions on the Coast. The cream of this, amplified and improved, is embodied in this volume. I know of no one on the Coast better equipped or better qualified for the preparation of this work than its present author. To relieve the monotony and to add variety to the work, ihere. will be- scattered through the volume selections from the many writings of Mrs. Schlesinger while editor of the Carrier Dove, upon subjects of interest to Spiritualists and reformers; also a choice selection of original poems upon .matters of contemporaneous interest. \V.\i. Kmmette Coleman. San Francisco, Cal., Jan. 1896. A REVIEW OF THE PROGRESS OF SPIRITUALISM. In casting a retrospective glance over the history ol one of the greatest move- ments the world has ever known — one fraught with so much of interest to the human race, revealing to mankind secrets which have hitherto puzzled the most eminent scholars, theologians and scien- tists, concerning the fact of continued life alter the change called death, and of the state or condition of those who have ex- perienced the change, we are struck with the magnitude of the movement which in less than hall a century has attained such gigantic proportions. Born in hu- mility and obscurity, persecuted and maligned in its infancy and youth, doubt- ed, ridiculed and derided on every hand, it has, nevertheless, steadily grown into public favor and acceptance, until, at the end of this brief period, it has many mil- lions of adherents. It has crept silently into the pages of popular books, maga- zines and newspapers throughout the land, and unconsciously has the public mind been educated and moulded into conformity therewith. True, it has not yet entirely overcome all bigotry and superstition, the outgrowth ol an igno- rant past; but that it has had a decidedly counteracting and liberalizing eflect can- not be denied. The pulpits everywhere, under the magical influence of the inspi- ration ol the present, are voicing its truths, and either silently ignoring the errors of the past, or boldly pro< laiming their worthlessness to meet the demands Of the growing intelligence of mankind. Much remaips to be done in this direc- tion before tiie complete breaking of the shackles ol ignorance, whi< h lia centuries enslaved and degraded human- ity. I Jut the prognostications ol indicate a new era ol devc lopmeill I It the race — an era which had it> beginning with the tiny raps at I [ydesville, .ind will culminate only in the distant cycles ol the future, far beyond the reach of mortal vision or conception. A brief outline «>f the origin and growth of the light of the nineteenth century — Modern Spiritual- ism, cannot be amiss in this introductory chapter. In abook entitled "The Missing Link," written by A. Leah Underbill, one of the "Fox sisters," it is stated that the raps which had been heard for some time in the house at Hydesville, grew to be so annoying, that at last the neighbois were called in to witness the manifestations, and decide upon their origin and mean- ing. Upon the eventful night of March 31st, 1848, the family, consisting of John Fox, his wife Margaret Fox, and their two daughters, Margaretta and Cather- ine, or "Cathie," as her mother called her, had retired earlv in the evening, hoping to have a good night's rest, free from the disturbing noises which had so annoyed them for several weeks previ- ous. They had no sooner retired, how- ever, than the rapping began, and tne children (who slept m the same room with their parents, having been brought in on account ol their fear when occupy- ing a room alone) imitated the sounds by snapping their lingers and clapping their hands. Cathie, the youngest, said: "Mr. SplitfoOt, do as 1 do," clapping her hands. The sound instantly followed her, with the same number ol raps. Then Margaretta said: "Now do jusl as J do; countone, two, three, lour," strik- ing one hand against die other, which was immediately imitated, as before, 1>\ the laps. Mis. FOJC tlxn began to ask questions, and obtained answers by the raps. She asked the spirits to rap out her children's ages, which wustlone cor- rectly each time. Mi. Fox was so much astonished at this that h<- went oul and imited a neighbor to Come m. wllO, in turn, wi nt (in after others, until a large 20 THE PROGRESS OF SPIRITUALISM. company had assembled. By asking questions which could be answered by yes and no (two raps signifying no, and three raps yes) it was ascertained that a peddler had been murdered in that house some years before, and his body buried in the cellar, and the name of the mur- derer given. This created a great excite- ment, and the next day hundreds of people visited the house. The excite- ment increased, and it was found impos- sible for the family to remain there longer. They went to the residence of a married son, David Fox, living about two miles distant, until their own house, which was not yet completed, should be ready for occupancy. The raps followed them, and it was soon discovered that the two little girls were the mediums. The eldest sister, A. Leah Underbill (then Mrs. Fish,) was residing in Rochester, and hearing of the strange occurrences at Hydesville, determined to visit her par- ents and ascertain what it all meant. Arriving at Hydesville, she found the "haunted house" deserted, and learned that the family were living with her brotlur David. She found her mother almost ill from the effects of the trying scenes through which they had been called to pass. After remaining two weeks, during which time remarkable manifestations occurred, Mrs. Fish re- turned home, taking the younger sister, Katie, with her, as the mother thought that by separating the family the disturb- ance would cease. In this they were dis- appointed, as the raps followed them on their journey home, and on arriving there they found it impossible to sleep nights the disturbance was so great. Articles of furniture were moved, doors opened and shut, the sound of persons walking about was distinctly heard, the beds upon which they were sleeping would be raised from the floor and dropped down again, until they were obliged to take the lx ddillg and lay it on 1 1 1< ■ llo> r. Main other wonderful and startling things oc- curred, until it was thought best to send fol Mi--- FOX, as the little daughter was almost ill through fright. She immedi- ately left for Rochester, taking the other daughter, Margaretta, with her. Upon their arrival a family council was held, but nothing could be decided upon but to await events and pray for protection. The manifestations increased in power until, feeling that they could no longer bear it alone, they consulted with Isaac and Amy Post, who were much amused at what was told them, and believed the family were "suffering under some psy- chological delusion." But when they witnessed some things in their own home they became interested, and invited some friends to witness the manifestations also. Though the family begged that everything should be kept a profound secret, they soon found that it was not so kept. The spirits were determined that the truth should be given to the world, and these were the instruments through whom it was to be given. They directed that private circles should be held at different houses, and they would manifest for promiscuous companies. The first meet- ing was held at the residence of Isaac and Amy Post, the spirits directing whom to invite. They were all promi- nent persons — lawyers, doctors and edit- ors. Among the number was Frederick Douglas, editor of the "North Star." After several very satisfactory meetings, at which the spirits demonstrated their ability to rap sufficiently loud to be heard in a large hall, they instructed the medi- ums to give public seances in a large hall. Corinthian Hall, then the largest in Rochester, was designated. It was engaged, and the meeting was advertised for the evening of November 14, 1S4S. At the meeting an investigating commit- tee of five prominent skeptical gentle- men was appointed, to make a report at the next meeting. Contrary to the expectations ami wishes of the audience assembled, the report of the committee was in favor ol the mediums, and another committee was appointed to make the next report. The report of this Commit" tee was also favorable, as no solution could he given of the method by which the raps were produced. The excitement LEAH FOX (JNDERHILL. THE PROGRESS OF SPIRITUALISM. 2L was at this time intense, and there was talk of mobbing both mediums and com- mittee. At the third meeting, those who expressed most dissatisfaction with the previous investigations were appointed, and formed what was called the • 'Infidel Committee." They met at the rooms of Dr. Gates, in the Rochester House. Three ladies were appointed, who took the mediums into a private room and had them disrobe and put on garments that had been selected for the purpose. They were then conducted into the presence of the committee, composed of five gentle- men who were determined to "fathom the fraud." After waiting some time and no manifestations of importance oc- curring, the girls were told they could "go home and get their dinners," and perhaps then the "ghosts" would be more sociable. Then Leah said: "No, we shall not stir from this room until the time for this investigation shall expire, which will be at 6 o'clock p. if. The fol- lowing is what occurred, as related by Mrs. LJnderhill: "Some of the Committee exclaimed 'Good for the Rappers! That looks like business. Ladies and gentlemen, let us have dinner in this room. We will give the girls fair play.' A sumptuous dinner was prepared and brought in to us, and all took Beats at the table. They taunted us in every way. Sometimes we felt our- selves forsaken, and disposed to give up in despair. ( >ur friends were lock* d out, and not permitted to come into 'he room ; but we could hear their faithful footsteps outside the door, in the hall of the hotel, Isaac and Amy Post, Mr. and Mis. Pier- pont, George Willets and others. My young sister Maggie was by my side, bathed in tears. 1 >r. ( i.it<> was Carving, struggling with a choking emotion, and could DOt taste food. The party were joking and tunning at our expense, when, suddenly, the great table began to tremble, and raised first one end and then the other, with loud creaking sounds, like a ship struggling in a heavy gale, until it was finally suspended abov< heads. For a moment .ill were silent and looked at each other with astonishment. The waiters fled in every direction. In- stantly the scene was changed. The ladies threw their arms around us, one after another, and it was their turn to cry They said to us: 'Oh, you poor girls, how you have been abused! Oh, how sorry we are for you; after all it is true! The gentlemen, with one accord said, 'Girls, you have gained a victory. We will. stand by you to the last.' Let it be un- derstood that this Committee of ladies, and gentlemen took us to the parlors of the Rochester House, which could be divided into two rooms by closing the folding doors. After dinner the gentle- men of the Committee insulated the table by putting glass under the legs, procured two sacks of leathers, and advised the ladies how to conduct the investigation. They then closed the doors and retired, leaving us and the lady members of the Committee alone. By this time the Com- mittee had become kindly disposed to- wards us. They suggested to us that we should stand upon the sacks of feathers on the table, with our dresses tied tight above our ankles. We complied with all their suggestions cheerfully. Imme- diately the sounds were heard on the table, floor and walls: The ladies in- stantly opened the doors, and the gentle- men came in ami witnessed the manifesta- tions themselves." At the conclusion of this investigation the Committee received a note warning them that if they went to the hall that evening with a report in fa or of the girls, they would be mobbed. The friends of the mediums also urged them to remain at home, but the spirits said, "Co, you will not be harmed." Act ordingly, at the appointed hour, they went and found a rowdy element in tin audit in e, who would have stopped at nothing short ol violence had not the polil e 1 >ei n notified of th'- anti< ipated trouble, and been pres- ent in suiin ient numbers to quell tin- dis- turbance which was commenced by the explosion <>i t<-i pedoi s in evei v part of the hall. Tin- mob wasqiiu kl> disp and tin- mediums pul>h< ly \ ind 22 THE PROGRESS OF SPIRITUALISM. Thus was inaugurated the public work of these chosen ones, and conducted at the risk of their lives many times, before the ignorant, bigoted masses could be con- vinced that they were not in league with his Satanic Majesty, and that they would be doing God's service by killing them- In a brief sketch like this, it is impossible to give but few of the interesting events in the lives of these world renowned me- diums. The pioneers in the ranks of Spiritualism are, many of them, person- ally acquainted with the subjects of this article, and have, like them, suffered per- secution for doing the bidding of the angels; therefore, it is not for them that this record is given, but for those who are at present investigating this great truth, and for those recently convinced who are unfamiliar with the origin of the movement. After the successful termination of the Rochester meeting, the mediums were informed that they must go forth and give the truth to the world. Accordingly arrangements were made for a series of public meetings in Albany. The "Fox Family," as they were called, consisted of Mrs. Fox and the three daughters — Leah (Mrs. Fish), Margaretta and Katie. They were accompanied by Calvin Brown, an adopted son of Mrs. Fox, who was the ladies' escort. Their success, both in public and private seances, was remarkable. Their rooms were thronged with the more intelligent portion of the community, among whom were lawyers* actors, college professors, ministers, ed- itors and honest infidels, judges, etc. They were deluged with letters of invita- tion to visit other places by those who wished to investigate; but having made arrangements to go from Albany direct to New York, they could not deviate from the course marked out for them. At the urgent solicitations of friends they were induced to spend a few days in Troy visiting New York. Theirsuccess here, as elsewhere, was highly gratifying. The first appearance of the "Fox Fam- ily" in New York was in June, [850. Horace (Ireely was their first caller, lie announced their arrival in the Tribune and published their rules of order. Their seance room at the hotel was a large parlor, containing a long table with thirty seats. The public parlors served as ante- rooms, in which visitors waited their turns to be admitted to the seance-room. Three public seances were ^iven daily, from 10 to 12 a. m., 3 to 5 p. m., and 8 to 10 p. M. These meetings would lengthen out until there was scarcely lime given the mediums fur eating and sleeping, the evening sessions frequently extending until midnight, and private sittings often being given before breakfast. Many times were these mediums compelled to submit to the most crucial test conditions in order to satisfy the extremely skepti- cal that the manifestations were not the result of trickery. It is gratifying to note that in all such instances mediumship triumphed. During their first visit of three months at the great metropolis, thousands of people visited them and received their first demonstrated proofs of a future life. "A special investigation by a large committee of the first men of New York, in scientific and literary, as well as social distinction," took place at the residence of Rev. Rufus \V. Gris- wold. Among the company present were: J. Fenimore Cooper, the novelist; Mr. George Bancroft, the historian; Rev. Dr. Hawks, Dr. J. W. Francis, Dr. Mar- cy, Mr. N. P. Willis, Mr. Win. Cullen Bryant, the poet, and Mr. Bigelow of the Evening Post, Mr. Richard B. Kimball. Mr. H. Tuckerman, and General Lyman. Mr. Ripley, one of the editors of the Tribune, made a report of the proceed- ings, which any one can re, id by looking over the files of that paper for 1S50, the sum ot which was that the seance proved a very interesting and satisfactory one to the committee and friends. Mr. Cooper, upon his death bed, a little over a year afterward, sent them the following mes- sage: "Tell the Fox family I bless them. I have been made happy through them. They have prepared me lor this hour." In September it was decided to return to Rochester lor rest ami recreation after ■■■ MARGA.RETTA FOX KANE THE PROGRESS OF SPIRITUALISM. 2 3 the months of unceasing labor in New York. Beiore doing so they were invited by their warm friends, Mr. and Mrs- Greeley, to spend a fortnight at their hos- pitable home on Nineteenth street. After the return of the family to Rochester, Horace Greeley published a lengthy state- ment in the Tribune of the result of their visit to New York, vouching for the per- fect integrity and honesty of the mediums, but making no attempt to explain the nature of their manifestations. We can but briefly sketch the busy lives of the sisters, after entering into the work appointed them by their invisible guardi- ans. Their visits to various cities, while many times marked with great trials and difficulties, of which the mediums of the present time have little conception, were usually successions of triumphs over the bigotry and ignorance of their enemies, who attempted to explain the manifesta- tions in many improbable and impossible ways, such as the tl toe and knee joint the- ory," "electrical vibrations," etc. Among the number who most successfully dis- tinguished themselves as consummate ig- DOratnuses were three learned professors of the University of Buffalo. These gen- tlemen— Austin Flint, M. D., Charles A. !. I)., and C. 15 Coventry, M. I) — published an article in The Commercial Advertiser^ of February i8, [851, in which they explained in a most elaborate and sci- entific manner (which must have been extremely gratifying to the public), the process by which the three Fox j^'H* had been so successfully humbugging the people lor three years. Thm prominenl among these wasColone' Ransom, publisher of the Marysville J/rnilit, who was an avowed Spiritualist, and oneof his sons, Elijah, was a medium. When the Banner of Light firs! made its appearam «• in that \< ar, ( done! Ran- som, its agent, scattered the new paper THE PROGRESS OF SPIRITUALISM. among the people in the city of Marys- ville. In the city of San Francisco seances were held at the house of Russel Ellis on Sansome street, at the International Hotel, and also at the residence of J. P. Man row, on Russian Hill, where the most remarkable manifestations occurred. The first lectures on Spiritualism de- livered in San Francisco were given by Mrs. Eliza W. Farnham, in 1859. Mrs. Farnham also lectured in Santa Cruz, and with her intellectual and energetic friend, Mrs. Georgiana B. Kirby, did much to aid the spread ot liberal thought in that part ot the Scate. Nelson J. Un- derwood. W. H. Rhodes, G. VV. Baker, a young man named Beauharnais, and others lectured occasionally, but no regu- lar course ot lectures was established until 1864, when Emma Hardinge came to this State. Mrs. Hardinge lectured, and organized The Friends of Progress, and the meetings were free to the public. In 1864 Mrs. C M. Stowe and Mary Beach, mediums, arrived overland. Mrs. Stowe lectured in Pickwick Hall, Con- gress Hall, and other places. From that time until the present, California has been favored with visits from some of the best mediums and finest orators in the world. Mrs. Cora L. V. Tappan has visited the Siate three times — the last time as Mrs. Richmond. She did much to advance Spiritualism on this Coast. Mrs. Laura Cuppy (who became Mrs. Smith, and alterward Mrs. Kendricks) labored constant! v on the platform for ten years. Benjamin Todd arrived in September 1866 and lectured throughout the State for several years, during a part of the time editing a spiritual paper here. Mrs Laura De Force Gordon came to the State in 1867, and lectured in San Jose, Sacramento and this city. Selden J. Finney, a brilliant orator, a man of great culture "and intellect, spent the Closing years of his life here, and did mill li to advance the cause of Spiritual- ism. The speakers who have occupied the spiritual rostrum during the last twenty- live years make a long list. Among prominent ones from abroad are the following: J. M. Peebles, Warren Chase, Benjamin Todd, Dean Clarke, J. S Loveland, Gerald Massey, P. B. Ran- dolph, Wm. Denton, Thomas Gales Fors- ter, Chauncey Barnes, Bishop Beals, Geo. Chaney, Lois Waisbrooker, Fanny Allyn, Jenny Leys, H. F. M. Brown, Belle Chamberlain, Miss Augusta Whiting, G. P- Colby, W. J. Colville, J. J. Morse,Charles Dawbarn, Moses Hull, Mrs. R. S. Lillie, Mattie Hull, Prof. Lockwood, Cora L. V, Richmond, Dr. J. R. Buchanan, Prof. A J. Swarts, Mrs. Longley, Walter Howell. One of the first mediums who gave her services to the public was Mrs. Deiterlee, residing on Capp street. Ada Hoyt Foye advertised to give sittings at 131 Mont- gomery street in 1866. Mrs. M. }. Hen- dee, who had for several years served the cause as a healer in Sacramento and Petaluma, opened an office in San Fran- cisco in 1869. Charles H. Foster, Henry Slade and Jesse Shephard have visited the State and given the public evidence of spirit return through their wonderful mediumship. Among the early mediums we find the names ot Mrs. Sproule (now Mrs. Robinson), Mrs. Breed, Lou. M. Kerns, Mrs. E. Beman, Mme. Clara An" tonia, Mrs. C. M. Stowe, Mary Beach, Wella and Pet Anderson, Amanda Wig- gin, Mrs. Babbitt. Of those of later years there are a great many. The first California State Convention was held in San Jose, in May, j866. It elected a State Central Committee, con- sisting of J. H. Atkinson, J. D. Pierson, P.W. Randle.J.C. Mitchell, H.J. Payne, J. H. Josselyn, C. C. Coolidge and C. C. Knowles of San Francisco; A. C. Stowe. J. J. Owen and W. N. Slocum of Santa Clara; Henry Miller, W. F. Lyon, H. H. Bowman and C. W. Hoit of Sacramento; E. Gibbs, San Joaquin; A. B. Paul, Inyo; Lena Hutchinson, Mona; Thos. Loyd, Nevada; A. Shell enberger, Yuba; B. A. Allen, Butte; Dr. Hungerford, Napa; Mrs. Thomas Eager, Alameda; J. Glass, Tuolumne; C. P. Hatch, Sonoma; L. A. Gitchell, Del Norte; James Christian, Plumas; J.J. Fisk, Yolo. This committee THE PROGRESS OF SPIRITUALISM. issued an address to Spiritualists, asking co-operation in efforts to advance the cause, sustain local societies and annual conventions. The result of this effort was productive of good for a time; but gradually the work languished, and finally ceased. In the year 1874 a secret society of Spiritualists was originated by A. C. Stowe, and "circles." as they were called > were instituted in San Francisco, San lose and Sacramento. .Mrs. Laverna Matthews was President of the San Fran- cisco branch, serving two terms. This society was also a failure. Other local societies were formed, and after serving their purpose passed away, leaving little recoid of their work. The first Children's Progressive Ly- ceum organized in the State was in Sac- ramento, early in 1865, by .Mr. R. Moore, w York. .Mr. Moore then came to S m Francisco, and organized the first .:n in this city, July 16th, 1865, at a hall on the corner ot Fourth and Jessie Mr. Moore was chosen Con- dui 'tor, and J. C. Mitchell Assistant, with a full corps of Leaders of ( Groups, among whom were Mrs. E. P. Thorndyke, Mrs. S. B. Whitehead, Dr. J. R. Payne and J. \Y. Mackie. The Lyceum did good work for two years, and then suspended. Sev- eral attempts were m ide to revive it, but they were short-lived efforts, and not until June 14th, 1872, was a permanent im established. Mr. Wm. M. Ryder was the first Conductor, and Mr. |. M. Mathews Secretary and Treasurer. Mrs. Laverna Mathews was next elei ted Con dUCtor, and served for many years. That Lyceum is still alive, and is ably con- ducted by Mr. and Mrs. Wadsworth, Mr. Gilman and Mrs. Richardson. The first t Oakland Lyceum was started in [776, with Father Mabrv as Condui tor. assisted by Mrs. Mabry, Marshall Curtis and Others. It alSO Was discontinued. The second ( Oakland I \ < eum was 1 ized in [882, with Mrs. M. A. Gunn as Conductor. It was in the intere this Lyceum, in which Mrs. Julia S was an active worker, that the Carrier Dove was started in Septem- ber, 18S3. The first number was issued as a little Lyceum paper, edited by Mrs. Schlesinger and Mrs. Jennie Mason. That Lyceum has continued until the present time, and is now ably conducted by Mrs. Chas. Gunn. The first society incorporated under the incorporation laws of the State of California was "The First Spiritual Union of San Francisco," of which Mrs. La- verna Mathews was the able President. This society suspended its meetings when "The Golden Gate Religious and Philo- sophical Society " was organized and in- corporated in the year 1885. The former society still exists, and its Trustees hold regular business meetings, while the lat- ter society has become entirely a thing of the past, although at the beginning it seemed to promise great results. Its meetings were held at Metropolitan Tem- ple, under the business management of M. B. Dodge, with Mrs. Elizabeth L. Wat- son as speaker. The Society of Progressive Spiritualists was incorporated in [883, with II. C. Wil- son as President. This society owns property to the value of about forty thousand dollars, the donation of Mrs. Eunice Sleeper, and hopes sometime to build a temple worthy of the cause in this city. It also owns the largest spiritual library on the Pacific Coast, and supports the leading meetings in the State, always employing the best speakers and medi- ums to occupy the platform. Another incorporated society that did -rand work during the four years of its exist- nee was "The Spi ritualists' State Campmeeting Association," organized in October, [884. This movement was first inaugurated by Mrs. Julia Schlesinger and Mrs. Frani es A 1 1 in 1 h< • two ladies outlined the plan ol a State Campmeet- ing, which they presented t<» Mr. M. c. Wilson, who w.is then President of the , oi I'io- 1. . .;■. e Spiritualists, 1 1<- at once entered into the spirit of the movement, and gave them encoi mem and assistance, inviting them to til their views upon the platform. 26 THE PROGRESS OF SPIRITUALISM. Mrs. M. Miller, then one of the Directors in the same society also entered heartily into the work, and the result was a call for a convention to be held at the Nep* tune Gardens, Alameda, where Mrs. Lo- gan and her brother, Walter Hyde, then resided. At that convention the State Campmeeting Association was organized and incorporated. Mr. H. C. Wilson was elected president. The following year the meeting under its auspices was held at San Jose, and considerable interest was awakened. The two following years the conventions were held in Oakland, and the very best talent obtainable employed. Mr. }. J. Morse, of England, was first brought to this coast under its auspices, W. J. Colville, Mrs. R. S. Lillie and Ed. gar Emerson, the celebrated platform test medium, also came here under en- gagement of the Campmeeting Associa- tion During the two years of its great success, its tents were pitched upon the beautiful banks of Lake Merritt, in the city of Oakland. The last year it was held there, Dr. and Mrs. Schlesinger pub- lished a little paper called The Daily Dove, in which was reported the full proceedings each day. This was contin- ued during the entire month of the camp- meeting, with the exception of the last five days, when the regular monthly .Car- rier Dove, containing a full report of the meeting was issued. The failure of the State Campmeeting was the result of a change of the officers who had worked it up from the begin- ning to the height of prosperity and in- fluence. The following year a tent meet- ing was held in San Francisco under the new management which was a decided failure, and ended the work and useful- ness of what was once a strong organiza- tion, that wielded great influence for good and for the advancement of the cause. The press notices of the Convention during the two years it was held m Oak- land were fair and liberal, and many were brought to a knowledge of the truth thereby. The failure of the State Association had a disheartening effect upon the old workers and leaders in the movement, and Spiritualism received a blow from which it has not recovered. Since the suspension of the State As- sociation, other Campmeetings of a local character have been held in Oakland, Summerland and San Bernardino. In Oregon, the New Era Camp has attracted some attention; also the meeting held in Washington. In Portland, Or., are sev- eral flourishing societies. In Seattle and Tacoma, Wash., and as far north as Vic- toria, British Columbia, are societies where local talent is employed, and where much good work is being done. Spiritual societies exist in many towns and cities throughout the State of Cali- fornia. The most prominent outside of San Francisco are in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Bernardino, Riverside, Sum- merland, Santa Cruz, San Jose, Oakland, Stockton, Sacramento, Pasadena and National City. In San Francisco there are eight incorporated societies, holding meetings and employing speakers and mediums. Of spiritual papers there have been quite a number published at intervals during the past thirty-five years. The first Spiritual paper published on this coast was The Family Circle, issued in in San Francisco in 1859. It was short- lived, and so little impression did it make on the Spiritualists of that day that very few even recall its existence. Then followed The Golden Gate, started by Fanny Green McDougal, in Sacra- mento. It was a well written sheet, as might be expected under the control of a woman of such ability and experience, but it was impecunious from the start, and starved to death before it had time to make its merits known. That failure served as a warning against further attempts until 1867, when Benja- min Todd, lecturer, and \V. II. Manning, practical printer, issued the Banner of Progress^ headquarters in San Francisco. This was a large, well-conducted paper, and continued nearly two years, when it suspended, Thenext was Common Sense^ started in 1S7 | by \Y. X. and Amanda M. KATIE POX JENCKEN. THE PROGRESS OF SPIRITUALISM. 2 7 Slocum, which managed to live through the first year and a few weeks into the second, when it suspended. In May, 1875. The Philomathean, a pamphlet-shaped weekly, was started by Prof. W. H. Cha- ney, which also passed away after a brief existence. A number of years elapsed before the next venture in Spiritualistic journalism, which was made by Mr. and Mrs. Win- chester, publishers of Light for All. This paper did a good work during the two years of its existence, but it finally suspended publication. During a portion of the brief career of Light for All, the paper had a rival in The Reasoner, pub- lished by Dr. J. D. MacLennan of San Francisco. The reason for publishing The R ea so tier was never apparent, unless the paper was intended to serve as an ad- vertising medium for its owner. This method of advertising, however, was too expensive, and the eflort was aban- doned. In September, 1883, The Carrier Dove irted in Oakland, by Mrs. J. Schles- Lyceum paper. It soon out- grew its juvenile character, and assumed tin- proportions and nature of a first-class illustrated monthly magazine. It was the first spiritual magazine in the world that in ide a specialty of publishing portraits and biographical sketches of prominent Spiritualists. After being issued three years and a halt as a monthly, it was changed into a weekly, but still retained its magazine Form and illustrations. The continued until the latter part of 1893— just ten yr;ir-> from its first appear- ance— when the name was changed to the Pat <■>'/> ( i^t Spiritualist^ and to the form of a large eight page weekly 1 paper. This publication was not a ■ I m >nths <-f hard work on the part of the proprietors — Dr. and Mrs. Schlesirj the 1 itter's health failed completely owing to the long continued and constant taxation of body and brain and the Pacific ( 'oast Spiritualist ceased to when its editor could no longer wield her pen. During the existence of the Carrier Dove, another paper, called the Golden Gate, was started, which was ably edited by Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Owen. It was a fine eight-page paper, and did good work during the six and a half years of its pub- lication. The Pacific Leader was started in Ala- meda, but it only lived three months. The fi'ortd's Advance Thought is an excellent publication, conducted by Mrs. Lucy Mallory of Portland, Oregon. A paper called The Reconstructor was published by Prof. J. S. Loveland, in Summerland, Cal., for some time; but it changed hands, and was called The Suni- merland by the new management. It suspended in 1S93. During the last year three small Spirit- ual papers have made their appearance in California: The Medium, of Los An- geles, the LLera'd of Light, of San Diego, and Progress, ol San Francisco. In July, 1895, the Spiritualists ol South- ern California organized a Camp-meeting Association, and the first meeting was held in Santa Monica. Mr. S. D. Dye was the president. It continued three weeks and much good was accomplished. Many able speakers and excellent mediums occupied the pi, it- form. At the conclusion of the camp- meeting some of the most prominent mediums and speakers visited Los Angeles and held a Spiritualists Congress continuing six days with three sessions daily. A great interest was awakened in the en! . When the congress was ended, Dr. Schlesinger of San Francisco, Mis. Cowell of Oakland, and Mis. Frietag of National City, assisted by Mr. S. D. ecured Hi'- Los Angeles Theatre and began <>t meetings which remarkably successful. Immense audien • d the theatre evei y Sun- day night tM hear the wonderful given by I >r. Schlesinger and Mrs Cowell and the beautiful inspired addres the young trance medium Mi ;, Maud Freitag. The result <»i their lab.. the organization "t a new S 1 iety called THE PROGRESS OF SPIRITUALISM. The "Harmonial Spiritualists Asso- ciation." The theatre was secured for a year and the good work inaugurated under most favorable auspices. Dr. N. F. Ravlin was engaged as their speaker and the best mediums are employed to co-operate with him. There are three other societies in that city holding regular meetings. A new society has recently been incorporated in San Fran- cisco called the "California Psychical Society" which promises good work. Under its auspices Mr. J. J. Morse of England was engaged and a spirit o* investigation awakened, far reaching and beneficial in its results. It is impossible in a brief review of the work and workers of Spiritualism during the past forty-eight years to give more than a cursory glance at each. The work is so great, and the workers so many that it would take many volumes like this to do justice to all. It is a heaven inspired movement and the angels are its directors and evangels. Its mission is to break the fetters and chains which were forged in an ignorant and super- stitious past and set humanity free, turn their faces sun-ward, and give them glimpses of glory unspeakable. Many of our noble pioneers have passed on leaving no written record of noble deeds and unselfish lives. Such are remembered only by the influence they exerted for good upon the lives of others which, however, is permanent, and lasting at the stars. All have done good in their own way and awakened an interest in the grand truths of Spiritualism that will some day bear fruit and bless humanity, even though the pioneers who sowed'the seed amid persecution and misrepresentation may have passed away, and their names be forgotten among men. In the land of souls they will live and be loved for their unselfish deeds, their devotion to truth, and fidelity to an unpopular cause, which the present generation cannot under- st nd. tmm% ■u^^t^, 4^*V XJ. JULIA SCHLESINGER. Inspirational Medium, Writkr, and Editor. It has been said that the history of t man's life and labor in any public ca paelty is best wiitten by his friends, and the same may be said of a woman's work. Taking this view of the subject, in regponse to the oft-repeated request f >r a* 'sketch" of myself, I have gleaned 11 few words from the published writings uf those whom I am proud and happy to number among my choicest, dearest friends, for such they have been to me through storm and sunshine, ever the same steadfast, unwavering friends. First among these, I quote William Kmmette Coleman's tribute on the tenth anniversary of the Carrier DOVZ, which u;i8 celebrated Sept. 20, 1893, at the opening of the new home, No. 1 Polk Street. Mr. Coleman said: me ten years ago a little woman living in Oakland issued the first num- ber of a little paper devoted to the chil- dren in the Spiritual Lyceum, called the Carrier Dovb. The publisher and editor were without experience in journalistic ventures or in writing for tie- public, it was the tentative effort of an active mind and an earnest heart throbbing and pulsing with humanita- rian impulse to do a little something for the advancement of truth ami re- form in tie- world. The little paper struggled along under difficulties, but it was issued regularly, ami before a gnat while it grew to larger propor- tions, and its tie Id of endeavor w panded. Now, not sloue were the lii- tle ones in tin- Lyceum Included in its purview; children <>f a larger growth (and we are all children in Nature's primary .school on this planet) were taken Into its fold, and the gospel of Modern Spiritualism — the evangel of "glad tidings of great joy," — was preached in its pages " for the healing of the nations." Year by year the Carrier Dove grew and thrived, increasing in size and circulation. A removal from Oak- land to San Francisco accelerated its progress and development, until from the tiny sheet of its initial number it became the large quarto magazine, richly freighted with choice viands of intellectual and spiritual food, with which you are all doubtless so familiar. Year after year has continued this con- stant evolution, until now, by a segre- gation of material and endeavor, the whilom monthly has been succeeded by the Pacific Coast Spiritualist, a popular weekly filled with current events and matters of interest to the ►Spiritualists of all shades of opinion and in all fields of action. Phenomena, philosophy, science, literature, all find a place in its pag< h. All this has been the work of the in- domitable little woman whom we have met this evening to honor. She may well be proud of the record of her ten year-' arduous labor in the field of Spir- itual journalism. Never has she fal. tered, never turned back from the work devolving upon her. With her face ever to the front, with soul afire with enthusiasm for the task she bad so bravely undertaken, she has p on and on and on. The culmination of her good work we b: t \e gathered to- night t-> accentuate, by our pr< and Hvmp.it by, and it may be, in cases, by some more substantial evi* dence <>f our appreciation of her noble labors faithfully executed. Bhe well rosritfl Jt'i the i ement, all tin* 3° JULIA SCHLESINGER. kindly aid, that may be bestowed upon her. Nor should the zealous labors of her faithful co-worker be overlooked. Ac- cording to tiie law of nature, the two sexes are requisite to make the perfect whole. Neither is complete without the other. S >, pari passu with the ac- tivity in the domain of mind, ofttimes of body, also, of the woman projector and carrier forward of the Dove > has been the active work of the male coad- jutor in the realms of the material and financial. A heavy debt of gratitude is due to the latter for his unswerving devotion to the interests of his better half's literary venture, his self-sacrific- ing toil and tireless efforts in behalf of the success of the Dove in all its vicis- situdes, from first to last. To v oth of them, then, the editor and the publisher, we extend our hearty congratulations upon the success so far attending their joint labors, with the sincere wish that what has already been attained may be only a slight fore- taste of the much richer and grander results with which their future endeav- ors may be crowned." Another well-known writer and ipeaker, also editor and publisher of the Lyceum Banner of London, Eng- land, Mr. J. J. Morse, recently published a portrait and brief sketch, from which we take the following extracts: "In publishing the portrait of Mrs. Julia Schles'nger, the editor of The Carrier Dove, published in San Fran- cisco, in the Lyceum Banner, the ed- itors desire to pay a graceful compli- ment to an earnest Spiritualist, a faith- ful and devoted worker, a warm friend of the children, and one deeply inter- ested in all that pertains to Lyceum methods. Mrs. Schlesinger is one of the women that have come to the front in the ranks of American Spiritualism, and Kg editor, writer, and speaker has ren- dered invaluable service to our work in San Francisco. The writer of this short sketch and his family are indebted to her for many kindly actions, and ffo'ni their present home send warm greetings to their es- teemed and far-away friend. As a devoted wife and mother, Mrs. Schlesinger bears an honored name, while her husband, Dr. Louis Schlesin- ger, is one of the most notable medi- ums of the United States, whose fame is wide-spread, and whose work has converted hundreds to our cause. Mrs. Schlesinger wields a facile pen, Writes ably on all women's questions, and takes a broad and liberal view of human duties in the state and in the home." The following is partly composed of extracts from a brief sketch published in the Carrier Dove some years ago with additional items concerning later work , from the pen of that grand pioneer me- dium, Mrs Hendee-Rogers. In the Dove's pages the reader discov- ers the true index to the character of its editor. She stamps it with her individ- uality in its general appearance, style and make-up ; and the nature of its contents reflects her broad, liberal views not only through the editorial department but in the judicious selections which form an important feature of its contents. Born and reared in the West, Mrs. Schleslin- ger partakes of the spirit of freedom and liberality characteristic of its broad and rolling prairies, it! towering mountains and majestic rivers. The restraints and conventionalities of "society" are irksome to such a nature, and its shams and arti- ficialities have no place or part in her life. Her home and children are more precious to her than all the fashionable world outside and in it she finds the time and conditions that enable her to do an amount of literary work that is quite astonishing. From bitter personal experience she Jearned that only through individual freedom can women be lifted above the power of men of low moral character to crush and enslave. She saw that in order to be free women must be finan- cially independent, that justice must be accorded to them, not only in the pay- ment of equal wages for equal service. JULIA SCHLESINGER. 31 but in the means of acquiring a know- ledge of practical affairs. The educa- tional facilities of woman should be on on equality with those of the other sex, and no limit should be placed to the sphere of her action in life. The deep convictions and sympathetic feelings of Mrs. Bchlesinger in relation to this and kindred branches of reform led her to extend her field of labors beyond the columns of the Dove, and in January, 1890 she began the publication of an illus- strated magazine of 62 pages called The Gleaner devoted to the interests of women, socially, industrially and finan- cially. This work was continued six months, at the end of which time Mrs. Schlesinger was obliged lo suspend its publication owing to ill health through over-taxation in doing all the editorial work on both publications. The publi cation of the Dove continued until the Pacific Coast Spiritualist was estab- lished in Aug. st, 1893. In addition to her household and jour- nalistic work Mrs. Schlesingor has been for several years collecting and arranging material for a work of great value as a historical record of Spiritualism on the Pacific Coast, embodying portraits and biographical sketches of not only the early pioneers in the cause but also the present-day workers. During the past year she has been, and still is, a regular contributor to Li.i(lit of Truth, published in Cincinnati, Ohio, the largest weekly paper devoted to Spiritu- alism in the world. She has also written, under a nom de phone, articles upon thi social and industrial problems of the day which have been published in various prominent secular papers. Unobtrusive and silent as to public speaking, yet powerful in deed and writ" ten expression for the truths she holds dear. What wonderful inspiration has been given her to start and carry out the publishing of the Carrier Dove for ten years under the most trying conditions, and surrounded by family cares; and now, by the inspiration of her guides and l n the face of great difficulties she has gone bravely on, relying on the good angels to sustain her, and has at last opened the dove cote for another fledg- ling, born of truth, love and earnestness to come forth in the cause of Spiritualism. Her heart is ever open to befriend and assist others. Surely her mediumship is of a very high order when she silently obeys the influence of her angel guides to go forth and do their bidding, and has been so wonderfully prospered in sustain- ing her work, when others who have started with aid and friends to sustain them have fallen by the wayside, and the sound of their voices are heard no more. May the Pacific Coast Spiritualists and liberals, and all good-minded people stand by this brave woman and assist her in her present noble undertaking to res- cue from obscurity and forget fulness the memories of our pioneer workers in the Vineyard of Truth. • DR. LOUIS SCHLESINGER. Test Medium: and Healer. Dr. Schlesinger was born in Liverpool, England, April 17, 1832. Ho was reared in the Jewish faith, to which he adhered until middle life when he became a Spiritualist. When about 16 years of age he came to America, and at once engaged in business in which he proved very successful, trav- eling throughout the United States and Mexico wherever his commercial in- terests led him. He amassed wealth and spent it freely among the poor and needy. He became convinced of the truth of spiritualism through the mediumship of the celebrated Charles H. Foster of New York. During his investigations Dr. Schles- inger 's own medial powers were de- veloped, and he at once entered into the work with the earnestness and zeal which characterized all his undertakings. His whole time was devoted to giving sittings and healing, in each of which he was remarkable successful. His tests were astonishing, and convinced many stub- born skeptics of the truth of spirit com- munion, and his cures embraced many obstinate cases that had resisted all other medical treatment. There is probably not another medium , living who has done more for the cause of spiritualism than Dr. Schlesinger. I lis time and talents were for many years given freelv to the public. In fact, lie never charged for sittings until the Carrier Dove was started in [883 and then the guides told him that he could ask those who came to him for sittings to subscribe for the Dove, which was one dollar a year, as it was lor the spread of the truth and they would become agents of the spirit world in disseminating light and knowledge. As the Dove grew in size, and expenses increased, the price was raised and Dr. Schlesinger gave sittings free to all subscribers, but was obliged to charge others for his services in order to sustain the paper. For ten years he gave his entire time to this work? and the result of his labors was the sup- port of the Dove. None but those came into the privacy of his home life know the sacrifices he made to sustain that work. He has traveled extensively, be- ing absent from home and loved ones for many months at a time, in order, as he said, "to keep the Dove on the wing." When it was decided to start a weekly paper The Pacific Coast Spiritualist he entered heartily into the work with the enthusiasm of a much younger man, bending all his energies to the task of supplying the funds with which to sus- tain the new enterprise, and every dollar he earned, aside from the absolute necessities of his family, was devoted to this one object until the overtaxed edi- tor-Mrs. Schlesinger was obliged to give up her literary work for a time on account of failing health, and the paper was discontinued. Dr. Schlesinger's special work is the conversion of skeptics. In this line he is unsurpassed, as the thousands of testi- monials from the press all over the country verifies. During his travels he received hundreds of press indorsements from the leading newspaper men of many States. These are not "paid for puffs," but the voluntary reports of those who have tested his wonderful mediumship and who became converts to Spiritualism through the positive evidence given them. He possesses the remarkable power of curing tobacco and morphine habits. In s-W* ** - ^ ^■ky : "fa, i \ 4 wM k^ i / s A*' ed^tfZi- DR. LOUIS SCHLESINGER. 33 rare cases he has failed ; the failures be- ing when the person was morally weak and incapable of realizing the dreadful results following such unnatural in- dulgences upon the spirit when disrobed of the earthly body. As a healer he has been remarkable successful. Hundreds of testimonials from gratelul people all over the country whom he has treated during his travels, and who nave visited him at his own home, bear witness to the virtue of his treatments and their efficacy in curing obstinate and difficult cases, such as rheumatism, sciatica, partial paralysis, and many ills that afflict humanity. Hundreds have been cured of chewing and smoking tobacco. This (like converting skeptics) is one of the doctor's special phases of mediumship, and one in which he takes great pleasure in exercising, and in which he is almost invariably successful. Dr. Schlesinger was at one time a prosperous tea-merchant, worth many thousands of dollars, but when he be- came converted to Spiritualism he at once set about doing good with his wealth relieving the distress of the poor and destitute until his fortune was gone, and he had nothing more to give. Even then he trusted implicitly to the guidance of his spirit friends, confident that they would sustain him in his efforts to bless and comfort the needy and comfortless. In this he- has no I been mistaken; for, although unable to accumulate wealth again, he has been enabled to do a ■ I work for humanity that shall endure long after he has been "gathered to his fath< Looking back over the years that have elapsed since Mr. Schlesinger became converted to spiritualism, and renoui red "Tier faith ot his fathers," we see'them crowned with good deeds, made bl with sweet charities and hallowed with spiritual treasures which have been freely nsed to the spiritually poor and blmd. An indefatigable worker, he wearies not in well doing, but early and late is found at his post of dutv, laboring to build up a cause to which he is de- voted heart and soul. His public services are always freely bestowed, and to the thousands to whom he has given the first evidences of a future life, he will ever be held in greatful remembrance. During his early experiences as a medium he suffered many persecutions from those who, like Saul of Tarsus, felt that they were doing God's service by persecuting one who dared dissent from the faith in which he had been reared ; but ever true to the voices of the dear guides whom he could hear (being clairaudient), he wavered not but re- mained true to the new light which had dawned upon him knowing that though earthly friends had failed him, he had a band ot grand, true souls on the other side who would guide his feet aright and place them firmly at last on the everlast- ing mountains of rest and peace. N. F. RAVLIN'S ACCOUNT OF Ills CON- VERSION TO SPIRITUALISM THROUGH rill: MEDIUMSHIP OF DR. SCHLESIN- GER. I was hostile to Spiritualism, and be- lieved its basic claims to be founded in falsehood and deception. Of all sub- jects it interested me the least. It com- prehended all that was immoral and vile. To know that one was a spirit- ualist was enough. There was no sity "f any further acquaintance. As I valued my soul's eternal sal- vation, I would ste.-r ( lear of them. It is in this way people generally reason about spiritualism. I was no exception to tin- rule. 1 vetilv thought 1 knew a great dial, while, in fact, my knowledge dingly limited. I did not be- in spirit return, and I knew my kindred would never come to me through a third p< ; Bul my unbelief did not cli and my knowledge of wh.n my loved 0n« 3 would oi would not do w.is pio- v n t'. I" mere ignorant assumption. 'Ik-- memorable sitting with Dr. Schles" inger was what would be termed an nt .- that is, there was no design in it on my part. He v, 34 DR. LOUIS SCHLESINGER. me. I never saw him before, and did not know that he was either a spirit- ualist or medium. Hence, I did not go to him for a sitting. Why should I when I did not believe in spirit relurn> or that mediums were anything but fakirs and charlatans. I was accidentally or providentially in his office upon a literary errand. Then he told me frankly who he was and what he was. I was caught. But it was decidely against my principles to run, even for Satan himself. So I resolved to stand my ground and have a litile fun at the old gentleman's expense. But the expense was on the other side. My false premise was inundated by a cyclonic flood from the spirit world, and all my conclusions were overwhelmed thereby. My loved ones did come to me through a third person. They proved their identity beyond aU question. In each case their full names were given, the diseases with which they died and the towns where they died, together with a characteristic message from each; my son gave a lengthy quotation from his own funeral sermon which I preached ten years previous in the city of Chicago, not a word of which was ever written or printed. My father had been a Baptist preacher for nearly fifty years, and in addition to giving his name, he gave an epitome of my life for thirty years more minutely than I could possibly have written it out. My kindred that I mourned as dead were all communicating with me alive and happy. The power that demon- strated the conscious existence of my loved ones who had died dug the grave of my orthodox religion. The same ceremony that interred the one enthroned the other. I saw the errors of my old theology. From the pulpit I publicly repudiated every tenet of the religion in which I had been raised, laid down my credentials and gave up my salary. I openly avowed myself a Spiritualist, and suffered all the ostracism and reproach meted out to such as swerve from the old faith. But I do not regret it. What was loss to me I count gain for the Truth's sake. Hence I have made no sacrifice. I owe not only my present knowledge, but my life to Dr. Schlesinger. Not only was he the open gateway through whom my kindred manifested themselves, but an intemperate smoking habit of twenty years was effectually broken up. Before this I should have been a mental wreck had it not been for him. He was made the instrument of saving me from this deplorable fate. It is impossible in this brief tribute to do him justice. His mediumship is pronounced, and his tests are clear cut and convincing. The charge of fraud has never stained his medium- ship, nor has he in a single instance been exposed as seeking to impose upon a credulous public. Honest skeptics will find in him an honest and most reliable medium. His tests are simply wonderful, affording proof positive that our loved ones live beyond the grave. Any atheistic materialist or agnostic, who may truly desire to know the facts as to man's future, will find the truth, if honestly sought, through Dr. Schlesinger's supernormal gifts. Every effort may be made to account for the phenomena upon some other hypothesis than that claimed, but at last the most rational conclusion will be accepted, viz., that man lives after so-called death, and that f as a conscious intelligent being, he can return under certain conditions and com- municate with those he has left behind him in the mortal form. I find the profoundest satisfaction in the knowledge ot this tact. Spiritualism demonstrated to be true embraces with- in itself all there is of truth in all the re- ligious philosophies and sciences of earth, besides embodying the stupendous idea of eternal progression as the heritage of every one of earth's children. MRS. M. T. IvONGIvEY. MRS. M. T. LONGLEY. The subject of this sketch was born in South Boston Mass. May 6, 1853. Her parents were John B. Shelhamer— a native of Wuttemberg, Germany, who came to this country when a young man of about twenty and .Mary O. Pratt — Shelhmer, a native of Boston, Mass. One of a large family of children /our of whom are still in the mortal, each endowed with rare mediumistic qualities. Mary Theresa at the age of twelve, was taken from her studies in the public school, that she might assist the busy mother in caring for the younger children of the household; and never from that day, has this lady, whose eloquence and rhetoric while un- der the inspiration of her guides, have astonished large audiences received any instruction of a scholarly character. We livention this fact, because many who have listened to the public utterances of Mrs. Longley insist that she must be a highly educated lady; but it is strictly true that all the schooling this medium ever acquired from teacher and class- s, was derived from the public schools alone, when she was between the ages of six and twelve years. In 1 862, the father of the family enlisted as a volunteer in the Union army for a term of three vears,and valiantly marched to the front, leaving his heroic and patri- otic wife to care for her five little ones, whi< h she faithfully did, contributing largely to their support by plying hei needle, sometimes late into the night, Upon the azure ^ ;irmrIlts which were to be worn by soldier boys upon the tented field. It was during the three years absence of her husband upon the battle field, that Mrs. Shelhamer became a spiritualist, and never was therea more devoted advocate of our glorious Cause than this brave woman who faced the deacons ami the prominent members of the Calvinistic Baptist Church of which- she had been it member, stating to them her conviction of the truth of spiritualism her inabilityjto longer subscribe to the creed of the church, and requesting a letter of with- drawal Irom the syme, which after much dissent, argument, and denunciation on ttie part of the deacons, was granted. About this time, Fred the youngest boy of the family, then a child of six years, became developed as a rapping and tipping medium, and many messages were received by the mother and friends through the agency of a heavy mahogany dining table, with only the tiny hands of the child resting upon it. It was in 186S however, February 10, that the daughter, whose name has be- come world wide from her connection as a medium with the Banner of Light became entranced for the first time by a spirit. This occurred in the public circle of M. E. Beals, a well known test medium of Boston at that time. The child thus influenced by a spirit was made to per- sonate the characteristics, and to give others identification of the intelligence operating upon her, which was recognized fully by the relative to whom the spirit came. From that date onward for a number of years, the child continued to be con- trolled by various individual spirits who came from the other life to give evidence of immortality to mourning hiends ol earth. Anxious that others should gain the same comfort and truth from the* angel word thai had come to her, Mr*. Shel- hamer opened her hou e fin e to the public and on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings "i each week for a period of thnc years, held cin les of ln« vesication le>r all who I oine 36 MRS. M. T. LONGLEY. At these tr'i weekly seances the "house was filled with the curious, and the earnest seekers, and it was not till the failing health of the medium, and the state of her furniture and carpets which had been worn cut in the service de- manded a change, that the good lady suspended these free meetings and began to charge a small fee lor those who de- sired to gain audience with the spirit world, through the mediumship of her. child. In the meanwhile, the husband and father had returned to his home, a con- firmed and broken invalid, one of the many wounded soldiers, who bore the marks of the fearful battle of Gettysburg and other fields of conflict to their graves. Mr. Shelhamer was not a spiritualist; for many years he had been a confirmed materialist, believing that the death of the body is the end of all consciousness for man. For some time after his return, he opposed his wife's efforts to spread the truth as she underscood it and refused to enter the circles where his daughter, entranced, gave messages of cheer and consolation to bereaved hearts, but when at length he did consent to investigate, the trusty soldier became convinced ol spiritualism and held it as a cherished blessing to his last day on earth. In January 1S78. one of the spirit band of the medium privately told her that she was developing for the work of giving spirit messages for publication and that he wished her to write to the publisher of the Voice of Angels, a semimonthly Spiritual paper then printed in Bjscon.by D. C. Densmore, asking him if he would print any spirit messages that her guides might furnish him. At first, the young lady demurred, but finally consented to write Mr. Densmore whose paper she had never seen, and who himself was mi- known to her. The result was, that Mr. Densmore replied he had been told a week eailier by his uuide. L. Judd Pardee, that the spirits had prepared a message medi- um for the Voice of Angels from whom a letter would l>'- received in a few days, and this was just the work the little paper was established to perform. From that time on through a course of years, Miss Shelhamer held a weekly seance at which messages were spoken by individualized spirits through her lips reported for the Voice of Angels and printed in the regular issues of that paper from which Mr. Densmore received cor- roborative evidence of their correctness, sent to him by strangers from all over the country. During her connection with the Voice of Angels, Miss S. was inspired to write hundreds of choice poems, sketches, essays, editorial and othe r master all of which were printed in that paper; and for three years — before and after the transition of Mr. Densmore this lady performed all the editorial work upon that paper which continued until her withdrawal, owing to other duties and laDors from that office, six months previous to the suspension of that valuable journal that had many hundreds of readers throughout the United States. Meanwhile, the Banner of Light was in need of a medium in its Message Depart- ment and in obedience to spirit prompting its honored Editor, Luther Colby sought Miss Shelhamer, whom he had never be- fore met, at her home to hold an audience with her guides. It may here he mentioned, that, under the intelligent and skillful practice oi spirit Dr. John Warren, Miss Shelhamer was at this time giving successful medical examination and prescriptions by lettei and by personal sittings, and that for a period of three years this public work went on, until: owing to other labors il was disontinued until the season ot '9a and '93, when it was in a measure taken up, and in connection with psychometric delineative work, again made a most ol successful part of th is medium's field labor. As we have said, Editor Colby visited Miss S., to interview her guides, she supposing he wished to consult her spirit physician upon some medical case. The result of that sitting however proved most important, for it was the begining 01 a work for the Banner of Light by Miss Shelhamer and her aoirlt band which MRS. M. T. LONGLEY has extended to a period of fourteen years In October of 1879, this lady was en- gaged to give her first public circle at the Banner of Light establishment, and through every season since that date, she has presided as medium upon its platform mostly, at two weekly circles — save, when, for three years owing to the state of her health, she shared her labors one day in the week with Mrs. B. Smith, a fine test medium. During this time, under the able management of her beloved guide, who answers the questions propounded at these circles, which queries are nol seen or known by the medium before they are read by the chairman, John Pierpont, many thousands of personal messages have been voiced from return- ing spirits to individual friends, words of instruction and truth spoken to the public generally, by such able minds from be- yond as S. B. Brittan, A. E. Newton and others, and philosophical and scien- tific subjects discussed, all of which have been printed in the columns of the Banner ht. It has always been the custom oi the proprietors of the Banner oj 'Light to hold a weekly seance with their spirit friends for the purpose of discussing with them matters of interest and importance pertaining to the welfare ol the Cause, oi their paper, and to subjects of personal moment. These seances are private; for the fourteen years of his medium's service spirit Pierpont has been their presiding intelligence and has become a valued friend to all connected with those weekly sittin As is well known, the medium under consideration has written and published a large number of stories, serial most instructive and entertaining charac- ter, the merits of which, those of our readers who have read such stuiies from her pen as "Crowded Out" "Crooked Paths" "Toilers for Bread" andothen th.it have been printed in the CA1 Dovb, have judged tor themselves. She has also printed tw » large and important books which are handsomely gotten up, " Life and Labor in the Spirit World, " a work of over four hundred pa^es, nnd, "Outside the Gat'-." a volume of five hundred and fifteen pages which the author considers her finest work. We have not mentioned the many useful spirits belonging to her band, nor will space permit our designating each one separately; yet we cannot forbear stating that the Indian spirits are largely repre- sented and that they are honored by their medium fortheir fidelity and their service. Lo/e/a, the sprightly Indian medium who had been only in spirit life a few months, and was but seven years old, when she was brought to her medium to be trained as a messenger, has been with Mrs. Longley fifteen years, and she is well known by the readers of the spiritualistic press, for her name and work have often been mentioned in its columns. So completely engaged with her medi- umistic work had Miss Shelhamer always seemed to be, her friends did not think it possible that she could have any mat- rimonial intentions, and it was therefore a matter of great surprise, as well .is of congratulation, to a host of well wishers, when Mr. C. P. Longley, the well known composer of spiritual songs and music, and Miss M. T. Shelhamer were united in the — in their case — "holy bonds of wedlock." This happy event occurred at the home of the bride's sister, Mrs. I . B. Hatch, |r., on the evening ol Novem- ber 22, i- This union has proved a most happy and harmonious one. Each is a compan- ion to the other, and mutually helpful in piritual work the Angels prompt them to do, and it surely seems that this was .1 mai riage planned by pure am I spirits before it was consummated on eaith. Mrs. I cm-ley has been associated in mediumship and press work for two .//, a prominent spiritual paper published in Cincinnati, ( )hio, and at |>i' es that papi r .1-, assoc iate editOI . :id'. h cently published .; spiritual novel, in iled, "When tie- M< rning ,." from h.-r pen, and ..lb' 1 similat 38 MRS. M. T. LONGLEY. Although a veteran in mediumship she is still young enough to accomplish much more for the spiritual Cause, and it is her desire to be so fitted for the work that her angel guides design for her, as to prove their useful and trusted instrument. Mr. and Mrs. Longley spent the winter of 1893 and 94 in California, making their home with Dr. and Mrs. Schlesinger, in San Francisco, during wnich time Mrs. Longley conducted a department in the Pacific Coast Spiritualist, edited by Mrs. Schlesinger. The Society of Progressive Spiritualists secured her as their speaker during her entire stay of seven months; and many were the grand lessons of spir- itual truth and wisdom given by the intelligences on the other side through the mediumship of this noble little wom- an. Mr. and Mrs. Longley were so delighted with the beautiful climate of California that they returned in October, 1895, and located in Pasadena, in the Southern part of the Stat'^, where they intend to remain for some time. ^@$p^ 0^'f'i ■ ■f ' ^k ■"-.>.k.- ■* f-< m df j * A BpSI ■ / C. PAYSON LONGLEY. C. P. LONG LEY The well known musical composer and song writer, Chalmers Payson Longley, is a native of Hawley, Mass., where among the beautiful hills and genial breezes he passed the first ten years of his life, breathing in the sweet inspira- tions and beautiful influences which free contact with mother nature ever gives to such poetic and sensitive souls as his. The subject ol this sketch was the seventh child of Col. Joshua and Eliza- beth Hawkes-Longley, and one of a family oi ten children, each of whom dis- played in some particular a remarkable and especial line of talent and ability. Only one of this gifted family, however, remains on earth besides the musician of whom we write — an elder brother, Mayor H. A Longley, who for over thirty years served as Sheriff of Hamp- shire County, Mass., with honor and dis- tinction, and who might be filling that post al the present time had he desired to do so. One of the six brothers, Roswell, who p ! away at the early age of thirty three, was a remarkably brilliant orator and poet, whose powers of composition and eloquence commanded the attention of cultivated minds of his day; and an- other, Augustus, was the author of many fine poems and other productions that live below, while he who produced them is journeying on toward higher attain- ments in the heavenly world. i lhalmers P. Lon born with the spirit of song within him. His worthy feither, who was known lor many miles is a mm oi a< tive lai in'-- 1 qualities an I integrity, led a c hoir ol train--- I v< >ii i many years, and an atmosphere ol music pervaded tin- entire household. There- fore, it was not strange that this, the Beventh born, should inherit the gift, al- though it was a subject <<\ remark and wonder that tin- little fellow could DOt only sing, but could carry his part correctly while still a nursing child at his mother's breast; and when but three and four years old, would stand in the open air, singing lor the passing neighbors, receiv- ing many a penny and love pat of ap- proval for his efforts in this direction. When about ten years of age. Chal- mers removed with his parents to Bel- chertown, Mass., where in the more ad- vanced mental atmosphere of a town larger than the one he had left, the train- ing and moral poise of a sterling charac- ter and liberal mind were found lor the growing youth. Let it here be noticed that Mrs. Long- ley, the mother, was a woman of rare depth of thought and breadth of judg- ment, and although one of a family from which ministers, deacons and exhortors of the ecclesiastical school had sprung the progressive tendency of her nature would not allow her to remain tastened to old creeds, and by reasoning upon many | of scripture, tins worthy lady found a spiritual meaning within them, with which she confounded the minister- and deacons who sought to trammel and retard the growth of her mind and spirit by the Utterance ol opinion and conservative declara- tions of faith. 'At the time the R knockings 1 and Spiritualism to app d I ot immortality, M Lo and ponden d upon them as announced through the- public prinu, and mphatically to family and friends, " Hit re's a truth," i prizing ,m " mi i M,,t mi '' •""' " habil- of tins great movement that h upon the world. Bi c »mii •'. ions oi the v. spirit, and lived tl and 4© C. P. LONGLEY. truth within her while she remained on eartn. Two of her sons, Augustus and Chalmers, also accepted the truth and teachings of Spiritualism with their mother, the former having married a lady who proved to be a powerful me- dium for the production of physical phenomena, through whose agency many startling manifestations of spirit power and wonderful evidences of spirit identity were given to the world. During his residence in Belchertown, and while a young man, Chalmers P. Longley became acquainted with Dr. S. B. Brittan, that noble and fearless advo- cate of Spiritualism, than whom no more eloquent and thoughtful speaker ever graced the public rostrum— an acquaint- ance which soon ripened into a warm friendship in both hearts, that lasted not only while Dr. Brittan remained on earth, but has extended beyond fhe grave, and is now bearing fruit in many delightful tokens of love which the arisen one displays for and to his earthly friend. So ardent was his attachment for the spiritual cause, that although Spiritualism was as unpopular as it well could be in a conservative New England town of that period, and although a young man de- pendent upon the patronage and custom of his neighbors for his living, he having learned the tailoring trade, and set up in that line of business for himself, the subject of this narrative, when Dr. Brit- tan was engaged by a few earnest work- ers to lecture on Spiritualism in the town hall, took his little melodeon upon a wheel barrow and manfully marched to the meeting, where he contributed to the service and to the inspirations of the speaker by his fine singing of the choice compositions which already had begun to write and sing themselves through his gifted soul. And it may be added that on such occasions the eloquence of Dr. Brittan and the fervor and music of young Longley were sufficient to crowd the hall to its utmost capacity. About this time the young man began to express in outword form the music which had been singing in his soul during his whole life. That beautiful and im- mortal poem, "Over the River," which has appeared in collections of standard poetry, books for school lessons, works on elocution, magazines, newspapers and publications without number, and which was written by Nancy Priest, a young mill girl, upon a piece of brown paper one day at the noon hour, was then going the rounds of the press for the first time, and as it caught his eye, the soul of the young musician was filled with melody, and seating himself at his little instru- ment, he at once composed beautiful music to these words, and produced a song, the first two thousand copies of which were sold immediately upon their issue from the press, and which has had a phenomenal success as a standard song during all the succeeding years, winning the finest encomiums from the public press. This song, "Over the River," lay in manuscript twelve years before it was published, although the composer had secured the consent of Nancy Priest to set her poem to music and give it to the world at the time when its melody first inspired him. "We Are Coming Sister Mary," an- other beautiful song, was also composed by the young man at that time, which was followed by the production of a large Dumber of sweet melodies, any one of which might have won for its author fame and distinction, among which may be mentioned "Love's Golden Chain," "In Heaven We'll Know Our Own," "Open the Gates," and that never to be forgotten and exquisite composition, "Only a Thin Veil Between Us," until at the present time, we believe Mr. Longley stands as the most accomplished and prolific com- poser of tender and spiritual melodies that the world has known. The trade of tailoring had not been congenial to the inspired musician, and when a new opening appeared to him he hailed it with satisfaction. This came when the elder brother, Mayor II. A. Longley, was Sheriff of Hampshire County, and who had in consequence re- moved with his family to Northampton to take charge of the public jail. Being C. P. LONGLEY 4i in want of an assistant m tiis arauous duties of caring for the prisoners, Mayor Longley secured the services of Chal- mers, his brother, who for sixteen years acted in that capacity, having charge over the prisoners, and coming in con- tact with various phases of human nature, some of which were extremely heart-rend- ing, but all of which no doubt Served to deepen the inspirations and still further develop the musical genius of the sensi* tive man, for some of his finest produc- tions were expressed while he was an officer and inmate of the county jail. During that time, the prisoners, one and all, manifested the sincerest regard and affection for their keeper, and the ut- most solicitude and kindly thought for his wife, Mrs. Harriet Maria Longley, who was an invalid for four years. Just here it will be proper to state that while a young man, C. P. Longley wed- ded an extremely beautiful and cultivated young lady, Miss H. M. Shaw of Belcher- town, who through all the years of her married life proved the best of counsel- lors and a sustaining spiritual force to her husband. Mrs. Longley, after an illness of years, passed to spirit life from the home of her faithful physician and friend, Dr. S. B. Brittan in Newark, N. J. Dr. Brittan admired this lady so much for the bright, energetic qualities of mind and spirit, that he paid her a most extended eulogy, and never failed to attest to her ability and worth as a woman and a thinker during his remain- ing days on earth. Chalmers Longley, like all minds of genius, seemed to possess that trusting nature which reposed confidence in his fellows, and was the Cause of losing for him the savings of a life time. By plac- ing large sums in the hands of other men, in some instances for personal in- vestment, in others to aid his friends out of pecuniary difficulties, he has hope- lessly lost a sum that is estimated light at forty thousand dollars; and there have been hours when he hardly knew where to procure the means for another week's living, while others were fattening upon the fruits of his toil; and yet he h is been heard to say that these very experiences have helped to draw out the richer part of his nature, and to unfold the melodious gift of song, perhaps more fully than any other discipline could have done. C. P. Longley had remained a widower some twelve years when he led to the altar the well-known Bauer of Light medium, Miss M. T. Shelhamer, a lady whose poetic compositions had often fur- nished themes for the musical settings of the composer. This marriage, which oc- cured November 22, 18S8, although con- ceded by all to be singularly appropriate and pleasing, was yet a matter of sur- prise to the host of friends of both parties / as it was supposed that, in their chosen field of work, neither had any thought of wedlock; but the result has produced a most happy and harmonious union, which has brought an increase of usefulness in the spiritual work of the happy pair. Shortly after his second marriage, Mr. Longley published a large number of his songs in sheet music, also a collection in book form entitled, "Echoes From an Angel's Lyre," a title given to him by Dr. Brittan years before. Thousands of copies of these songs have been sold, and their popularity is still unabated. The notices from the press and from gifted pens in favor of these and preced' Ine publications have been flattering . He has recently issued a new volume containing fifty eight of his delightful songs. The work is handsomely gotten up, the title page bearing fine portraits of the Composer and his medium wife. It is Sheet music size, printed on line white paper, elegantly bound in cloth. "Echoes from the World of Song" cannot fail to command an extensive sale: In < losing we will state that Mr. Long- ley has never received a musical training nor has he taken a lesson in playing or in composition in his life. All that he in talenl and execution is nature's gift, supplemented !>\ the quick- ening power <»i spiritual attendants; and yet ill-- gentleman has comforted an. I inspired thousands by Ins singing, and by the delicacy of those inspiring melodies that he ha • git en to humi GATES OF GOLD. GEO. W. MORSE. O, gates of gold! how fair, how bright, On heaven's great verge you stand; There's naught so pleasant to my sight In all that upper land! Once near the silent, azure sea, Entranced I stood, and gazed on thee! And there upon that restful shore Self confident I grew — So near the glory of the door I ventured to look through, And breathing then one word of prayer, "Forgive,'' I said, and entered there: And loving arms were round me thrown, And lips were pressed to mine— The softest I have ever known, And fragrant as new wine ; And then I knew the joy, the bliss Of angel's love — of spirit's kiss. And when I waked my little room Was full of living beams, And all my garments were in bloom, As though they, too, had dreams ; And soul and sense within mestiired At what I saw, and what I heard. MRS. P. W. STEPHENS. MRS. P. W. STEPHENS The subject of this sketch was born in the city of Schenectady, State of New York, in October, 1822. When she was two years of age her parents, Samuel and Charlotte Wilson, remov- ed to Oneida County, near the lake, where she was raised. Her father, though having a good education, was tinctured with ideas common to those early days regarding the education of women, considering the only desirable accomplishments being a knowledge of housework and the care of children. Consequently his daughter was never sent to school. Although possessed of a strong desire to study, hooks were scarce and work plenty, therefore little opportunity was offered for mental development, and Sbe grew to womanhood a machine for labor and a child of Nature. Prom early childhood she was clair- voyant and clalraudient, hut supposed the voices sbe heard was God speaking to her, and thought everybody beard them. Her mother was also clairvoy- ant, often seeing her "dead people" as she termed them. When a child, she was frequently visited by a spirit who would say: "/ am Granny Hadlock f don't bi afeard, I liki littk //"/■-." .Mrs. B. said in after years she asked her mother if she ever knew any one by that nunc , and her mother SI ed, " Yes, Granny Had lock was my great grandmother, and raised my mother, who w;i- lefl an orphan, but I never saw ber myself." One day her twin brother was ml -- in^r, and as I here was a stream of water near the house, it was feared be had fallen in and was drowiud. Diligent search was being made when suddenly Mrs. S heard a voice say: "He is in the huckleberry lot, " which was half a mile distant. She ran to her mother, saying, "Jacob is picking huckle- berries." "How do you know?" said her mother. In a whisper she answer- ed: "Because God says so." Her brother was found at the place designa- ted. In the year 1844 her father passed to spirit life. The following year the family removed to Illinois. In 1846, she was married to William Kinsey, a Quaker, (or Friend). While con- versing with Mrs.S. not long since, when speaking of this portion of her life, with much emotion she said: "All the years of my neglected childhood, all the toil, trials, and disappointments of maidenhood, stand out to-day in shiniug radiance, beside those >i\ weary years of wifehood. Perhaps they were needed to teach me the les- son of humility, and cause the Maine <>!' sympathy to ever quickly kindle in be- half of the suffering and down-trodden of earth, especially of my «>wn H \. During these six years of marriage Mrs. Stephens became the mother of six children, three of whom passed to spirit life. At the age of thirty she was lefl a willow, six weeks after the death of her h us band her motbei ed away. They both - i markable evidences of their ability to communicate with ber. [n I860, b< r brother E. V. Wilson, w hose name Is a house-hold w ord w b< I Itual Ism Is knovi n. \ (sited i" r, ai d I hi- mediumship Bhe i eceiv< d hei know ledge of tie' truth- of Spiritual 44 MRS. P. VV. STEPHENS ism. She was soon controlled to speak in a remarkable* manner,, and would write essays upon subjects of which She was entirely ignorant. Spiritual litera- ture was not abundant in those days, but she read the The Spiritual Tele- graph, as long as it was published; then followed The Banner of Light, which she called her loving friend. In 1857 she married Philander Steph- ens, who proved a kind loving husband, and father to her children. In 1862 they joined a train composedof one hundred and fifty persons and came over- land to California. During this peril- ous journey they met with many ex- citing adventures, being several times attacked by Indians. On one of the-e occasions Mrs. S. and another lady volunteered to mould bullets while the men were fighting the Indians. They also stood guard the whole night, ex- posed to the enemy's bullets. During these trying hours she was constantly encouraged ;by the "voices" which were always more clear and distinct in times of greatest distress. After many tribulations they arrived in Cal- ifornia and settled in Calaveras County. In the summer of '65, Mrs. S. was prostrated with a severe illness. Her attending physician thought her recov- ery doubtful. She was visited by her spirit daughter who gave her a pre- scription that restored her in one hour. Upon his next visit the physician ex- pressed much surprise at the change. When informed of what had occurred he pronounced the prescription an ex- cellent one, but said he had not thought of it, and laughing, said it was a lucky dream for Mrs. S. The next day her babe, which was then two weeks old, was placed in her arms for the first time. She immediately heard Mr. Stephens' spirit wife say: "The baby will die." Mrs. S. said. "No; this strong healthy baby will not die." The voice again said: "The babe will die." "When ?" exclaimed Mrs. S. "To-morrow," was the reply. Her husband, who was absent had been telegraphed for, as it had not been thought she would live, and the family were expesting his return. She then asked the spirit if Mr. S. would get home before it died, and the reply was: "No; but I will take your darling and care for him." The child was taken suddenly ill that night and expired at four o'clock the afternoon of the next day. Mr. S. arrived at six. In January, 1867, the family moved to Sacramento City, after having resid- ed for a short time in El DoradoCounty. Up to this date Mrs. S. had never heard a spiritual lecture, or witnessed any of the phenomena of Spiritualism, except what had occurred through her own mediumship, or that of some member of her family. Mrs. Laura Cuppy was lecturing in Sacramento at that time- Mrs. S's mediumship developed so rapidly under these new and favorable conditions that in six weeks after set- tling in Sacramento her house was daily crowded with people seeking evidence that their loved ones were not lost to them. She soon became a trance speak- er, giving in glowing language the philosophical evidence of a continued life. Her first public lectures were de- livered in Sacramento in the autumn of '69. She also visited adjacent towns and cities, spreading the truth by lec- turing and giving tests. In the spring of '72, she visited Utah, attracting much attention during the few months of her sojourn in that section. After her return she visited many places in California and Nevada, doing much pioneer work for the cause. In April, 1874, obeying the instructions of her guides, she started for the East, stop- ping in Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Col- orado, Nebraska, and Iowa, visiting all the principal cities on the way, lec- turing and exercising her mediumistic gifts. In September, while attending the Spiritualists' Convention in Chi- cago, Mrs. S. was informed by her guides that her son in Sacramento MRS. P. W. STEPHENS 45 would pass into spirit-life inXovember. She hastened home and the statement was verified by the death of her son by accident on the 19th of November. In the Spring of '76, she again visited the East. Stopping at the home of her brother, E. V. Wilson, in Illinois, she attended the meeting held in Rockford in June, where her usefulness was fully appreciated by her brother and the vast numbers who attended, as the re- cords of the convention and favorable comments of the press demonstrate. In October, at the request of her broth- er, she accompanied him eastward, assisting him at the meeting in Bing- bampton. At its close she visited many places in the East, spending the winter in Northern New York. Her ministrations attracted much attention and gave great satisfaction, receiving very favorable notices from the local papers in every city she visited. The following spring she returned to her Held of labor in the West. During the next few year- she resided a portion of the time in Reno, Nevada; also in Oregon, which State she canvassed quite extensively, carrying ''glad tidings" of immortality to many doubting ones by her superior ability t<> demonstrate its truth. In 1883, Mrs. 8. waa directed to go lvi-t as far a- Cheyenne, \\y. visit- ing Colorado and Arizona during her absence. The Denver Times, Bpeaking of her presence in thai city, Bays: "Mrs P. \Y. Stephens, of Sacramento, ( 'all fornia, again interested the people of t' la city with a lecture in W'ai ren's Hall. She i- an elderly woman, a graceful speaker, and impresses her bearers with t he j . rul h of her convio- tlonsalmosl irresiMtably. She spoke last nighl upon subjects chosen by bheaud- lence, of which was "The Higher Life," which was well bandied. Then ( Ihinese I mmigral lon n \\ a- i n a ted, and if t he ideas <>r t be spirit are correct there are dark days before the people of th • Weal from tbia • .■'.'. a- they are termed. Altogether her work here is of a fine order; but then we had rather think Mrs. S. is a smart, educated wo- mau than to attribute it all to spirits." While in Arizona the Prescott Miner, speaking of her, says: "Mrs. Stephens gave her second lecture last evening to a large audience. The subject, which was chosen by a committee from the audience, was "The Aztec." To say it was marvelous and instructive would fall short of the letter. We heard learn- ed men say they would give the ablest man in the territory one month in which to prepare a lecture on this BUb ject and defy them to outdo this. It was highly reasonable and in accord- ance with the views of the most learned of the day. We care not how the lady received her knowledge it was a grand effort, and every man and woman in this land so full of the relics of an un- known and extinct race, ought to have heard it." After her return home from this trip she lectured in Sacramento until Au- gust, 1884, when she was attacked with a severe illness whi.-h disabli d her from public work for some time, hut she finally recovered and resumed her public work. Mrs. Stephens waa a prominent speaker and medium at tin- Campmeetiuga held in < Oakland during the years of 1887 and i sx ^. .Many who were present will remember the inspire ed addresses of I hi- v< teran medium and her beautiful inspirational poems. Mi- Stephens passed to spiril life on t he 18 th of January 1889 from her home in s icramento, < lalifornia. She \\ as ill hut a Bhorl 1 1 me, having con I racted a Bevere cold which r suited in pneu- monia. I >r. < took conduct* d t he fu- neral services and many frlenda follow- ed the mortal form to ii- last n place. She died beloved by all; and her mem- ory rental ua a frajrranl blossom In the d< -< ii of many lives, made bi ami happier by her tender mil t i ■ » 1 1 - . E. D. LUNT. Editor. ' 4 The Medium," Los Angeles. The subjeot of this sketch was boru in Jamestown, New York, July 11, 1844. His parents were members of the M. E. Church, but soon after the advent of Modern Spiritualism became firm be- lievers in, and consistent advocates of that philosophy. In 1859 Mr. Lunt entered the office of the "Hancock Jef- fersonian," at Findlay, Ohio, as an apprentice to the printer's trade, and in 1861 removed to Des Moines, Iowa, where at the age of seventeen he en- listed as a private in the Fifteenth Iowa infantry regiment, and served with honor until the close of the war. He took part in several of the great battles, and was finally captured by the Confederates and confined several months in Andersonville and Florence prison pens. During his term of ser- vice he had many narrow escapes from death and capture, several of which he has since been able to trace to the direct intervention of spirit power. During the years since the close of the war he has been, most of the time, engaged in the newspaper business iu Iowa and Nebraska, with varying success. Mr. Lunt came to California in Feb- ruary, 1893, and located in Los Angel- es. In January, 1895, seeing the need of a Spiritualist paper on this Coast, he established The Medium, which, although but a small paper, has had a wonderful growth, and has extended its circulation into every State in the Union. The tone of this paper has a genuine ring and is clear and outspoken in the cause v. f right and justice. While it aims to present a fair and impartial record of the work of all mediums, it draws the line at notorious frauds and fakirs, and gives them the benefit of being ignored. The Medium has been self-sustainiug from the start, as the proprietors steadily refuse any and all assistance except as it comes through advertisements and subscriptions. They hope to enlarge it very soon and add several new and attractive depart- ments. Mr. Lunt has strong mediumistic powers, and one peculiarity of his news- paper work is that he seldom writes out any of his editorial articles. He sets the type himself without notes, and often in a semi-trance condition, frequently producing in this way a long article without having the least idea what it is about until he sees the proofs of it. He is ably assisted in his work by his wife and helpmeet, who la a fine clairvoyant and musical medium. I-!. I) I.! NT HON. JOHN A. COLIvINS. HON. JOHN A. COLLINS. The following sketch, with closing editorial notice of the death of Mr. Collins is reproduced from The Carrier Dove of April, 1890. Hon. John A. Collins, of this city, is well known as one of the earliest and old- est believers in the science of Spiritual- ism now living. He was born in October, 1810, in the State of Vermont, and being left in infancy an orphan, without resour- ces, grew up to manhood with very limited assistance from relatives, acquir- ing a liberal education and support by his own exertions. An injury received when a babe having permanently affected his constitution, his health has never been good, but his indomitable will power has carried his infirm body through a longer life than most men are privileged to en- joy. At the age of twelve he began his apprenticeship as a printer, and was, for more than two years, associated with Horace Greeley, who was learning the same trade. They became very warm and intimate friends, a relation which existed until the death of Greeley. Young Greeley's character and views, quaintly and logically fortified and en- foiced in his peculiar manner, had a good influence upon his youthful companion, lasting through his whole life. Having prepared himself by patient and persevering study and energetic exertions, he entered Andover Theo- logical Seminary to prepare himself lor the ministry as his future profession. While pursuing his studies here his attention was first called to the philosophy of Spiritualism as exemplified by clair- voyant, magnetic, and other spiritual phenomena, which were then attracting some attention a dozen years prior to the advent of the Fox girls. He investi- gated the subjected, and receiving some remarkable private tests, became a be- liever in and advocate of the doctrine of Modern (so called) Spiritualism, though it was then, as now, forbidden subject for investigation among Collegiate authorities. With his usual persistence in the pursuit of truth and knowledge, he has continued his investigation of the phenomena and philosophy of Spirit- ualism, for more than fifty years, and is as well prepared as any man living, to give his reasons for the faith within him, and has done much to teach its truths and principles to others. Knowing the firmness of its foundation, in reason as well as in facts, he has the will and courage to proclaim his faith to all the world and defend its principles against every assault. "With malice toward none, but with charity or all," who differ from him, he dares in the language of the immortal Lincoln "maintain the right, as God gives him to see the right," Before finishing his course at Andover he was called away to engage in the anti-slavery movement which was then well under way. Though licensed to preach, and sometimes occupying the pulpit temporarily he was never ordained or settled in the ministry, preferring the more active field of the Abolition agitation. Mr. Collins was a born reformer, no doubt, for dining his whole life nil name has been prominent as an earnest and active worker in the TemperaO '. Anti_ Slavery, Woman Sufirage, Spiritualistic and Industrial Co-operation Ifc f< THIS. 4 8 HON. JOHN A. COLLINS Prior to and during the Washington Temperance agitation, he was an earnest and effective advocate of temperance and did much to reform the custom, then prevalent among all classes of the con- stant and daily use of distilled liquors as a beverage.* " HIS CAREER AS AN ABOLITIONIST. Long prior thereto he appeared before the public as one of the most energetic and effective workers, both as a speaker and an organizer in the great anti-slavery movement, in connection with Wm. Lloyd Garrison, Wendell Phillips, Authur Tappan, Isaac T. Hooper, C. C. Bur- leigh, Gerrit Smith, and others. In this field Mr. Collin's superior executive ability, and his earnest and convincing arguments and cogent reasoning upon the rostrum gave him great prominence as one of the most efficient leaders in the great anti-slavery agitation oi fifty years ago. Oliver Johnson, the Secretary of the old anti-slavery society, in his sketch of "William Lloyd Garrison and His Times," thus refers to his work in be- half of the cause. " Mr. John A.Collins came to us from Andover Theological Seminary at the time of the division in Massachusetts, taking the place of general agent, left vacant by the resigna- tion of Rev. Amos A. Phelps. His executive power was remarkable. He did much to infuse courage into our broken ranks, to overcome opposition, to collect funds, and devise and execute large plans of anti-slavery labor. He traveled much at home, and once went to England on a mission in behalf of the cause. A man of tremendous energy, nothing could stagnate in his presence. He could set a score of agents at work jn the field, and plan an executive cam- paign on the largest scale. At one time a series of one hundred Conventions, ex- tending over several States, East and West, was held by an organized corps of lecturers under his super intendence. He came to us in a critical hour and his services were .exceedingly valuable." His experience in addressing excited and turbulent audiences at a period when abolitionists were so very unpopular, even in the Northern States, was, on some occasions, of a very unpleasant character, and would have proven dangerous, but for his wonderful personal magnetism, presence of mind and unruffled temper. While patiently and good-naturedly en- during their derisive epithets, rotten eggs and stale vegetables, he would often in the end, secure their respectful attention, and frequently at the close of his address, rousing cheers would be giving for the speaker. A Quaker poet in Philadelphia, who had attended a number of Mr. Collins' meetings, selected a dozen prominent abolitionists and wrote a verse concerning each. Among the number was Mr. Collins, whom he served up as follows : John Collins, I wonder If thou woulds't krock under, If Satan himself should appear; I question his bluster Thy temper could fluster, Or cause thee to feel any f ear, John Collins; Or cause thee to feel any fear. GOES TO ENGLAND. His mission to England was very successful, in correcting public opinion there, in regard to the real object and scope of the anti-slavery movement in America, and the course of its leader, Mr. Garrison, towards the Colonization Society, which was fostered by the churches and had raised a strong op- position to his agitation in favor of the abolition of slavery. He was also suc- cessful in raising funds in aid of the cause. During his visit he took an active part upon the rostrum, in the famous Ami- Corn- Law agitation of that period, ;is a repealer. Upon his return to America after an absence of nearly a year, he brought back an address with over ten thousand names attached, all Irish, headed by Daniel O'Connel, urging their countrymen here to vindicate the HON. JOHN. A. COLLINS: 49 Irish love of liberty by supporting Mr. Garrison and his party in his efforts to destroy slavery, which had good effect in favor of the cause. HE BRINGS OUT FRED DOUGLASS. While engaged in his duties as general agent, at a meeting of colored people in New Bedford, Mass., he listened for the first time, 'to an eloquent five-minute speech by the now famous Fred Douglass, who had recently escaped from slavery, and of couise possessed very little edu- cation. Mr. Collins was so favorably impressed with the native ability mani- fested by the young colored orator, that he took him into service to travel with him and assist at public meetings as one of the attractions. Possessing a good memory, Douglass soon gained a know- lege of the subject by listening to Mr. Collins' speeches, and was soon, under the latter's tuition, able to deliver an interesting and eloquent speech of an hour, and thereafter became popular as an anti slavery orator and -acquired a world-wide reputation for his eloquence and ability. • Recognizing the black ora- tor as entitled to equal rights with him- self, insults and indignities were often At-d upon both, while traveling to lecture in all parts of the country, on account of the popular prejudice against the negro. It did much, however, to educate people upon the equal natural rights of all men, without regard to color <.r previous < ondition of servitude. WOMAN SUP! RAGE. In the Women's Right's movement, he- took an active part, both as a speaker and a writer in the public journals, in its early history at the East, and later On this Coast, doing good sen i< •• with his eloquent pen. Though to act as a tea< her and leader ol men in effecting social o I irm • lily a thankless task, involving great labor, much self- denial, grievous disappointments, and weary waiting for fruition, yet Mi lin's sympathy i<>r his f< How men, suffer- ing from the wrongs and evjJs ol the pre- sent state of >"< iety ■••« ially when he sees the weaker portion op- pressed or overcome by the strong, that his philanthropic soul is at once enlisted in their defense, and his whole energy both mental and physical, exerted in their behalf. And, i( he may not live to see women enfranchised, he knows that the cause he has so long advocated has been greatly advanced by his efforts, and firmly belives that it will surely triumph in the near future. EMIGRATES TO CALIFORNIA. Arriving in California early in June, 1849, M r - Collin's became one of the poineer merchants of San Francisco. After about two years' experience, during which time he was burned out five times, losing a large amount of valuable property thereby, including a monthly income from rents of seven or eight thousand dollars, he turned his attention to mining as a speedier and surer way to make a fortune, with which to return East and carry out his plans to inaugurate a system of co-operative industry similar, though less compre- hensive, to thai described later in tins article. His attention was attracted to the rich quartz veins of Crass Yallev, in Nevada County, where he built and successfully operated the second quartz mill erected in California. He foresaw wealth hidden in the quartz > of ( California, and was < ne of the first to practically demonstrate their value, as the original s6urce hom whence the Placer gold was derived; and which, by n ol their number and richness, in sured the permanence and prosp< 1 it) 1 •• the mining industi y of th ■ Pa A N.vi [( >NAL CO-( IPB RATIV1 SOCIETY. It was fudge Collins' pu gitate for the abolition ol modern slavery, until public opinii >n is aroused to c oi the reform in our industrial whi< h he pr< >i the true snd only peaceful and pra< ti< rI sqluUon of the problem, c I Lain and Moody « nulla i this purpo e •> National 5° HON. JOHN A. COLLINS tive Homestead Society has been formed in this city, by himself and a number of others entertaining similar views, and issued numerous pamphlets and circulars to popularize the same by means of the press and platform, and prepare the way for the necessary legislation by Congress This Society sent a petition to Senator Stanford, asking the passage of a law establishing the new system of National Co-operation. This petition including the form of the proposed law was pre- sented in the Senate by him in February last. Senators Stanford and Stewart have each introduced bills embodying their own views, for goverment en- couragement to Co-operative, enterprises on a limited scale, but not embracing a complete National system of Co-opera- tion, providing means, and directing the formation and magement of Corporate Associations, under uniform laws, com- prising all branches of industry, both productive and distributive. These several bills were referred to a committee and will naturally be considered together at some future time. This reform Mr. Collin's regarded as the most important of all that he has engaged in, and hoped to live to see it inaugurated by appropriate Congressional legislation. DEATH OF MR. COLLINS. Hon. John A. Collins of this city passed to spirit life on the morning of April 3d. He had been ill for a long time and only his superior will power kept him at his post of duty when laboring under phy- sical disabilities that would have pro- strated many a less determined man. In the latter part of February he had recovered his strength somewhat and took a trip to Los Angeles to attend to some business. He returned from there on the 15th of March very ill with pneumonia, since which time he has not left his bed until the spirit, weary of its struggle to overcome the infirmities of the worn out body took its flight to broader fields of usefulness, and larger opportunity. Mr. Collins was the be- loved president of the Society of Pro. gressive Spiritualism of this city, and a most earnest worker in the cause. His great love of justice, his deep sympathy for the weak and helpless, his contempt for the shams and wickedness of those in high places, made him the firm friend and able advocate of the poor and op- pressed everywhere. In him the mediums found a noble champion and defender; and if he erred it was through his great goodness of heart, his deep, earnest devotion to truth, his fine sense of honor and integrity; his great charity for the weaknesses and tailings of humanity. Judging others by his own high standard of excellence he always found more good than evil, more truth than falsehood, more love than hate, more honor than dishonor; and therefore he had more pity than condemnation for those who were unfortunate victims of circumstances and conditions over which they had no control. It is useless at this moment to endeavor to pay a fitting tribute to the memory of this great, good man. Words are inadequate to express all that could or should be said of him. His life was one continual labor of love, and unselfish devotion to humanity. Volumes could be written of what he has accomplished in his almost four score years. No one day was lost; every hour bore the fruit of noble deeds, generous sympathy and helpfulness. Standing by his bedside as the life forces were slowly ebbing away we could still discern the great, grand soul of the man, the lion-hearted hero, as in moments of consciousness it would flash forth from the eyes, and in clear tones voice the deep interest it still retained in human- itarian work. As president of the Society of Pro- gressive Spiritualists his interest in all that pertained to its welfare was unabated to the last; and his solicitude for its future prosperity was the one theme he dwelt most upon in those last hours. May his mantle fall upon his successor and the place be filled by one as deeply earnest and conscientious as himself. ^'\-\ : ;. EDWARD FAIR. EDWARD FAIR. The subject of this brief sketch was born in Baltimore, Md., in the year 1826. When quite a youth he became a mem- ber of the Methodist church, and served as chorister for the famous revivalist — Inskipt — at Dayton, Ohio, for many years. As but little data is available at this time concerning the earlier life experiences of this brave exponent of Spiritualism we will make a few extracts from a vale- dictory address delivered by Mr. Fair in Kansas City, Mo., in the year 1874, and published in the Religio- Philosophical Journal. In this address, which was delivered on the occasion of his retire- ment from the position of President of the Spiritual Society of that city, he gives an account of his experience in the investigation of Spiritualism and also Home of his early impressions concerning a future life. We will quote his own words which were as follows: " From the time of my sixth year until four years ago the eight day of last March, I had not a tangible proof, nor one faint glimmer of immortality, although for years I had sought such evidence in tears. The first circle which I had the privilege of attending met in Mr. Pond's house in this city. While attending that circle I first entered the great soul temple through the pearly portal of trance; and that which I then saw and heard, lan- guage fails me in describing. From that time until now, 1 can positively Bay to you that not a shadow of doubt has ever crossed my mind as to the realities of our eternal state: nor has there a month passed during thoseTour years that I have not had additional evidence from the other side of life's bright abode. Such evidence often comes to me in the holy hush of night, or during my business hours, or when I am in church or when listening to lectures. The witnesses I present you are three of my senses; see- ing, hearing and feeling; and therefore I know that the dark night of death has never penetrated a grave so deep, but instantaneously the sleeper's brow is bathed in the roseate sunlight of a resurrection morning. My first impression of death, although a preverted one, I shall never forget- Grasping the hand of a sister with whom I then stood in front of our old country home, I witnessed emerging therefrom .1 funeral procession following the form of an elder sister, as I then supposed, to "that bourne whence no traveller ic- turns." Although a mere child this ua^> my first impression of death, an oh, what a terrible one it was! There I stood, feeling with my right hand for evidence of my heart throbs, my left grasping more firmly that oi my sister, nrj turned in the direction of the mourners as they moved slowly away from our dear «»i«i home, made desolate and drear) by this mysterious and relentlei visitor, death\ and from that day and through many changing yean death h.^ I m<- a singular paradox to all the prin- < [pies iu nature, a principle whfc h from us, giving nothing in return, leaving the head I 52 EDWARD FAIR If such thoughts were not formerly mine, I can now associate them with my first impression of death; but an evidence of immortality was the great boon for which I continually aspired; and all through my after life, having early associated with the church, I have heard again and again from the pulpit, of a speculative heaven and a prospective immortality. Singular as it may appear, in my gleanings from all the pulpit oratory to which I have listened, I have yet to hear the first intelligent idea of heaven or of hell. In my earlier years I was a devoted church member. Having had charge of a choir for fifteen years, and being fre- quently called upon to sing at funerals during such solemn ceremonies I often ventured beyond the beaten boundaries of thought and wondered why heaven was so indifferently described and immortality so incomplete. No perfect heaven no perfect immortality, until after the resurrection of an old, worn out body, and the resurrection is to occur— God only knows when or where, and then not until Gabriel has blown a great blast upon his wonderful trumpet; and such blast is to be heard— not by the spirit, for that has long since been confined to heaven or hell; but it is an old defunt body which is to hear. I have stood by many graves and at such times when the stricken hearts of bereaved friends were' lacerated with inconsolable grief my prayers have gone out to God for a tangible evidence of im- mortality; and believing that Deity was his own interpreter through his written or revealed word, my chief desire was to eliminate therefrom that evidence for which my soul had hungered and thirsted frcm early boyhood. Language fails me in describing my utter helplessness. After dilligently searching the scriptures from Genesis to Revelations I could not find a simple promise given by God to man of immortality. The word is men- tidied but twice within the lids of the entire book. Paul says, "God only hath immortality." Adam was driven from the garden to prevent his acquiring a knowledge of immortality as it reads: "And now, lest he put forth his hand and take also of the tree of life and eat and live forever, therefore, the Lord God drove him from the garden."-Gen iii, 22. "Man lieth down and riseth not till the heavens be no more. They shall not wake nor be raised out of their sleep." 'For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth the beasts; as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea they have all one breath; so that man hath no pre-emi- eminence over a beast. "Eccl. iii, 18-22. After having carefully perused the book, I forever closed it, knowing, that therein cannot be found a single promise given by God to man of immortality. I can never forget the terrible travail of soul through which I then passed. In trying to free myself from the thraldom of such miserable vagaries as are taught the world over, I found myself in dark- ness impenetrable and bleak as death. What could I do? Go to my spiritual adviser? No ! Should I thus try to roll the stone from my orthodox sepulchre, and lrankly tell him of my failure to find in the Bible a tangible way to the other side of Jordan, my name would have been marked upon the orthodox slate as heterodox; hence my lips were sealed, and the church to me a forlorn hope. My earnest desire is to grow beyond those ideas my earlier years venerated. My purpose shall be to deal justly with all ideas, all isms. If through the stormy past I only gathered from the church the thought of an ideal heaven and pro- spective immortality, for such hope I am thankful." From the above it will be seen that the path of our arisen brother from the orthodox track to that of Spiritualism was not strewn with flowers. It required courage and manhood to throw oft the bondage ot creeds and come out among the world's workers for truth and right. During the many years of his ministra- tions upon the spiritual rostrum his trust in the ultimate triumph of truth never wavered, and his denunciation of wrong EDWARD FAIR 53 and injustice was ever clear, ringing, and certain. The last four years of his life was a season of continual pain. Through- out all he was brave, courageous, hope- ful and unflinching, looking calmly and trustingly to the end when the release should come. Through the long, try- ing ordeal of sickness and pain his devoted wile was his constant attendant, nurse, and patient watcher*. She was his best friend, adviser and trusted helpmate, his loving companion, comforter and staff; the one who, alone shared his weary days and nights of pain and followed his footsteps down to the brink of the river of death; and her love, deathless as the stars, shown like a beacon light across the dark waters until his feet had pressed the other shore. In her loneliness and grief he now ministers unto her, even as she so tenderly, lovingly ministered unto him. In his love she will find her tower of strength and be enabled to meet life's battles as calmly and bravely as before this shadow came be- tween them. She will hear his voice above the din of life's conflict, in un-f utterable tenderness speaking words o comfort, hope and cheer. Human sym- pathy and love is hers Irom the hearts of many true friends. Mr. Fair passed to spirit life on the 30th of April, 1890. The funeral ser- vices were conducted by Moses Hull and Mr. Battersby, on May 4th, at Metro- politan Temple, San Francisco. LIDA B. BROWNE. Editor "Progress." Among the younger " workers in the vineyard" is Lida B. Browne, editor of Progress, a weekly magazine devoted to Spiritualism and general progressive topics, published in San Francisco. She is a native of Herkimer Co., N. Y. and appeared upon the mundane sphere in February 1862. Her parents were both spiritualists, being among the first to realize the truth of this divine philosophy, her mother Mrs. Scott Briggs, being well known both on the Pacific Coast and in the East as an ardent worker in the cause. In 1881 Mrs. Browne graduated with honors from the Normal College of New York City and immediately there- aiter was married to Frank L. Browne, at that time employed upon the New York "Truth Seeker" and since con- nected with various reform journals in different parts of the country. In 1885 Mrs. Browne held the position of teacher in the Freethought Univeisity of Liberal, Mo., her husband being at that time in charge of the "The Liberal," a local progressive weekly, well know among Spiritualists. Afterwards returning to the Eastern states, they were not con- tent with the more conservative elements of the older section, and in 1888 started for San Francisco, which they have made their home since. Although a firm believer in Spiritualism, it is only within a few years that Mrs. Browne has had evidence, through her own organism, of the positive truth of the philosophy. In February 1895, being continually at the public meetings as musician, she saw the need of a spiritual paper in San Francisco, there being none published in the city at that time, and Progress was the result. The venture met with approval and success from the start, and its editor feels that her life's work has really commenced, and hopes to be the means of bringing many into the light ; eliminating the fear of death, and herald- ing far and near the truth that our loved ones who have passed onward can and do return and communicate with us. I.IDA B. BROWNE MOSES HULL. MOSES HULL. Like old Mother Partington, Moses Hull was born at a very early period of his career. In fact he came within one of not being born at all, and he has been heard to say, it would have been money in his pocket if he had not been. There were two of them, and he was born as No. 2, of a pair of twins that came to the residence of Dr. James and Mary Hull, near the village of Waldo, in Marion Co., Ohio, on Jan. 16, 1835. He is now, therefore well started in the sixties. As children both of the twins were weakly; and Aaron the eldest of the two only lived a little over two years; Moses halted between life and death during the whole period of his child- hood. With manhood came vigor; and now, be is stouter, heartier and able to do more work Mian at any period of his younger days. Mr. Hull is everywhere recognized as a natural born preacher. He Bays, people should not blame him for it. Hi- can no! help it; it is a birth mark, and he has tried earnestly and faith- fully to overcome it, but cannot. He is doomed to preach. 1 [e si\> with Paul, "Woe abides me If I preacb not the gospel." It is as natural for bini to preacb as it is for a bird to sing. He commenced exhorting and preach- ing before he was sixteen years old . and at the age of seventeen wasao or- dained minister. As a "boy preacher" be bad a wondei I'n I reputation. \-a revivalist he had few equals. Between the time be was seven te< □ and twenty- nine be immersed over 8,000 people. He now recognizes that during the whole of that period he was a medium workingunder an irresistable psychic force. A peculiar trembling came on him always before the delivery of his more powerful sermons. On one occas- ion particularly, when he arose to preach, he thought before reading his text he would comment for a moment on averse which oceured to his mind. He quoted: " And they all with one consent began to make excuse." The next he knew he found himself down by the "anxious seat" praying for and talking to twenty or more persons who were on their knees begging for salva- tion. He could hardly be made to be lieve that behad preached over an hour and a half, and bad a lialt'-do/.eii times bad nearly the whole audience in tears. As a healer even while in church, bis work was regarded by many as miraC- ulous. a Btrange train of circumstances l< d Mr, I lull out of the church, IntoSpii It - aalism. He now fully believes that it was bis own mediumship and nothing else, t bat made a spiritualist of bfm. He did not is now a bat ■ doubt on the particular religion be preached was, until bis doubts were BUgg< -(< d by lm- ons. He, to t bis da} i egards bis w ork as an Advent 1st mlulsu r, schooling, a college, a n< a ork, to prepare him for the a oi k In I doing; a a oi k, which by the a aj Is un- like that done by ai lac In the world. in a debate a itb i in < lharlotte, Mich in 1862, in reply to 56 MOSES HULL Mr. Jones' remark that the righteous dead were in heaven praising God, he said "the dead do not praise God, for the dead know not anything." He then quoted, "They are extinct," They are quenched as tow;" they are not;" they shall be as though they ha(jL not been," etc. He then said, "According to these texts the dead are out of exist- ence. Now, will Mr. Jones tell us how the dead, who are out of existence, can praise the Lord." He paused a moment and heard a voice say, "How can these who are out of existence be raised from the dead ; " He supposed Mr. Jones and the whole audience heard the voice; it happened however, that they did not. Mr. Hull never got over that voice. When he was alone he would undertake to reply to the question it asked, but, the more ho replied the more persistently the question asked itself, "How can those who are not, be raised from the dead?'' This voice was heard no more for several months. He had a debate with W. F. Jamieson, who was at that time a Spiritualist. In that debate Mr. J. presented evidence of spiritual phe- nomena. Mr. Hull told him he would save him the trouble of presenting fur- ther evidence on' that subject by admit- ting all his evidence in advance; he believed it; he had no doubt that there were genuine phenomena enough to build the theory of spiritualism on, but they were not produced by the dead, as "the dead know not anything." "They are the spirits of devils working miracles." Next Mr. Hull undertook to present an argument to prove the dead could not produce the phenomena. He stated that the mind was a function of the brain, depending upon the brain for its existence. Without brains there can be no thought. In death, the blood ceases to How to the brain and the brain does not act, therefore the dead cannot think. Then the voice spoke again and said, "please tell the people how the devil can think and perform these wonders without a physical brain; or, if devils can do this without physical brains, why the dead cannot." This voice seemed objective, and so positive that Mr. Hull supposed every one in the audience heard it, he was perfectly sure that, Mr. Jamison, being a med- ium, heard it, and would tell him of it in his next speech; but Mr. J. did not. More than a hundred times Mr. Hull went off by himself to try to reply to what he then heard, but the more he replied the more firmly he became convinced that his theory was founded on nothing better than rolling sand. The result was he, after months of prayer, much study and many tears, announced himself as a Spiritualist. His work in spiritualism since 1863 is well known. In all this time he was never known to be idle. In 1864 he founded the Progressive Age. This paper he sold to S. S. Jones, and it be- came a nucleus for the Religio-Phil- osophical Journal. Later Mr. Hull formed a publishing company, in Baltimore, which pub- lished The Crucible. He was superin- tendent of this company and editor of The Crucible for near a year, when an unfortunate circumstance induced the company to elect another superintend- ent, who, in six weeks squandered its funds and financially wrecked The Cfucible. Mr. Hull then went to Boston, and revived the paper and run it six years under the name Hull's Crucible. Mr. Hull also founded and for two years published a large green- back paper called The Commoner. New Thought was his last journalistic venture. This was started and run six years as the organ of the Mississippi Valley Association of Spiritualists, and of its camp-meeting held in Clinton, Iowa every year. When that camp meeting became an established affair, recognized in all the papers, and no longer needed an agent. Mr. Hull MOSES HULL. 57 sold New Thought to The Better Way, now The Light of Truth to which he is now a regular contributor. While Mr. Hull has always been known, understood, and loved by his friends, he has been a terribly misun- derstood man by those who have not known him. Probably he has in part, been to blame for this himself. There has never been a time wLen he could not with a very few paragraphs of explanation, have stopped the mouths of his enemies; but he took the position at the start that no enemy, or even all of his enemies combined should not extort from him any explanations. He would make any sacrifice for friends but would say or do nothing merely to gratify those who had undertaken to write him down. In the heat of the Woodhull excite- ment, he took strong grounds with what he then believed and now believes to have been a terribly wronged, per- secuted and sufTering woman. He wrote a letter with the design that the letter should draw the enemies' fire from a sick woman to himself. It was a suc- cess. While Mr. Hull, could hardly be induced today to write such a letter lit- has never been known to express a regret for having written that one He save he was led by a power higher and wiser than himself. While it has Compelled him to stand comparatively alone for many years, it baa taught him, that with the angels help he can stand alone. Mr. Hull has enemies, DOt a dozen Of Which he ever saw. lit- is glad to know that among all his enemies not one is acquainted with him, and not one can point to a man woman or child on earth that he ever Injured. Mr. Hull's work is not done; today • Us to lecture extend from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Se has several hooks in preparation ami in presa to be brought out in the near future. At last Mr. I lull's enemies, with prob- ably one single exception, have volunta- rily laid down their enmity. Many of them have confessed that they were moved in their enmity wholly by their prejudices. Many of them have asked his pardon, and, if there is a more pop- ular man in the ranks of Spiritualism, the writer does not know who he is. His calls to preach extend not only all over this country, but throughout the civilized world. Mr. Hull has written many books, the title of some of which are in part as follows: "Encyclopedia of Biblical Spiritual- ism." This is one of the largest, and some say, by far the most entertaining book that ever came from his pen. It contains references to over five hundred places in the Bible where Spiritualism is proved or implied, and exhibits the Bible in an entire new light. Besides this it contains a brief sketch of what is known of the origin of the books of the Bible. Nearly two thousand copies of this hook were sold before it came from the press. Ministers, doctors, lawyers, judges, con- gressmen and senators read and grow enthusiastic over it. "Two in One." A volume of nearly 500 pages, with excellent portrait of the author. There is more Scriptural, entific, Biblical and Historic argument in this hook than in any Other^Moses Hull ever wrote. It contains stores of argu- ment which cannot be gainsayed. "Tin; Spiritual Alps and Ih.w \\V Ascend Them; or^a few thoughts on how to reach that altitude where the spirit is supreme and all thin •< t to it." "Joan tin- Medium, or tin- inspired I [eroine of < Means. Spiritualism I .r.id.-i of Armies. 11 This «< at on< <• a most truthful history o( Joanol Arc and a convincing argument. No novel was ever on >re interesting, no hist >> y more tun-. M Th( Real! I ntains statisti :i the tenden< ies of the tin "All About I I Of -in III): 5* MOSES HULL. to whether Modern Spiritualism and other Great Reforms come from his Sa- tanic Majesty and His Subordinates in the kingdom of darkness. "Jesus and the Mediums, or Christ and Mediumship." A careful comparison of sOme of the Spiritualism and Mediumship of the Bible with that of to-day. An argument proving that Jesus was only a medium, subject to all the conditions of modern mediumship. It also shows that all the manifestations throughout the Old and New Testament we/e under the same conditions that mediums require to-day; and that the coming of Christ is the return of mediumship to the world. "The Spiritual Birth, or Death and Its To-morrow." The spiritual idea of death, heaven and hell. This pamphlet, besides giving the spiritualistic interpret- ation of many things in the Bible — inter- pretations never before given, explains the heavens and hells believed in by Spiritualists. Mr. Hull's residence is now in Chica- go, at 29 Chicago Terrace, where he has purchased a beautiful little house which bears the name "Valhalla." Mr. Hull says he is now determined to labor the remainder of his days for the establishment of a school, where ladies and gentlemen can be so prepared for the platform that Spiritualism shall be able to boast of a ministry which shall be fully able to compete in talent and educa- tion with the ministers in the various pulpits in the land. He sees no reason why the spirit world cannot co-operate with people who are technically educated lor their work as well as for ignoramuses. All intelligent Spiritualists hope Mr. Hull or somebody else will accomplish that work. r^Q&G)^ : MATTIE E. HULL. MATTIE E. HULL. (Written on Mrs. Hull's 52nd Birthday, June 22, 1S92, by Moses Hull.) Almost a quarter 01 a century nas passed since I became intimately acquainted with the subject of this article, and, having lived with her twenty years of that time, I feel safe in saying I know her pretty thoroughly, both as a medium and as a woman. Mattie comes of good, honest New England stock. I was not acquaint- ed with her father, but her mother has lived in our home several years, and I can say a more honest, conscientious and dutiful mother never lived. Mattie's sisters also are intelligent and noble women. Mattie's girlhood was, perhaps, not much different from that of other ordinary girls, except in the early development of mediumship. She was educated at Mount Catesar Academy, and, had not medium- ship siezed her, she would probably have spent a portion of her life either as a common school teacher or in music, of which she is passionately fond, and in which her father, who was a musician, educated her. Mediumship, which generally has its own way, spoiled the calculations of her parents and of herself. Forty years ago mediumship seized Mattie; at that early period little was known of mediumship, and her parents were as ignorant as parents generally were, as to what it was. The best medi- cal skill in the country exhausted itself in trying to find out what was the matter, and much nauseous medicine was s< i-n- tifically poured down her throat, to cure her of "The-lord-only-knows-wh.it," all to no purpose. The child grew worse; that is, mediumship increased. The neighbors were called in to witness the automatic writing, and to hear tin- 1 hild "preach in her sleep.'' Somebody finally suggested that they had known a medium to act very much as the child was acting, and it was L: :nied thai her disease was a chronic attack of spiritual mediumship. There was no cure; the only thing to do was to let it work itself out. It has been working ever since, and manifests no particular signs of working out. When she was only thirteen years old some of the New Hampshire and Massachusetts churches were opened, and her father was invited to. take the little phenomenon there to preach, which he did. Some of these discourses were stenographically reported, and Mattie became a convert to Spiritualism by reading reports of her own discourses. At the age of 17, Mattie married Mr. C. C. B.Sawyer, a very good and worthy man, though he was neither musically or eminently spiritually inclined. He thor- oughly believed in his wife and her medi- umship and music, and in every way he could assisted in her work. He enlisted in the war against the rebellion, where he contracted consumption, which carried him out of the world. For many years Mattie, beside preach- ing, sat as a medium. She became as thoroughly disgusted with the average sitter as many sitters are with some medi- ums. She found that fully two-thirds of those who go to mediums go for anything else than a knowledge of spiritual things. Many go with the direct intention of tak- ing the advantage of being alone with a lady, and offering an insult. ( m!i their very fir ri question Bhow that they are in Spiritualism for the "1 fishes,"— in other words, to prostitute h t, ( mercenary pin pi ise •; and Mill go to mediums I spirit world to help them out of so;". So small a proportion o( medium limit- ■; in 11 ted I >le Dal, that ' Hull k i giving Bittii where Her mediumship b '> »e 6o MATTIE E. HULL. phase of poetry and music, more than any other. As a speaker she is better known than otherwise, having traveled from Maine to California, and spoken in nearly every one of the Northen states, and in several south of Mason and Dixon's line. She has never been known, in her speeches or in private conversation, to say a hard thing of anybody. No matter what is said of her she never retaliates. Indeed, the worst secret of her worst enemy is safe in her hands. Mrs. Hull has written hundreds of very readable poems, many of which have been published. Her volume. of poetic and prose essays, entitled "Wayside Jottings," has passed through two edi tions, and the demand for it is undimin- ished. She hasanother volume rsady for the press, but as yet we hesitate about bringing it out. Some time since about twenty of her songs were published on a card, over six thousand copies of which were sold in one year. Last February we issued thirty-one of her songs in a pamphlet, already we are preparing to to issue the fifth thousand. We now have in incubation a book of her best Songs, together with constitution for societies, marriage service, burial service and a few other things needed by Spirit- ualists everywhere. All of which, except the songs, will be prepared by the writer of this. At this time, Mrs. Hull's 52nd birthday, she is more determined than ever to use the gifts the angels hava conferred on her, in the advancement of the cause to which her life has been devoted. She asks Spiritualists everywhere to give her an opportunity to be useful in the cause. P. S. It is now January, 1896. I am invited to add a little to the above. I see no reason to change anything here writ- ten. I will add that her song book has doubled in size and passed through sev- eral editions of 2,000 each since the above was written. Mattie is now in her fifty- sixth year, and, if possible, more earnestly engaged in the work than ever before. A new development has come to her for poetry and invocations. She has gone to work earnestly for the children; in that work she seems to have found her fort, and in that work, especially at camp- meetings, she is employed and appreci- ated more than in anything she ever did before. Her calls to organize and teach the children at camps extend from Maine in the East to Oregon and Washington in the Northwest. DR. N. F. RAVLIN. DR. N. F. RAVLIN. N. F. Ravlin, the subject of this sketch, was born in Essex county, New York, June i, 1831. Before the close of the following year his parents moved to what was then an uncultivated region, the wilderness of Western New York, and settled in Clymer, Chautauque county. His boyhood was thus spent literally in the woods. All his earlv recollections are associated with the Heech, Maple, Pine and Hemlock forests, with which Chautaque county was at that time cover- ed. His lather was the Rev. Thomas Ravlin, a man of most remarkable memory and eloquence, who for nearly fifty years preached the gospel according to the accepted standards of the Baptist denomination. He was a man of pro- gressive thought, independentjudgement, and fearless utterance, far in advance of the ministers of his time in his interpre- tation of the scriptures. For this reason many failed to under-; Land him. He was misjudged by some, feared by others, and Uted by those who were jealous and envious of his power. In 1845 he removed with his family to the "Far West," as it was then termed, and settled on the, at that time, unbroken prairies of Illinois, fifty miles due west from Chicago, which town then claimed 8,000 inhabit- ants. One year afterwards, in the autumn ol [846, Father Ravlin died, leaving his family in fairly comfortable circumstances, though strangers in a strange land. His was the first mortal form laid in what is now the Kaneville Cemetery. The subject of our sketch was the youngest of seven children, four boys and three girls. On the death of his father the care ol the family devolved upon the brother next older than him, Hon. N\ \\ Ravlin, who was afterwards elected to the Illinois Legislature, and who served his township as Supervisor for twnty-ei^lit consecutive years, and who was hon as chairman ol the Board of Supervisors of Kane county for more than twenty years of that period. X. F. Ravlin was but fifteen years of age when his father died. From that time he worked his own way in the world, and labored from day- light till dark on the farm for $13 per month. When eighteen years old, he was in the woods splitting rails by the thousand to pay for timber tor fence posts to fence a small farm that fell to him as his share of his father's estate. The farm he afterwards sold in order to obtain an education. He was converted to so-called Christi anity when nineteen years of age, and was induced to believe that he ought to study for the ministry. Hence, all other pursuits were abandoned, all other plans laid aside, and everything was consecrat- ed upon the "Altar for Christ's Sake,'' as it was termed. Two years were spent in the University of Rochester, New York, but ill health prevented the completion of the prescribed course of study, and Mr. Ravlin returned West with a shattered constitution, and with little expectation ot living but a short time. But rest from study and a change of climate partially restored his health, and he was accord- ingly ordained as a Baptist minister, and took a small countiv church "far out upon the Prairie." The meetings were held in different school booses. This church agreed to give their pastor the munificent sum of $300 per year, and his bouse rent and fire w< lod. The b u -•■ consisted oftwo small rooms standing <>n the bleak prairie, withoul a about it. 1 be agreement was honestly kepi on the pari of the chun h, and the relati >n was not of duration. H-- . that hurch had not been his last, for he often < \- ,1 bimseli thai he had np but 62 N. F RAVLIN to be a pastor of a church; that he had neither taste nor aptitude for pastoral work; yet he seemed pressed into it, and there did not seem any way out of it. Mr. Ravlin's principal pastorates were at Freeport, Illinois, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Racine, Wis., Chicago, 111., and San JoKe, Cal. He preached in Chicago fourteeii years, and during that time was called to officiate at the dedication of fifty-one Baptist churches, and he raised that number of church debts amounting to many thousands of dollars. He was very popular with the masses, and always had crowded audiences. He assailed the conventional shams of society, the pious frauds and hypocrites in the church, and the sins and crimes of the age — so widely and notoriously fostered by corrupt legis- lation — with a fearlessness and a boldness of utterance seldom ever heard from the pulpit. Fidelity to t^uth and principle as he understood it, rather than policy, con- trolled his pulpit utterances. For this reason he was often subjected to bitter persecutions from envious and jealous ministers who had nothing in common with righteous principle, but were governed by a time-serving policy that would not scruple, in order to serve per- sonal ends, to make merchandise of the gospel of Chn'st. By pious platitudes and godless ceremonials they would assume to preach Jesus as the Christ, and yet crucify him daily between the two thieves of hyprocrisy and supreme self-interest. Mr. Ravlin was ordained when but twenty-two years of age, and entered upon the work of the ministry honestly, and without the shadow of a doubt but that all ministers were honest and just what they seemed. I Ic learned by bitter experience that "All is not gold that glitters," and that it is possible for "A man to smile and smile and vet be a villian." His bitterest enemies have been, and are, professed ministers of the gospel, who have been most unrelenting and conscienceless in their duplicity or double-dealing, and their underhanded schemes to advance their own glory by sullying the good name of another. Of course he recognizes the fact that there are good men, nonest and true, in tne ministry; men who are grand and noble exceptions to the general rule, and who are as much above the average type of preachers as an ac^elis above a foul "bird ot night." During the late war Mr. Ravlin ardently espoused the Union cause, and although ill health prevented him from entering the army, yet he was mainly instrumental in recruiting two regiments of men, and delivered five hundred war speeches and sermons, besides raising large amounts of money to pay soldiers' bounties. On two occasions he delivered a "war speech" where the "Knights of the Gol- den Circle" had sworn to kill him if he at- tempted it. Although being informed of the threats made, and being entreated by anxious friends not to put his life in such peril, he went boldly forward, and with burning eloquence, hurled defiance in the face of his country's secret enemies, re- gardless of consequences. Utterly fear- less, he seemed inspired for the occasion, and no doubt did more for the Union cause than if he had been at the front in the field. Now that the war is over, all feeling of hostility toward the people of the South has been eliminated from his nature, and he recognizes that, educated as they were, they were equally honest in the defense of what they regarded as their inalienable rights. Removing to California, in 1881, he was induced to accept the pastorate of the Baptist church in San Jose, which position he held for over four years, attracting the largest religious audiences ever assem- bled in the Garden City. Four months after commencing his pastorate the church edifice was burned, and Mr. Ravlin was mainly instrumental in building the finest and most commodious church in the city, containing a fine pipe organ. It has seat- ing accomodations for 1,000 people, and not unfrequehtly 1,200 were convened within its walls on Sunday nights to listen to the popular pastor of the Baptist church. But his success provoked envy and persecutions from other ministers, who labored assiduously to sow discord among the members of the Baptist church, and thus break Mr. Ravlin's hold N. F, RAVLIN 63 upon his people, and upon the general public. Measures were resorted to of which ordinary sinners would be ashamed, but they were only partially successful. In uprightness of life and in a character without a stain, the subject of our sketch stood invulnerable against all the shafts of his enemies, without a breath of scandal attaching to his name, or sullying his reputation. But, amid the storm of persecutions, he grew more and more liberal. Months before he resigned his pastorate he publicly rejected the whole bundleof orthodox theology, and deliver- ed a series of discourses on the cardinal doctrines of the creed, which were pub- lished in book and in pamphlet torm by the Swedenborgian Publication Society of Philadelphia, Pa., under the caption of 'Progressive Thought on Great Subjects,' and which were mailed by said society to all the orthodox ministers in the United States. Mr. Ravlin received many bitter, vituperative letters from Divines (?) of all denominations, denouncing him, in the veritable spirit of the old Inquisition, for his "Heresy," each man supposing that the author had sent him the book. Out of hundreds of letters received, only two or three breathed a charitable spirit, or sought in any way to reclaim the "Here- tic" from the error of his ways. Although Mr. Ravlin held the majority of his church firm in his support, yet he at last became tired of occupying an orthodox pulpit, when he himself had wholly outgrown its narrow limits. Accordingly, he gave up hissalary,resigned bis pastorate, and with- drew from all connection with the ( Inn < h and Baptist denomination. Although out of the fold, a liberalist and and a free man, yet he was a bitter opponent of what is known as Modern Spiritualism. He al- ways insisted that none of his kindred •vould ever come to him through a third psrson. If they had anything to com- municate they would come to him d rmd not through some medium. Hut, .is the sequel shows, he was mistaken, and they convinced him of his mist The first evidence of the truth of Spir- itualism he ever received w,is by met astonishing tests of spirit return and identity through the mediumship of Dr. Louis Schlesinger, then of Oakland, Cal. The names of all his deceased kindred were given, their places of residence and the diseases with which they died, together with a characteristic message from each. The proofs were absolutely overwhelm- ing. They came entirely unsought; for when Mr. Ravlin entered Dr. Schlesinger's office he was not aware that the doctor was either a Spiritualist or a medium. Had he known it he could not have been hired to cross the threshold of his office, so intense was his prejudice against Spirit- ualism. Afterwards, through others,and in his own home, spirits came, giving proof of their identity, and demonstrating the truth of immortality. There was no longer any room for doubt. All pre- judice was overcome, and all opposition was ended. A smoking habit of twenty years was broken up. and a new life began. Ignorance had given place to knowledge; bigotry was dispelled by en- lightenment, and blindness by under- standing. During the campmeeting in Oakland, seven years ago, Mr. Ravlin boldly avow- ed himself a Spiritualist, and before its close delivered three lectures in its de- fense. In doing this he closed the door of every pulpit in Christendom against himself, and suffered both social and re- ligious ostracism from the denomination to which he gave the best years of his life. He really made a sacrifice for the truth to which his eyes were opened, and it re- quired no little decree of courage to do it. Those who knew him hid "cast him out," and those to whom he came did not know him. But there werenomur- murings or misgivings, either on his part or that of his family. "They had bread t" eat the church knew not of." "Angela came and ministered unto them." Their kindred from the realm of spirit mi: in their httle family circle. To them, th< iv ], ,\ ■ , ! 1 mes, long mourned as were now alive more truly than b They proved this in many and unra able ways. The in. tin were always in accord with theethi 6 4 N. F. RAVLIN the Golden Rule. The counsel given them from the angels were of the highest wis- dom and deepest knowledge. He is much encouraged in his work by his faithful, loving wife, who says that she had rathei know what they know, and have their ex- perience in spiritual unfoldment, than tc be back in the church with their former salary, and be in ignorance ot this truth by which we understand the nature of the "world to come," and receive the sweet ministration of "angelic spirits." On the sixth of July, 1890, Mr. Ravlin commenced his labors as speaker for the {Society of Progressive Spiritualists in this city, and filled the platform every Sunday for two years, both morning and evening, discussing in a vigorous and convincing manner every phase of Spiritualism and reform. He speaks purely by inspiration, and the more intelligent and spiritual people may be, the more they are at- tracted bv his lectures. He answers written questions from the audience, whenever desired, in the fewest possible words, and with a promptitude and direct- ness that is trulv commendable. He is intensely in earnest, and carries convic- tion to the minds of all that he is seeking to build up the society for which he speaks, and to defend the Philosophy of Spiritualism and the facts of its phenom- ena against all assailants, rom whatever quarter they may come. Having been for thirty years in the orthodox ministry, he understands every line of battle, every strategetic movement of the enemy, every argument against our position, and is fully prepared to meet the issue in open, honorable warfare. After two years of faithful service, Mr. Ravlin was granted a leave of absence for one year, intending to make a tour of the eastern cities, visit the various camp- meetings, etc., but, at the expiration of six months, circumstances arose which threatened the very existence of the so- ciety, and he was recalled to again occupy their platform. He returned to San Fran- cisco and resumed his ministrations which continued for another year. He then accepted a call from Los Angeles, and has been engaged in that city the greater portion ot the past two years. JOHN H. LIEN INC JOHN H. LIENING. John H. Lieniug was born in Ger- many, January 6, 1818. On his father's side the ancestry were Germans as far back as can be traced. His great grand- father was a soldier in the Thirty years' war, being in the service during all those years. On his mother's side the ancestry were Scotch, going from Scot- land to Germany during the reign of William, Prince of Orange. His father was a miller and small farmer. At the age of fourteen young Liening emi- grated to the United States, in the Dutch brig A/ni/ia, landing in Balti- more, Maryland. After a few days in Baltimore, this adventurous youth started on foot across the Alleghany Mountains to Pittsburg. He went by canal- boat to Cincinnati, Ohio, and there bound himself to a pork merchant for three years for board and clothing, and was to receive one year's schooling during the time. He remained one year, received the board, but no school- ing, and the clothing consisted of one well-worn plug hat, which he left; be- hind him. The same year his father, mother, ix brothers, and two Bisters, and uncle, with wife and children, all came from Germany to make their homes in America. The cholera was raging in Cincinnati when they arrived. They at once hurried out into the country, where they expected to buy land, but on the journey one of his I trot hers died of the dreaded disease. The others reached their destination in Auglaize County, where, between Monday and Saturday, all oft he t wo families, except one Bister, died of the same diseaf The next year, 1884, the boy starter on the ChiQkOBOW for Mobile, where In- stayed for two year-, Working Oil I steamers as cabin-boy. In 1886 lie went to Florida and enlisted for the Seminole War. In 1838 he returned to Cincinnati, where he was married at not quite twenty years of age. He lived in Vicksburg, Memphis, and many other Southern cities, including New Orleans, coming to California "around the Horn" in 1849. The journey occupied seven months. Ar- riving in San Francisco, October 20, 1849, he engaged in business here and was quite successful. In the spring of 1850 he started, in company with sev- eral others, for the mines on Feather River, just above Rich Bar, which proved afterwards so very rich, but which they failed to discover, although working on both sides of the Rich Bar for about a month. He spent about three months in hunting Gold Lake, but finally found Pyramid Lake. On the route to Feather River they passed any number of emigrant wagons de- serted in the snow, the carcasses of the animals lying in the harness, the wag. oils containing many articles of value. In the fall of the same year he went to Horsetown, live miles from Shasta. Having spent over three thousand dollars prospeotiug, he began work with only twenty-live cents clean cash and three mules. In the spring of 1851 he DOUght gOOdS at Sacramento and hauled them to Shasta, taking them Oil to. the mines on paok-mules. lb- came by way of OolUSB on those trips, took a liking to the place, and promised to re- turn some future day and Locate, and ii.i locate there in October, 18 »1. He opened a restaurant and lodging-house, Commencing this business about where Spaulding'f shop Btandi at present. At this time an Incident occurred worth relating. A man came to the restaurant one evening, Inquiring if ■ iteamei bad gone down the rrt«r. wh. ii told it bad Just gone, be ex- 66 JOHN H. LIENING. llaimed "Well, then, my money is gone!" On being asked what he meant, he said he had stopped at Moon's ranch with his pack-train, and, carry- ing into the house what, to all out- ward appearances, was an ordinary flour-sack containing a camp kit — cook- ing utensils, bacon, flour, etc. — had laid it on a box behind the door. In the bottom of the sack was a buck-skin bag containing over four thousand dollars' worth of gold-dust. ' Now the box he had laid the flour sack on was marked for Sacramento, which he did not no- tice. While out attending to his mules, he heard the boat-whistle, and, hurry- ing into the house, looked, of course, for the sack— it had been put on the boat by mistake. Moon, on being made ac- quainted with the contents of the sack, at once lent him a fine horse to over- take the boat, which he did at a big bend in the river, but it w r ould not Btop for him. He tried to get someone to go to Sacramento to save his money, but no one seemed to care to take the journey, as the country was flooded with water. He cried and fretted over his loss until Mr. Liening's sympathies were aroused and he offered to make the trip. Donning an extra shirt, but without a coat, he mounted a fine Cali- fornia horse and started, at nine o'clock at night, for Sacramento. There was no moon and it was cloudy. After swimming his horse and getting wet to the skin several times, he finally ar- rived in Sacramento just as the boat was unloading its freight, and succeed- ed in getting the sack containing the gold-dust. Upon its return to the owner at Colusa, that individual gener- ously paid Mr. Liening's expenses and no more. In 1852 he was invited to witness a curious performance at Doctor Semple's home. The doctor was a particular friend, and told him that something very strange had taken place there the night before, in the way of receiving communications from the spirit world- Though born and educated as a Catho- lic.Mr. Liening had become an atheist. That evening, on account of business, he did not reach the doctor's house until a late hour,and,as houses in those days were small, he found only stand- ing-room for himself. There was quite a large table in the center of the room, with about a dozen people seated around it, equally divided as to sex. Very soon after Mr. Liening's arrival a name was spelled out for him, Henry Lien- ing, claiming him as his father. At that time his family was in the East, and he was not known in Colusa to have a family anywhere. He had lost four children during his married life and one was named Henry, but at that time Mr. Liening did not himself recall the child's name. The incident aroused his curiosity and he set to work to in- vestigate the subject most earnestly, as he was not satisfied with the belief of an atheist, but still hoped for more light, and at the expiration of two years from that time became convinced that Spiritualism is true, and is still firm in his belief. In 1854 Mr. Liening returned to the East and brought out his family, and in 1856 sold out his business in town and engaged in cattle-raising, until 1861, when the war broke out. He en- listed as a private in Company D, First Cavalry California Volunteers, and pro- ceeded to Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. He was in various skirmishes with Indians and Confederates, and served until 1S63, when he was pro- moted to Second Lieutenant, and re- turned to California as recruiting offi- cer. Soon after, he tendered his re- signation, which was accepted. He bought the Colusa House prop- erty. He was appointed postmaster, and his most active service during the war was in the next three to five years in Colusa, as is well known in the county and State. To show his zeal for any cause in which he might be engaged or have interest in, the follow- ing incident is related. When the news of the assassination of Lincoln was brought to Colusa, someone passed a note into the postofiivic stating that JOHN. H. LIENING 6; certain persons were taking up subscrip- tions to buy powder to fire a salute in jubilation over the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Mr. Liening step- ped out of the office into the room where quite a number of people were waiting for the mail, read the note, and said, "If any person or persons fire a salute in gratification over the assassination, I will kill the first man so engaged and continue shooting until the last is killed or I am shot down." In 1870 he sold out his interest in the Colusa House property and, being broken down in health, started East on a trip to recuperate, which finally ended in a visit to his birthplace, near Hamburg, Germany, and many large cities of the Continent. He was in Paris at the time war was declared be- tween France and Germany, and re- turned to Colusa on that account. He was next engaged in the Parks dam excitement, and became an active member of the party who opposed the building of the dam, and he said then that the land could not be reclaimed by dams, but must eventually have canals to carry off the surplus water during flood-time. He has held sev- eral public positions — that of Public Administrator, Justice of the Peace, etc. At present he is Town Recorder, Justice of the Peace, and Notary Public, |nd is a popular officer. Although at this date Mr. Liening Is seventy-two years of age, he is able to attend to every duty, and has the ap- pearance of a much younger man than he really is, and has the promise of years to come. DR. DEAN CLARKE. Inspirational Speaker, A. Pioneer. Dr. Dean Clarke, whose name is a household word wherever our Spiritual journals have been circulated, has been before the public for nearly thirty years as a lecturer and writer upon Spirit- ualism. His nativity was among the Green Mountains of Vermont, where about half a century ago he drew his first vital breath, and where he was reared on a farm, and inured, even ir. childhood, to the hard labor necessary to sustain life upon the stony soil of New England. His privileges for gaining an education were limited to an attendance at a rural common school about four months in a year, from the age of four to fifteen, when he attended a select school three months, and at sixteen began his career as a pub- ic school teacher. At seventeen years ol of age his health tailed from overtaxation by mental and physical toil. He inher- herited a delicate constitution, and his ambition for knowledge and aspiration for usefulness, both to his parents and the public, caused him to labor beyond his powers of endurance, and a weakness of his digestive organs began which for five succeeding years incapacitated him for study, prevented regular school-teaching, and even disqualified him for any but very light manual labor. After suffering "the hell of all diseases," dyspepsia, for nearly two years, he was almost des- paring of any relief, when, seeing in the Spiritual Telegraph — which curiosity had prompted his parents to subscribe for — accounts of persons being occasion- ally healed by spirit power, he was led to invoke that aid for himself. Alone in the kitchen of his parents' farm-house, one winter evening, when they and his two junior twin brothers were visiting at one of the neighbors, he laid his hands on the family table, and silently invoked spirit aid. and soon felt ainagnetTc power which took possession of his hands, and with them manipulated his confused . head and debilitated body for nearly half an hour. When the mysterious influence left him his surprise and joy were about equal to find that instead of being fatigued he was rested, and the dull depressing pain in his diges- tive organs was much alleviated. This was a momentous event that be- gan and shaped his future career as a mediatorial instrument for the use of the Spirit World. From that time to the present this beneficent power has attend- ed him as a healing balm, a guiding hand, a quickening and illuminating intelligence, and as a comforter which has sustained him through great hardships, trials, and tribulations incidental to his public career! But several years of discipline and ex- perience were necessary to prepare him for his final public mission. The disease that afflicted his frail body beiny; consti- tutional, yielded but slowly to the heal- ing efforts of his attendant Indian guide, and greatly retarded his spiritual develop- ment. The necessities of life required what labor he was able to perform upon the home farm for a while, and an inborn skepticism and distrust of spirit guidance required time and trial for its overcoming. As soon as his health had sufficiently im- proved, his thirst for knowledge, and a determination to have a profession to rely upon for a livelihood, induced him to spend three years in the study of medi- cine, vainly, however, so far as that end was achieved. The spirit birth of his mother called him home from the West, where he attended his last course of med- ical lectures, and where he had partly arranged to enter practice. Two years were then spent with his father on the farm, partly to recuperate his physical powers exhausted by study, then a few months were spent as a travel- DR. DEAN CLARKE DR. DEAN CLARKE 69 ing book-agent, when he met a medium through whom the spirits told him the time was at hand to begin the great work so long delayed, which they had for him to perform. Not long afterward an invi- tation came for him to attend a Spiritual meeting at Plymouth, Vt., near the earthly home of Achsa W. Sprague, the distin- guished trance speaker, then four years in spirit life. Here he was invited to speak, and relunctantly yielding, the arisen Miss Sprague wonderfully inspired him to address her old neighbors and her mother, who unknown to him was present, and he spoke so pathetically and power- fully, that all were thrilled, and several moved to tears, rather of joy than ol sorrow ! This occasion, the 19th of May, 1866, fulfilled tor him the prophecies and promises frequently given him from spirit sources, but doubtfully received during the preceding years of preparation. Space will not permit more than a mere allusion to his subsequent public career. Announcing through the Banner of Light his readiness for work as an inspired speaker, calls came from far and near. He went to Cincinnati, thence north to various places in Indiana, and to Wiscon- sin, where a few months of labor succeed- ed, whence he returned and labored in various parts of New England till the spring of 1868, when he was called by the State Missionary Assoi iation of Mi h« igan to organize societies and lecture throughout that State. For eight month- he was var? savscessful, and won high e-ic-^rrrns as a speaker, then for foui months assisted the President of the Association in editing the Present paper started to aid the Spiritual work in connection with tin- Missionai Disagreement with the nominal edltOI led to Dr. Clarke's resignation and the resumption of lii-, independent public work. He journeyed eastward and spok-- a few months under the auspices of the State Spiritualist Association ol Pennsyl- vania; then was < .ill- -I to 1 similar work by the New York State As ociation, spending the winter 1 print ipally in Western New York. From there he returned to New England, and spent two years speaking in all ot those States with increasing power and fame, though with small pecuniary returns. While there he twice presided over the only general Campmeeting then held, which assem- bled at Lake Walden, in Old Concord, Mass. As presiding officer he won high ecomiums from Prof. Denton, Lizzie Doten, Thomas Gales Forster. Ed. S. Wheeler, Dr. H. B. Storer and other renowned veteran speakers, who praised his graceful, dignified and happy manner of presenting them, and keepirg order and harmony in all the protracted sessions. In the winter ot 1872, while stopping in New York City, Dr. Clarke was the guest ofa Mrs. Baker.a well-known Spiritualist, now the wife of Colonel Kase, of Phila- delphia. One afternoon she invited about fifty of her friends to meet him in her parlors, among whom were Colonel S F. Tappan and his wife, since Mrs. Cora I.. V. Richmond, Mrs. Pomcrov, wife ot "Brick" Pomeroy, and her sister and husband, a son of Mr. Goodyear, of Rub- ber celebrity, and an Indian woman named Mary Powell. During a seance which ensued, Dr. Clarke was controlled by his Indian guide and healer, and ap- proaching this Indian women he addressed her in a language which to him was a to- tally "unknown tongue," and she re- sponded. She then translated into English what she and the spirit through Dr. Clarke had said, and thus, for a lull hour, a dia- logue went on between them she trans* lating, as they talked, to the auditors who astonished and delighted it so mar* velousman festation of spirit power. Mis-, Powell informed the auditors that t!" y had spoken in the language of the Dela- ware tiih-- <>l Indians, and tliat the S pii it Indian SDOl lly through hi diora ! This was a very gratif] to 1 )r. Clarke, as well as to ail pi. sent In th<- wintei nt to Columbia, S < .. w h< 1 ,<>nth. to ( lolombu .. 1 ■ >r am >thei month, to Atlanta fi >r anothi r, l Nashville, Tenn . and to in Indiana; then to Wl N OH m, ' 7° DR. DEAN CLARKE to Vermont, when in the fall in 1873 he came to California. Here in Charter Oak Hall he spoke for two months very suc- cessfully. But his health being poor, he had to suspend speaking here, and went South as far as San Bernardino, speaking also at Santa Barbarba and Los Angeles. Returning, he remained in this city till the spring of 76, when he went to Hum- boldt county, and spent a few months lecturing with success, thence returning here, he went to Oregon, receiving there very high commendation from the press. After a year's service there he journeyed to Puget Sound, where for two years and a half he did missionary work, awakening much interest in the Spiritual cause. He spent the winter of 1879-80 in Eastern Oregon, then labored assiduously in Portland, where he fitted up a hall, and organized a society to which he minis- tered six months, doing great good. Returning to San Francisco, several months of rest were required to restore health and strength, then in 1881 he opened Washington Hall for the first time to Spiritual meetings, and occupied it about eighteen months; managing and speaking at regular Sunday meetings, when he yielded his charge to the Society of Progressive Spiritualists, which was organized out of the attendants at his meetings, and to which he gave the name it yet bears. In 1884 he returned to the New England States, where five years were spent in lec- turing in all of them with old time suc- cess; then a call from Denver took him there forsix months, whence he journeyed back here to California where he labored successfully in Santa Cruz. Dr. Clarke has been an active mission- ary laboreron the Pacific Coast for sixteen years doing a more wide-spread work than any other speaker. He has twice canvassed the entire length of California, Oregon and Washington, visiting most of the interior towns of each. On these lecturing tours he has received no com- pensation except the voluntary contribu- tions of skeptical audiences, which, on the whole, was barely sufficient to defray incidental expenses. Those who know him best give him credit for being actu- ated by the highest and purest motives, and an unselfish love of his fellow-men. The desiieto do his whole duty, and obey the promptings of the spirit world has been paramount to all other considera- tions. In his zeal to serve the cause of right, truth and justice he has been un- sparing in his denunciation of imposters, fakirs, and mercenary harpies, who have "stolen the livery of heaven" in which to deceive and delude honest, confiding spiritualists. For his outspoken senti- ments he has sometimes been severely criticised, but the results always justified, and demonstrated the wisdom of his course. Probably no exponent ot Spiritualism now on the rostrum excels him in clearly stating the laws underlying spirit com- munication. He has made this branch of his profession a special study, and is capable of answering without hesitation any question pretaining to the subject so far as the investigations of able observers have yet gone. There are of course many things connected with Spiritualism not yet well understood by even the best informed. The action of incarnate mind upon mind is in great part yet a mystery; therefore it is not to be expected that all the processes of spirit manifestation can be comprehended by investigators at this early stage of psychical research. An- other half century of progress like that of the past fifty years will make clear much that is now classed among the uncertain- ties of the occult. This sketch of Dr. Clarke's life is a very meager summary of twenty-seven years of public labor, earnestly, faith- fully and self-sacrificingly performed by one of our most able, devoted and useful spiritual teachers. He has done heroi c service for our cause with both tongue and pen, and everywhere has won high repute as a man of honor and strict integ- rity, and as a fearless advocate of all reforms, and of truth as his clear intui- tions and vigorous intellect have dis- cerned it. HERMAN SNOW HERMAN SNOW. BY ELIZABETH LOWE WATSON. He was born in Pomfret, Vt, April 9, 181 2. His parents were intelligent, re- spected, healthy and long-lived. There were ten of the children, four daughters and six sons, all of whom were married and settled in life, and with one or two doubtful exceptions, all of them, and also the parents, became Spiritualists. There was no death among these children until an average age of about sixty years had been reached, or until an aggregate of nearly six hundred years had been lived by the ten. Herman is the oldest of the seven who are still in the earth-life. His early years were spent upon the home farm, with rather imperfect district school privileges, until on his sixteenth birthday he met with a severe accident which was supposed to disqualify him for all future severe bodily labor. I lence he turned his attention in other directions, and first served an apprenticeship of about three years in the mercantile line, partly in Boston and partly in a country village store. The business did not suit him; his yearnings were strong for a more intellectual kind of lift- and broader fields of action. He broke loose from business entanglements and entered a leading academy of preparatory instruction at Meriden, X. II., but his hopes of a thor- ough Collegiate COUrse at Dartmouth Were blighted by the wants of ne« 1 pecuniary means. Now the allurements of the great We I open up before him; he resolves to seek his fortune in that broad and still largely unexplored and unappre< iated region. In September, [831, at the age of about nineteen, he goes oft leisurely and alone; takes a ride between Albany and Sche- nectady in the first steam railroad pa ger train that was put in action in the United States, and within a week of the formal opening of the road by the State officials. At Schenectady a line boat on the Grand canal is taken to Buffalo; then a schooner passage to Portland harbor, enduring a severe lake scorm for three days. Now pedestnanism is resorted to and kept up as far as Meadville, Pennsyl- vania; next, in company with two others, French Creek and the Alleghany River are navigated in a three-dollar pine skiff to Pittsburg, a four days' trip through much wild country and some rough adventure. There he gets employment for a while, and then pushes on farther west and south. This was but the beginning ol an unsettled, wandering life, extending west to the extremes of while Settlement at the time, and which did not Come t • » .1 full end for ue irly eight vears, when OUf adventurer finds himself living ;it ville, Pennsylvania, from which point .1 new and important change in his condi- tion takes place. Through all this unsettled life, no i<-.il deep seated happi- ness hid been real h< d; only the changing ripple-, of ;i sill fa< '• Hie h.id in < 11 !,i deeply lelt yearning <>t his inner and bet- ter nature remained unanswered; his spiritual, religious in-- was in 1 But a hal d »ul< I be done ! He could not be religious in the popular •!i, and v--t without kind ol <>' In- religious nature, 72 HERMAN SNOW life seemed sadly insufficient, often deso- late to him. But orthodox revivalism could not mov^e him; its hell could not frighten him into stereotyped church creeds and confessions. His own intui- tions taught him that there must be an overruling power of wisdom and love pervading this wonderful universe, but the God of the ruling systems of theology was seen to be one whom he could not love if he would, and would not if he could. He firmly believed in a life be- yond this, but the orthodox heaven was one for which he had no affinity, and a verbally inspired Bible was a perpetual stumbling block to his intuitive percep- tions; he could never endure its study beyond the creation story in Genesis. Until this time no opportunity had been offered him of becoming acquainted with liberal and rational views of Christianity; but now, at Meadville, he found a small and intelligent Unitarian Society, with a good minister, through whose instruction and guidance, especially in a rightly ordered course of reading, he at length gained a somewhat satisfactory view of the Bible and its doctrines. His inward, religious self, began to expand into a peaceful, happy activity, and soon with the aid and friendly advice of the minister and others, on the occurrence of his twenty-seventh birthday, with a joyful solemnity he dedicated himself to the work of a liberal and rational Christian minister. Now follows a return to the East and a course of theological studies ) lasting nearly five years, the last three of which embraced the regular course of the divinity school of Harvard University. He was graduated in July, 1843, Du t with a constitution much broken by excessive study and the want of a wise regard to the laws of physical health. The change from an active, external life at so late a period, taken in connection with a certain degree of zeal without knowledge, was too much for his physical stability, especially his eye sight. This failure began early in the course and con- tinued not only through his preparatory studies, but also in all his future labors, crippling and discouraging him in many of his higher purposes, especially in all attempts to become a thorough student of theology and of general literature. It was mainly on this account that, after his graduation, he decided not to seek for a permanent parish settlement, but resolved to devote himself to some- thing like an itinerant ministry, with but little attention to a student's life. On the first day of June, 1845, ne was therefore ordained as "an Evangelist," in one of the Boston churches. His engagements were now by the year, the first one being over an old and interesting parish at Brooklyn, Conn., (once a part of Pom- fret;, preaching in the very chinch which Gen. Israel Putnam was accustomed to attend during his life-time. P* Here was our friend's first experience in the joys of married and home life, and also a heavy weight of its sorrows, for within the space of about twenty months, were removed by the death-angel, the wife and two young children, leaving him homeless and sad. It was, doubtless, these severe bereavements'that prepared the way for a final, faithful attention to the claims of the new Spiritualism, in spite of the repulsive dislike which at- tended the first approach toward an investigation. It was simply as a disa. greeable duty that the first efforts were made, and the state of mind was one almost sure to result in at least a tempo- rary failure as, indeed, they did, but what came of subsequent efforts was of such a decisive nature as absolutely to compel belief. When a full conviction was at length reached it was with a joy unspeak- able, both to visible and invisible friends and loved ones. It was now — the "Pearl of great price" to this zealous believer, which having found, he was ready to give up all else to its widespread knowledge and support. Being soon after invited to the regular charge of a parish, he ac- cepted only with a full understanding of his present state of mind in regard to Spiritualism, and that at all times he stood ready to aid those who wished to investigate. Several families availed HERMAN SXOW 73 themselves of the opportunity, circles being held with them and mediums developed. His own medial tendencies also made rapid progress, until there was a happy culmination in clairaudience, or internal hearing. He was now in direct and free communication with his spirit helpers, who were zealous in their efforts to push him forward in the good work which lay before him, and under the strong inspirational impulse thus received he was induced to prepare for circulation a pamphlet entitled, "Incidents of per- sonal experience while investigating the new phenomena of spirit thought and action." This he had printed at his own expense, wholly for a free distribution, largely among his brother ministers, of whom not one was willingly omitted. Of about six hundred copies printed, all were soon disposed of, not a single copy being sold. This was while under a six months' engagement at Montague, Mass., (in which town are now located the well known Spiritualist camp-grounds.) By the time this engagement came to a close he had come to the resolve to give him- self wholly up to the new work. He therefore declined a re-engagement, and as first move, made a \ isit to his native Vermont home, being then much in need of a season of quiel repose. But he was not allowed to rest Ion-; the pressure from visible and invisible surroundings was sudi that he BOOH found himsell en gaged in holding circles and developing mediums anion- the neighbors, until not less than one-half of the families we re more or less interested or d<-< ided believ- ers in the new faith. While here he became acquainted with the author, I.. Simmons, ., recently developed tram e medium of great promise; and, on the return trip to Massa< husetts. with the consent and advice of the spirit guides, the medium speaker was taken as a Spin itualist evangelist down the Connecticut valley, speaking at tin- leading towns along tii«- route, until at length the two separated, the medium continuing on to Boston, while the thus far managing helper took refuge in the pleas.mt So- cialistic community of Adin Ballen, at Hopedale, where Spiritualism had al- ready taken a deep root-hold. There our earnest worker spent the summer, his mental occupation being the preparation for the press of a small* vol- ume entitled "Spirit Intercourse," and his bodily exercise being in the box- making shop of the co-operathe com- panies. Early in autumn he went to Boston, got his book published., and then, still under strong spirit impulse and direction, he established a Spiritualist headquarters, at his own personal ex- pense and under his exclusive control. Totheful) enioymentof this central ottice of inquiry and investigation, all sincere seekers after truth, by advertisement, were cordially welcomed, it being under- stood that only such free contributions be handed in from time to time as might be prompted in aid of the expenses incurred in keeping up the establishment. Most of the actual expenses of the hall were thus paid. Many important ends v, answered at this Harmony Hall head- quarters, and our worker would have gladly continued its occupation to much longer period, but the drain upon his mental and spiritual forces, from a constant attention to his steady Influx oi visitors, that in about a year, being greatly exhausted in his nervous and general condition, he was obliged to give up his work into the hands oi another eanu Si and faithful worker. Now, for about a year, the strength still at his command was given to aid in the establishing of the i ngland Spiritualist .\s„„ jation, ol which he became the spei ial busii nt. but finally, in the spring oi i under wise medi< al and spun advice, • ompelled to give up. as fai aspos ble, l laboi therefore, with a s.-< ond faithful wif< . whom he had i- 1 entl) been united, departed again foi tie West, and U| tin- i tie- Cit) oi R ill., —where on, . in | had aided in establishii ad 74 HERMAN SNOW and gave himself up to the cares and labors of mundane life, holding on still, however, to some degree of active interest in the spiritual and religious affairs closely around him. At the close of about eight years of this kind of life, he found himself the creative owner of a beautiful cottage and garden home, with abundance of fruits and flowers, hedges and shrubbery, iust at the highest point of loveliness. All this he had gained, but at the expense of a further breaking down of his general condition, resultingfrom an excess of zeal in his gardening. He had become ex- travagantly devoted to this, and as he could do nothing in moderation, the natural penalty of overwork with his hands now came to him. In July, 1863, this kind of work also had to be given up, so he let his pleasant home to a stranger, and departed on a long con- templated journey as passenger of a Mormon ox-train team, over the plains and mountains of Utah — a ten weeks' solitary trip this. He spent the winter among "the Saints," watching their mode of life, and studying into their professions of faith and practice. During the winter he accumulated the material for a good- sized volume, but was prevented from eventually publishing the same by a fore- stallment of another writer, who published much the same kind of work, a little in advance of his own intentions, He, how- ever, published some of his material in the public prints, as a series headed "Mormonism" by the Light of Spiritual- ism," in the R. P. Journal\ also an article on "Plurality of Wives," in Vol. 7, No. 6 of the Overland Monthly (Dec. 1871.) The time of the Utah sojourn was in the midst of the war, and "the Saints" were full of disloyalty and rebellion; there was a lively time also among the Indians of the plains, but in spite of all our friend made a safe return in the next spring. But no restored health came back with him, so, on rejoining his wife, who had remained at her old Boston home, it was decided to sell the place in Rockford, as something that could be no longer cared for by its owner, though to someone else it might still be a happy home. Now followed about three years of a crippled, desultory life in Massachu- setts, in which there was a partial return to the regular pulpit preaching, though always with a distinct understanding of the independent and conscientious views of the preacher in regard to the heresy of Spiritualism. His closing engagement of this kind was at Marshfield, immediatelv after the close of which, on the 1st of October, 1867, he departed on a long contemplated voyage to California, con- nected with which was an enterprise regarded by him as of great moment, the particulars of which it is unnecessary to state in detail, as "Snow's Liberal and Reform Book Store," on Kearny street, San Francisco, will still be remembered by the earlier residents. A few items of information may be added, however, for the benefit of those especially who were not then familiar with the Spiritualism of the Pacific Coast. Mr. Snow had, while still engaged in his regular ministerial life, manifested great interest in the use and spread of the printed page as the best means of promoting the growth of a liberal and Christian faith. The works of William Ellery Channing were regarded by him as the most important instrument for this kind of work; so, at one point of his experience — having first taken means to have the price of these books reduced to a very low rate — he for a time gave him- self almost wholly to the work of their ex- tended circulation, with the result that not far from four thousand volumes were thus widely disseminated through his personal effort. This was doubtless the most important work accomplished by him while in the active Christian ministry. Having now a like deep interest in the spread of the new gospel of Spiritualism he had long entertained the hope of being able to accomplish a similar good work for this cause, or, if not solely for this, yet for the general advancement of free- dom and activity of thought in matters of deep human interest. Hence it was HERMAN SNOW 75 that he established at the central point of the great and growing Pacific slope, a small book store, where all such books could be found— of a radical and reform- atory character — as were not usually kept at the regular popular bcok establish- ments, including especially and mainly a full supply of the works on Spiritualism. The enterprise proved to be a success so far as an extended spread of liberal thought was concerned. In a few years connections had been made with inde- pendent thinkers in almost all parts of the regions of the Pacific, including the principal islands as far as Xew Zealand and Australia, and a regular supply of reading matter was thus sent over a vast extent of continent and island territory. It is believed thai no small proportion of the present activity in the cause of Spiritualism in this region may be traced in its origin to the seeds of thought scattered abroad from Snow's Liberal and Reform Book Store. But although a success in this the more important respect, yet in another direction the undertaking was not a success. It is true that, for a few years before the opening of the overland railroad and the largely improved mail and express connections with the coast, and also the equalization of the gold and currency circulation, a comfortable financial support was real- ized. But later, when conditions thus becani . orable, there folio decided loss, and that, too, with t: • of the closest economy, the wife being; the sole business assistant about twelve years of the n book store method, there was a change into a kind of book agency, carri mainly through post office and • • channels; and after about three years of this kind of effort, I i-nt of the business Mill remaining was p into the hands of Albert Morton, .md w.is eventually given up. In thesi- din irenl meth I >n, as also in various public meetings of a Spir- itualist and reform character, tin- faithful and efficient \\ it-- was a most imj helper; indeed, without her aid. daily in the close confinement of the book store, the business could not have been long kept up, as the health of the chief owner and manager, though greatly improved by the California climate, did not become adequate to a steady and close confinement to the city. It was needful for him to spend many hours of the last part of the day in an open-air garden life, which he had secured for himself in Oakland and Berke- ley. It was only in this way that he was enabled to enjoy those seasons of quiet, intuitive thought, so necessary to the advancement and usefulness of his higher spiritual capacities, which were from time to time called into activity. The most important work of this kind in which he became engaged at this time was a series of seances of a highly beneficial charac- ter, extending through a period of about eight years, of which that devoted and self-sacrificing medium, Anna I). Loucks, was the instrument employed by a band of beneficent spirits in a work of a some- what peculiar and highly important char- acter. Of these seances, Mrs. Snow was the appointed assistant and scribe, keep- ing a minute and regular re< that took place. From this record there was published a small volume, "Visions of the Beyond, by a Seer of To-day." Also, afterwards, in the various Spirit- ualist papers, enough to till anotla I about the same size. From these th- more interested in such : s may have been able to under* stand, to sonn- extent, tl ll and very marked character of woik thus engaged in, wholly as a labor ol lo unfortunate ones on the border land be. tween the two worlds. Mi the best part oi her life to tins kind of work, often amid much privation, ax' 5Ufl< : final return t<» tl ' die Subject of OUT Sket ll plished until : Snow resided in Boston and I In |u: 7 6 HERMAN SNOW passed by Mr. Snow in the State of New Jersey; but he finally gravitated to his native State, Vermont, where he has since found a home in the family of an old Iriend — a fellow laborer in the cause, who is an excellent farmer of the typical New England older. Here he expects to pass the remainder of his earthly days, near the spot, where he was born, and where the mortal part can finally be laid away among those of his parents and near relatives. Although now eighty-four years of age, Mr. Snow is in a reasonably vigorous condition both of body and mind. His sight is so .well preserved that he does all his writing and reading with- out glasses, and his hearing is also quite good. The accompanying portrait is from a photograph taken when the sub- ject was an octogenarian, and is a faithful representation of the grand old man whose life has been one unselfish labor of love along all lines of reformatory work and progressive thought. JULIA STEKLMAN-M1TCHELL. JULIA STEELMAN-MITCHELL Julia Steelman-Mitchell, whose face adorns this page, is one of OU* most earnest as well as succ< Bsful " Workers in the Vineyard.* ' Born of Scotch and Yankee parentage, in the fall of l s K at Cassadaga— what was then called Lilydale — N. Y. Coming to earth while the " Rochester knockings" were cie- atingso much excitement* had it pre- dicted of her, by her mother, who w:is one of the pioneer Spiritualists, that " Some day Julia would be a great me- dium." The honored mother— whose father, a < v > laker minister, lias heen a life 1.II-- guide of the Bubject of t his sketch— has lived t<> know her proph- ecy i- fulfilled. When quite young Mr-. Mitchell gave evidence of being a Bensitive, and would often return from alone trip through the deep forests of Wisconsin— where her parents had emigrated- and tell of the guide who always came to warn her of danger, to lead her \\ here the wild fruit was to ho found, or flowers the most prDfuse. oft at dusk, Bhe would he found perched in the top of a lofty tree, chatting to t in- distant clouds, touched with golden BUnsel —unlike other ehildn n, uneon- cerned thai nighl was near, she was seni , when twelve years of age, t<> < 'in- einnati, < > , for an education, remain- in- t here until lei- mai i luge. I luring t w .'hi \ \ (.mi - while real ing her t ; ve children she exercised her m idlum- ship in a ( piie i way, making many believers in the fad communion. A iter i he deal h of her belovi d bus- band and two beautiful daughters, our medium turned ber enl Ire at leu! ion to the furt her development of her p iwers, and Boon found herself on the public rostrum, as inspirational speaker and test medium. In this line her advance has heen very rapid. In 1893 Mrs. Bteelman became the wife of Carey Mitchell, a highly re- spected citiz 'ii ami druggist o( ( loving- ton, Kentucky. A- a speaker, Mrs, Mitchell i- mag- netic and attractive, and pre-, nts the Spiritual philosophy in Mich a clear and concise way that it ma> In- appre- hended by the child as well a- t he student. I [er phases of medium-hip are clairvoyance, clairaudience, trance and automatic writing. Describing spirits, hearing their names, or reading their messages— written in the air answering sealed letters, describing fac - and giving advice from Bealed photographs, giving incidents of pas! life and prophecies of the future, di- agnosing diseases ami reading charac- ter without Bight or contact, ai given before the public under stricl test condil ions. Beside her -pint relatives, this medi- um claim- as guides the ancient spirit Pakoh, Prof. Dayton, a phrenologist, Red River, one «.t t he early I udians, and an rtalian Count, who al times en- t ranees t he -p. aker and ex pie--, - i he heaiit ifui -em Iments in poel ic verse. M i - M itchell Is good aul hority on mediumship, and teachi - it fi oin h scientific standpoint. Bhe i- en in writing the history of her worl medium, w hioh promise i verj iutei esl ing \ olume; and hai plrll Woi Id to d< \ ote her life to hat teachi - man that " inn h ■lily and inii-l |Hc\ ail I hi home w hicb it a bappj on< Belle\ ue, K \ d beautiful suburb of ( iiiciniiat I, JOHN W. REYNOLDS, M. D, BY C. HALIFAX. John W. Reynold?, M. D., was born at North Chatham, N. Y., March 8, 1839; the second son of Hiram and An- geline Conkling Reynolds, being of the seventh generation on the paternal and the fourth generation on the maternal side, born on American soil. After receiving the rudiments of ed- ucation at a public school, he devoted himself closely to home study, devel- oping a strong fondness for literature. In 1856 he moved to Albany, N. Y., and was married to jMiss Mary M. Ma- son, of that place in 1858. On the breaking out of the Great Rebellion, he enlisted in the 11th N. Y. Indepen- dent Battery of Light Artillery, with which he served his full term of enlist- ment from 1861 to 1864, being in all the campaigns of the Army of the Poto- mac, from the second Balls' Run to the siege of Petersburg. Shortly after the close of the war he removed with his family to Ashville, N. C, where he remained two years assisting in the work of reconstruction of the Govern- ment, and serving as an editorial writer on a Republican newspaper published at that place. In 1869 he moved his family to Chi- cago, the then new metropolis of the West, where he devoted his time to various kinds of literary work, but chiefly in the line of medical literature. In 1875 he graduated from the "Hahnemann Medical College of Chi- cago," and for the succeeding fifteen years was engaged in the practice of medicine and the revision and compil- ation of medical works. In 1887, his health failing to the ex- tent of disabling him from practice during the severe winter months, he moved to California, settling in Los Angeles. The soft climate and beauti- ful surroundings of his new home so charmed him that he resolved to make it his permanent place of residence. His character having a religious ten- * dency, he was in early life a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, but being by nature a logical thinker, and believing in the doctrine of mental as well as physical evolution he could not remain content with the self-con- tradictory theories of "Orthodox Reli- gion." Withdrawing from membership with any church, he awaited patiently the dictates of his own conclusions, which quickly led him to embrace the doctrines of Unitarianism. In the Au- tumn of 1891 he became a convert to Nationalism, clubs of which were at that time organized in Los Angeles for the propagation of social, economic, and political reform, upon principles advocated in Edward Bellamy's book, "Looking Backward." Subsequently, after careful investigation, he became a professed Spiritualist, in which belief he steadfastly remained unchanged till death. The following obituary pub- lished in "The Civic Review" of Aug. 24, 1895, (a reform paper in Los An- geles) speaks his true character. "On the 21st of July, .1. \Y. Reynolds M. I)., of this city passed from this life to the spirit world. The deceased was a firm believer and consistent expoun- der of the philosophy of Modern Spir- J, \V. REYNOLDS, M. D. JOHN VV. REYNOLDS, M. D. 79 itualisra, and was also a practical example of true manhood in its fullest meaning, the moral force of which endeared him to all who became ac- quainted with him. His benevolent disposition was in harmony with the breadth of his spiritual understanding which to those who knew him inti- mately gave evidence of purest thought. His funeral on the 23d, at Rosedale Cemetery (.L. A.), was attended by a large number of devoted friends and honest admirers, who sincerely sympa- thize with the bereaved family." "Fold thou the ice-cold hands ( 'aim on the pulseless breast, For the heat of the summer day is o'er, And sweet is our brother's rest." Almost as varied as the characteris- tics of individuals are their conceptions of any subject the relations of which are not immediately self-evident, and defined in such manner as to be unquestionable to the ordinary mind. The author of "The Creed of Spiritu- alists." J. W. Reynolds— with whom the writer had the happiness of being intimately acquainted— realizing this, and also aware of the tact that an exceedingly small minority of those who are not Spiritualists, have a cor- rect idea of what the philosophy of said belief consists, wrote the concise and self-explanatory definition en- titled, ''The Creed of Spiritualists," in order that, not only those not allied, but also many who claim allegiance to said philosophy, yet understand little concerning its real mission, may have a clear definition in relation to what is —notwithstanding frequent misappli- cation of its true nurposes — one of the grandest truths extant in the nine- teenth century. THE CREED OF SPIRITUALISTS. A- spii itualists, obtaining our knowl- edge from the spirit world, and from the accepted teachings of science, we believe: — That man is a spirit, associated with matter suited to his earthly u»e. That after tie- process called death, the BplrM i- -till clothed with matter, imt of a more ethereal form, correspoud- ing with and related to the conditions of his environment. That in thespirii world hi- Individu- ality i- retained and tin unfoldment of the mental, moral ami spiritual (acuities is continued Indefinitely by processes not unlike tin- manner pertaining to the development in this world. That the universe i- an aggregate of forces and materiality governed by in- herent laws; that these laws ale un- changeable, but varied in their direc- tion a- they aet and Pact upon each other, or as they are interrupted 0T modified to a limited extent by the will. We believe that man i- the hi-le Bl personality in all the universe, an. I as such will always continue through whatever mutations he may pa-- 01 where! o he may be environed. Thai the origin of the universe is not fully known through sci< otlflo research, n.»r ha- u been generally revealed in it- entirety by tie- -pint world un doubtediy f r the purpose <•!" stimuuv ting investigation so that for all prac- 8o THE CREED OF SPIRITUALISTS. 'ticable purposes it may be said to be unknown, and without special bearing -on moral conduct. That as matter and spirit are in con- junction in man, so are they found together in their proper relations throughout the universe. That man is an animal who has pro- gressed from the lowest form of animal matter, up through the period of con- sciousness, to the estate of the higher moral and spiritual faculties, similarly with the laws of evolution as under- stood by science. The spirit world, as we are taught by its inhabitants, is both a locality and a state of existence, governed by natural laws, and is a fitting place for the dis- play of human powers in their fullness; and that it is divided into higher and lower spheres, suitable to the wants and for the better advancement of the spiritual forms of life in their relative degrees of progression. We believe that after leaving the present material body, man's moral status is the same as before the transi- tion, and that he enters upon a high or low estate according to his attainments in this world; that while the good he does receives compensation in inherent virtue and harmonious relations to man and nature, that also evil, for the same reason, creates a state incompati- ble with the true order of things, and therefore unhappiness. That the end and aim of life in the spirit world is progress in mental, moral and spiritual things, and to help the perverse or undeveloped spirits, whether in the spiritual world or in this, along the same lines of progress. We believe, from knowledge acquired through actual demonstration, that the inhabitants of the spirit world have the power as well as the disposition to return to this world and manifest themselves in various ways, from a simple mental suggestion to a visual appearance, and also to take possession and control of the minds of mortals to an extent within the limits of the or- ganization of the prison exercised. That the whole duty of man in his mortal life consists in taking the first steps in the attainment of all knowl- edge, and the perfection of his nature in a complete state of harmony with the fully unfolded spiritual state. That all duties logically growing out of or uredicated upon this primal duty should constitute the entire conduct of man, whether related to the moral, mental, or material. We believe that the existence of man in society naturally implies the con- struction of certain laws for harmoni- ous intercourse and government; that such rules of conduct have always been formulated by civilized people^ as show- ing the proper relations between man and man, and have been generally known as moral or ethical laws; that these laws have grown from simple principles to complex applications, ac- cording to the growth in civilization or extent of experience, and for the same reason admit of further extension or modification, so long as they do not destroy the effect of basic principles; and tiiat the first or cardinal essential of such laws is based on the well known axiomatic precept of doing unto others as we would that they do unto us. We are taught by the spirit world that good deeds, springing from a good heart, have a creative force in building- future states of abode; and that also, conversely, the sinful create their habi- tations; that the wicked must undo their evil deeds, here or hereafter, and attain a state of justice before they are prepared to enter upon the path which leads to spiritual progression and hap- piness. That as love is stronger than hate, and light more potent than darkness, all who are willing may, as most event- ually do, (though in sonic cases of evil- doers, through much suffering), attain a state of complete happiness. By virtue of similar qualities and co- ordinate conditions, mankind is a brotherhood, and in this life cannot escape the good or evil which contact implies. It is therefore necessary that THE CREED OF SPIRITUALS 81 this brotherhood be made an efficient means of progress and happiness by the more fortunate possessors of the mental, moral and material, helping others upwards toward a proper state of equality. In accordance with, and growing out of the foregoing principles, we affirm the following precepts: Every person is bound to recognize the possibilities of moral growth in humanity, whatever the development may beat present, and to interest him- Belf in all means tending towaids the the elevation of the race; believing, as we do, that whatever is left undone in this life must be performed in another sphere ami at the expense of an un- happy experience. Education of the mind and body should go hand in hand, as the body and spirit interact upon one another to the extent that an injury to me is an injury lo the other. All avoidable ig- norance ami disease i- sinful. It is asin to take human life, whether born or unborn. The independent hu- man spirit exists previous t<> the period of birth. Unnecessary cruelty toeithei man or animals i^ forbidden by the dictate- of humanity. Every individual is an integer of the community, and for this reason Bbould take pari in the government under which be or sin- may reside, by en- deavoring to procure laws with exacl justice to all, and special favors to none. Those who are governed Bbould also ernors, and tor this reason, men and women of suitable age should en- joy the rlgbl of suffrage and all privi- pertaining to citizenship. Every person is under a moral obli- gation to prevent poverty by working for the enactment «»f laws tor the jusl distribution of tic products of labor, and also to help the deserving to the extent of his mean-. Idleness is asin against t be individu- al and the community. We believe that it is the duty of gov- ernments and of society to oppose tyranny of all kinds— by legal means if practicable — if not, then by force; that all iucoriigibles should be re- strained by 'awful means; and that where criminals are deprived of liberty as the enemies of society, or even B8 the exponents of society, they should at the same time be made the BUbjects of an education that will tend to turn them from evil courses. Also we be- lieve that where individuals are threat- ened with loss of life, property or just rights, resistance is proper, but by con- stituted means in every case where possible. Marriage without reciprocal love i< a sin, entailing evil consequences on the present and future generations, ami in both worlds. Marriage of all subjects of hereditary disease, or the apparent ly incurably Vicious, cannot be counte- nanced by those who would make the world better. Divorce is not to be effected for light causes, or for evils which may be remedied in time; but for jusl '-an--' ia :is much a duty as mall 1 Prostitution i> an evil thai bears equally upon bol 1 Truth, from whatever source, Bbould ught by all; and untruthfulness, in either t nought, word or deed, Bhould be avoidi d. Faith in the triumph of . evil, and in tb<- possibilities of uplifting the vicious hope for the future, and courage to do right, and charity t" nil, are virt ues to i,.- prize l and pracl Iced .). VV. Ri vnoi us, M D 1 \ • . les, < .til' PROF. JOSEPH RODES BUCHANAN. Dr. Joseph Rodes Buchanan is not a man to win the cotemporary fame that he deserves, for he has not been in the pursuit of fame but of truth, and con- sequently is destined to be more honored after his death than while living. The development of psychometry is enough to immortalize him, but the discovery of the functions of the brain, and of the complex relations of soul, brain, and body, is a far greater achievement, which will win the gratitude of posterity. He has been an original genius, excelling in whatever he undertook, and has kept steadily in view as the aim of his life the improvement of humanity. He was born in Frankfort, Ky., De- cember ii, 1814. His father was a physician, editor, and author. At the age of seven to eight he was studying mathematics, history, and science. At the age of thirteen he was studying law. At the age of fifteen, his father being dead, he was earning his living in a printing office. At eighteen he became a teacher, and was introduced by Henry Clay and President Peers, of Transyl- vania University, to their friends. At twenty he began the study of medicine in the Transylvania College. At twenty- one he became a public lecturer on the brain, and devoted himself to solving the problems of the constitution of man. He devoted seven years to this task, at the end of which time, after traveling through the Southern and Western States, dissecting the brain and examining many thousands of heads and skulls, he dis- covered and demonstrated the psychic and physiological functions of the brain by direct experiment. It is difficult in a concise sketch to convey a complete knowledge of Dr. Buchanan to one who has not read his writings, for he differs widely from all other eminent men of the century, and to understand him intellectually one must know something of the new world of knowledge which he has introduced; for it is only by becoming acquainted with the grand results of his labors that we can realize the intellectual power which produces such results, and the profound devotion to duty that has inspired him to turn away from the paths that lead such men to wealth and honor, and devote himself to original discovery and univer- sal reform in all things that relate to the welfare of man. Perhaps the best description is that given by our most brilliant magazine, the Arena, which calls him "a many-sided man of genius," and a "really great man." His eloquent and forceful poem in the Arena, on "Divine Progress," in oppo- sition to a pessimistic bishop, his pro- found and novel views of education in the same magazine, and in his much-admired "New Education;" his radical discussions of great social questions — his novel re- searches in electricity, — his ten years' labor as a medical professor in Cincin. nati at the head of a successful college for the radical reformation of the medical profession, sustaining principles which are now followed by eight or ten thou- sand physicians,— his original presenta- tion in 1847 in an essay of great power r of the grand question of the nationaliza- tion of land, which he was the first to introduce, and which is now one of the JOSKPH R.ODES BUCHANAN. PROF. JOSEPH RODE3 BUCHANAN. S3 greatest questions among civilized na- tions, — and his publication of eight volumes of "Buchanan's Journal of Man," devoted to the great themes of philosophy and science, illustrate the great scope of his labors; and as if to complete the illustration of his versatility, he engaged for three years in managing the politics of Kentucky, as chairman of the Central Committee, when the profes- sional politicians seemed to be paralyzed by the difficulties of the situation, with such success that he might have become Governor of the State il he had not de- clined the popular call for his candidacy. His ablest associate in this committee, Dr. Xorvin Green, afterwards became President of the Western Union Tele- graph Co., and his most resolute support- er was Gov. Charles Wicklifte, but the other leaders in politics left him to act alone. But all these achievements are regarded by Dr. Buchanan and his most en- lightened friends as a mere by-play in reference to the great purposes anci achievements of his life, — the task which he assumed in 1835, and in which he is still as earnestly engaged as ever, after the lapse of almost sixty ye us, with un- flagging energy and inextinguishable hope and philanthropy. It seems rather a romantic story that at that early period, before our modern marvels and profoundly agitating ques- tions had (Mine into existence, a young Kentuckian, thrown on his own resources in boyhood, should have assumed the gigantic task of completing the unfinished e ol physiology, placing m< science on a new basis, subverting all that the world has (ailed philosophy, i<\ - olutionizing religion, education and so- ciology, and developing the science oi 11I until it 1m-< omes a royal road to unlimited wisdom. Such was the subline- undertaking of Dr. Buchanan in his early manhood, which he is now engaged in 1 onsumma- ting. It is not to be supposed that he foresaw all this m [835. He Simply determined that he would not submit to the ignorance of the medical colleges concerning the brain, which left the con- stitution of man an impenetrable mystery. He spent seven years in the invest:. of the brain, and succeeded far beyond his own expectations by the discovery of a new and simple method of exploring all parts of the brain. This was certainly the greatest discoveiy in the annals of physiology,— the discovery that the func- tion of every portion of the human brain could be ascertained, accurately located and described, — thus revealing all the psychic powers of man, their relation to each other, and their relation to the body and their wonderful interaction of the psychic and physiological faculties — thus solving the great mystery of the age, which, before the investigations of Dr. Buchanan, no one had ever attempted to explore. It was well said by the Demo- cratic Review^ a leading magazine in its day, that the discoveries (in reference to the brain and spinal cord) "of Gall, Spurzheim and Sir Charles Bell, dwindle into insignificance'' in comparison with this great discovery of \h-. Buchanan. Thus was revealed and established the science of anthropology— the absolute and complete science of man-— the reve- lation of which completes the empire of science, for there remains no othei held to be explored. We may say with Berkeley, "Time's noblest offspring is the last." It has not been Urged upon the public by I >r. Buchanan. 1 le has waited for the public to come to him; but it has been indorsed by every Committee of investigation, and by the Stat< 1 fniver- sity ol Indiana, and was for ten years the re< uguized philosophy of the U ading il college oi Cincinn iti. < »ui limited space d< >es not permit u-- to show the benevolent applicatii anthropoh >gi< al s< l< n< e in the reform ol educ: it ion, sociology, and all departments of philosophy. Suffice it to WJ th.it it demands and shows how to n alize .» ondition than the world sown, 1 ii-- "S3 tern print, but will soon be sip 1 eed< d b; s 4 PROF. JOSEPH RODES BUCHANAN volume entitled "The New World of Science." The two most unique and striking de- partments of Anthropology are Sarcog- nomy, which relates to the body, showing all its relations to psychic life, and the new method of treating all diseases by magnetic and electric treatment of all parts of the body, and the divine science of the soul or the science of the divinity in man, which he has called Psychometry, though that word belongs to the methods by which the divinity in man is revealed. Sarcognomy has many relations to art which have not been published. Its rela- tion to the treatment of disease is shown in the imperial volume called "Thera- peutic Sarcognomy, and this science is practically taught by Dr. Buchanan to his pupils every year in May and June in the College of Therapeutics. Psychometry or the science of the di- vinity in man gives us a grand illumina- tion of all the sciences, while enlarging their scope and correcting their errors. Physiology, Psychology, Geology, Mate- ria Medica, Natural History, Political History Biography, Archeology, Paleon- tology and Astronomy are to become new sciences under the transforming power of Psychometry. Religion, too. will be thoroughly revo- lutionized and rationalized by Psychom- etry, not only by making Spiritualism a positive science, with a solid foundation in physiology and anatomy, but by reveal- ing the history of religions, showing their comparative merit and how well they correspond with the divine laws of life and the conditions of heaven, and how well they were revealed in the life of Jesus. When the discoveries in this direction shall be published it will have a startling effect upon the world. This is a very concise and incomplete statement of the achievements of Dr. Buchanan, which will interest future cen- turies. They have been honored by the most advanced thinkers— by such men as Prof. Denton, Bobert Dale Owen, Pies. Wylie, Rev. Dr. Strickland. Prof. Gat- chell, Prof. Caldwell, Judge Rowan, the eloquent Senator of Kentucky, the poet, Wm. Cullen Bryant, Rev. J. Pierpont. Theodore Parker, Prof. Winterburn, B. O. Flower, and many others in foreign countries as well as in the United States. He presents these discoveries with undi- minished ardor, notwithstanding his great age, and, as th'j Aransas City Journal well said, "he is not only the most philo- sophic of orators, but the most eloquent of philosophers.'' Editors of medical journals have spoken of him as the "highest living authority on the psychic functions of the brain." and many who are familiar with spiritual sciences regard him as the inspired leader of the great movement from ancient barbarism, super- stition and ignorance to the enlightened centuries in which wisdom and justice shall rule the world. Since the publication of his discoveries, embodying the complete science of man, ("System of Anthropology," "New Edu- cation," "Manual of Psychometry," and 'Therapeutic Sarcognomy"), which re- veal the organization and joint action of the soul, brain and body, and the special localities in which all the psychic and vital powers reside, and the mode ot their intercourse with the higher world ? as well as the basis of all medical philos- ophy and therapeutic treatment, with the practicability of receiving that treatment from the spirit world, and the iurther possibility of bringing to earth all the wisdom and love of higher worlds for human redemption. Dr. Buchanan has been greatly hindered in the prosecution of his great undertaking by exposure to malaria for two years and by contact with patients. This has hindered the prepara- tion of his long promised works. He is now preparing as actively as possible the full exposition of his discov- eries under the title of "The New World of Science," embodying a new physiology and psychology, an exposition of the unknown regions of the brain, and ot life in the spirit world, with the applications of the new science to human lite. Previous to this, however, he proposes to demonstrate the power of the spiritual PROF. JOSEPH RODES BUCHANAN faculties of man in connection with the spiritual world, to reveal not only modern sciences, such as physiology and geology, but the entire history of the human race and of terrestrial evolution. The most important work now, which humanity has so long needed, is a revela- tion of the errors of what are called religious systems, and the source of the superstitions which from the very dawn of civilization have obstructed progress and prolonged ancient barbarisms, and still stand in the way of progress. This work will show that there is but one divine religion for humanity — the religion sanctioned by science and not only endorsed but actively taught from the spirit world— the religion of love and justice. This religion, when it made its first appearance with great spiritual power at Jerusalem, was speedily crushed by the murder of those who introduced it; and after their death, the records of the life of Jesus and the Apostles were falsified and adulterated with forgeries, to make a superstitious basis for the Papal hier- archy. None have any idea of the sim- plicity, purity and rationality of til evolution of spiritual religion. The in- vestigations of Dr. Buchanan enable him to present the real instead of the fictitious lives of Jesus and the Apostles, and to expurgate from the gospels ami epistles the mass of forgeries upon which ecclesi- asticism has been built — sweeping away the ancient fictions of the trinity, the eucharist, the devil, the hell, the fictitious miracles, and the endorsement of the Old Testament, and vindicating the lofty character oi those who attempted but so unsuccessfully to introduce a pure reli- gion, which mankind were unwilling to receive — the religion of the spirit world. Dr. Buchanan proposes to present this revelation of a lost history with evidences that will compel its acceptance by advanced thinkers, and shake I he founda- tions throughout the world of the e< astical despotism under which mankind have so long suffered. J. M. PEEBLES, A. M., M. D BY PROF. E. WHIPPLE. The subject of this sketch — so well known in this country, England and the Orient, as author, lecturer, traveler and physician — was born down by the foothills of the Green Mountains of Vermont, town of Whitingham, March 123d, 1822, a few minutes past midnight, while the sign of the "Archer" was riding in the eastern horizon. His pa- ternal lineage was Scotch, while on the maternal side he was derived from English ancestors. Peebles is a Scotch name, traceable back to the seventh century. In the eleventh century the name was one of the most distin- guished in the north of Europe. Scotch blood and Scotch energy have contrib- uted important chapters to the history of the English-speaking peoples. Dr. R. R. Peebles; of Hempstead, Texas, a relative of the Doctor, and a distin- guished surgeon and physician, writing the subject of this sketch, said: "The Peebles clan, Scotch to the core, all run to doctors or preachers." The grim old "Peebles Castle," south of Edin- burg, near the ancient-looking town of Peebles, on the Tweed, nearly disap- peared about the beginning of the eighteenth century. It has since been repaired. The Encyclopedia Brittani- f the truth of Spiritualism Prom this time In- has been prominently Identified with the can-.' of Spiritual- ism. Di-. Peebles has always been charac- terized for his genial manners, bis maguetic presence, his hatred of shams, his broad ami universal tolerance of opinion ami expression, hissympathles for the downtrodden, in- entire free- dom from race prejudice, his childlike spontaniety, and for the unstudied elo- quence with which he has ever pleaded the cause of the oppressed and down- trodden of every land. Nor dees he belie his public teachings, as one ob- serves his daily walk in the private relations of life. The writer has per- sonally known him for over thirty years. He has lived in his home, worked with him, been on terms of closest intimacy with him, and he has invariably found him the sam.- genial, magnanimous, warm-hearted friend that he appears to be before the public. His presence in the private home is a synonym for sunshine. The writer has always found him scrupulously jusl in all his business dealings. To the spon- taneity and joyousness of the little child he adds the nobleness and dignity of true manhood. HIS CONNECTION WITH SPIRIT! \l.l-M. Dr. Peebles' earliest public work in the cause of Spiritualism was in the Free Church, at Battle Creek. Mich. Here he labored as its esteemed p about six years. He likevi Ise gave many evening lectures in " all the country round about."' While in Bat- tle (.'reek he was b rough! in contact with .Mr. E. 0. Dunn, who afterwards accompanied bim in some of bis trav- els, and became bis medium Of com- munication with the spiril world. a lecturing tour of eighteen months in California after the breaking out of the civil w ar gave him obauge ami rest, and be returned to hi- posl in Battle Creek, improved in health and enlarged in hi- psychic and spiritual gifts. All these many years be lias mai atained his own rlghl of judgment He listened to all thai waa given, weighed w hit n as said In th< ami rejected \\ bal be w as not able to rat lonalize. I [e had Ills diffic like 1 be real of us, from disord I undeveloped spirits, and goin with t hat uecessai y pit niug, be apple - sound pracl leal 01 iiumon J. M. PEEBLES, A. M. 3 M. D. sense to the solution of this class of phenomena. Throughout the chief cities in the United States, and in thousands of vil- lages and country districts, he has elo- quently presented the cause of Spirit- ualism from the public rostrum; and among all the English-speaking peo- ples in the Old World his earnest voice has been heard in behalf of spirit com- munion and general reform. Since the year 1868, Dr. Peebles has been engaged in almost incessant med- ical and literary labor, in addition to his platform work. About this time he became the western editor of the Banner of Light. His editorials in that paper were so brilliantand popular that its circulation became greatly ex- tended during the four years Dr. Pee- bles was connected with it. These editorials, for earnestness, warmth and brilliancy, bore a strong resemblance to Theodore Tilton's leaders in the New York Independent, when he was its leading editor. While associate ed- itor of the Banner, he compiled the " Spiritual Harp," in conjunction with E. H. Bailey and J. V. Barrett, and later wrote his "Seers of the Ages." Resigning his position on the Banner of Light after four years' active service, he became editor of The Spiritual Uni- verse, a radical paper, devoted to free thought and Spiritualism. His labor on this fully sustained his brilliant reputation as an editorial writer. Sub- sequently he became editor-in-chief of The American, Sj>i ritualist, published in Cleveland, Ohio. Among the teachings Dr. Peebles has received from the "Summer Land," he sets a very high value upon those which were addressed to him from the arisen Aaron Nite, through the mediumshipof Mr. Dunn. He regards him as a ven- erable and very wise spirit, with whom he was able to converse almost as one friend speaks to another, face to face; who has cleared up for him many knotty problems, and from whom he lias received much wise counsel and advice. His regard for humanity rises far above the local limitations of home and the ties of blood, beyond the limita- tions of country and race, and becomes universal in its expression : "All men are my brothers; aV wo- men my sisters; all children .my chil- dren, and I am every mortal's child. I have an interest in every child born into earih life. Its destiny is linked with mine. * * My country is the Universe; my home, the World; nuy religion, to do good; my rest, wherever a human heart beats in harmony with mine, and my desire is to extend a brother's helping hand to earth's mil- lions, speaking in tones as sweet as angels use; thus kindling in their breasts the fires of inspiration; and aid- ing them up the steeps of Mount 1 dis- cipline, whose summit is bathed in the mellowed light of Heaven." * Hundreds of mediums are endeared to him — mediums whom he has strengthened and cheered when their path was strewn with boulders. His earnings have generally been large, but he has seldom laid by anything beyond current expenses. He is gen- erous to a fault. He constantly ex- pends on the unfortunate and in en- terprises of public improvement. Young speakers have been in the habit of following him from place to place, aspiring to emulate him as au example of public teaching. Cepbas B. Lynn, in a private letter to a friend, pays the following tribute : "His kindness toward young media, more especially those struggling for usefulness on the rostrum, has been a marked feature in his career as a teacher of the Spiritual Philosophy. In fact, he is looked up to with the utmost reverence, and loved most ten- derly by scores of young lecturers in our ranks. I could name tenor twelve who acknowledge that Doctor Peebles has been the leading instrumentality in advancing them into active public labors. Blessings upon him for this! I gladly affirm my indebtedness to him in this respect; and my prayer is, that J. M. PEEBLES A. M., M. I). 89 the Spiritualists of the country will see the wisdom of placing funds at his command, so that through him young media suited for the Spiritual ministry may receive that discipline and culture so essential to success." The Doctor has a strong sense of the ludicrous, while his lectures and cor- respondence often abound in witti- cisms. He is naturally controversial, and in discussions is pointed and incisive. It seemingly fattens him to corner a narrow-minded sectarian. He delights in syllogistic reasonings. He hates bigotry. He is fearless in de- nouncing the wrong. He despises shams; and his irony and invective are anything but comforting to an oppo- nent. And yet, under this flame of scorching sarcasm there is a heart of kindness and tones of the most tolerant tenderness. Nor does he turn a deaf ear to the plaintive murmurs of sad hearts. "Our heart," he wrote, 'is brimming with songs to-night. We would sing them to the sad. Take my hand, weary pilgrim; it is a brother's. Off with all masks! Away with reserve! Tell me of life's uneven voyage— its blighted hopes, piercing thorns, trials, losses, defeats, struggles and disap- point men ts. There is profit in confes- sions that bare soul to soul. Neither of us has secrets. All lives are unrolled scrolls, open to spirit inspection. * * * Could you afford to lose the rusted links, even, from the chain that con- nects past and present? Has thy life been Stained and blemished V None are perfect. The best have their failings. Despair DOt. The good of earth ;iiir ganizing a series of Sunday meeting! at the Cavendish Rooms. In this work he co-operated with Mr. Burns. These services continued several months, chit fly through the vigorous exertions of Mr. Burns. Besides bli lectures in London, he penetrated t<> various parte of England and Scotland, drawing large and Interested and tenet - wh< er be Went. [aspired by s true missionary seat, be was the first to 6N II 1 lectures upon Spiritualism In kusti 1 9° J. M. PEEBLES A. M., M. D. The opposition through the press and pulpit was bitter, but the course contin- uing several months, backed by Dr. Terry, of the Harbinger of Light, proved a great success. Upon leaving, a congratulatory address was delivered, and a purse of a hundred guineas pre- sented the doctor. In this first tour of foreign travel, Dr. Peebles only half completed the circuit of the globe. His intense de- sire to visit the far Eastern Orient re- mained undiminished. So towards the end of 1872 he again set out, this time for a voyage round the world, going westward by way of California, the islands of the South Sea, Australia, New Zealand, China, Malacca, India, Arabia, Egypt, the Holy Land, Tur. key, and so through Europe to London once again. From this voyage he brought home with him a large col- lection of relics and specimens, illus- trating the habits, manners, religion and general civilization of the various peoples among whom he traveled. But for what he saw and what he did, what he gathered in the way of practi- cal knowledge, and what he suffered, the reader must be referred to his book, "Around the World." Summing up his experiences he writes of this year- and-a-half 's pilgrimage:— "It seems hardly possible that I have seen the black aborigines of Australia, and the tatooed Maoris of New Zealand ; that I have witnessed the Hindoos burn- ing their dead, and the Persians pray- ing in their tire-temples; that I have gazed upon the frowning peak of Mount Sinai, and stood upon the summit of Cheops; that I have conversed upon an- tiquity and religious subjects with Chi- namen in Canton, Brahmins in Bengal, Parsees in Bombay, Arabs in Arabia, descendants of Pyramid-builders in Cairo, and learned rabbis in Jerusalem; that I have seen Greece in her shattered splendor, Albania with its castled crags, the Cyclades with their mantling traditions, and the Alps impearled and capped in crystal. * * * It is diffl^ cult to realize that I have been in Bethlehem, walked in the garden of Gethsemaue, stood upon Mount Ol- ives, bathed in the Jordan, breathed the air that fanned the face of Jesus, when weary from travel under the burning skies of Palestine, looked upon the same hills and valleys clothed in Syrian spring-time with imperial lilies, and had the same images daguerreo- typed on my brain that impressed the sensitive soul of the 'Man of Sorrows' — the Teacher sent from God." Dr. Peebles' second voyage round the world was undertaken in the spring of 1877. In this voyage he also sailed westward, visiting the same countries as on his previous travels, but in addi- tion spending considerable time in South Africa, Napaul and Ceylon. In South Africa he gave considerable attention to the ostrich farms, and was the first to suggest the feasibility of this branch of industry in Southern California. During his second tour round the world, he devoted a large portion of his time to a study of psychological and occult phenomena in the Orient, as also the mental and physical pathology manifest in the peoples of the far East — chronic diseases in China, the prevailing fevers in India and Ceylon, leprosy in Madras, Bangalore and Kil- pauk, and he further visited the more prominent hospitals in many Oiiental countries. In addition to the large volume enti- tled "Around the World," the Doctor has in MS. the rich results of his more reeent voyage, and purposes to com- plete the data for a full volume by a third voyage round the world at no distant day. TJp^n his return to Boston from his last voyage, the editors of the Banner of Light gave him a magnificent re- ception at one of the leading hotels, on which occasion the present able editor of the Banner — John W. Day— ren T. M. PEEBLES A. M., M. D. dered a beautiful original poena in honor of Mr. Peebles' return from his long travels. PROFESSIONAL AND OFFICIAL LIFE. It seems an unusual share of public honors have been showered upon the Doctor, but he has richly earned them all. In 1868 he accompanied and partici- pated in the deliberations of the "North- west Congressional Indian Peace Com- mission," appointed by Congress, and constituted of Gens. Harney. Sherman, Sheridan, Sanborn and Col. Tappan. In 1881 he was appointed "Representa- tive abroad" by the National Arbitration League of the United States of America, to meet the "International Peace Con- gress of Europe," in the interests ot arbitration as against war. He continues to work with tongue and pen against war; againstthe infliction of capital punishment; against vaccination; against class medical legislation; against intemperance, and in favor of woman suffrage and her full equality with man. He is a fellow of the Academy of Science, New Orleans, La. A fellow of the Anthropological Society, London. An honorary member and fellow of the Psychological Association, London. A fellow of the Academy of Arts and Sciences, Naples, Italy. A fellow of the American Akademe, Jacksonville. III. A member of the International Climatolog- ical Association. A member of the National Hygiene and Health Associa- tion. A member of the American Insti- tute of Christian Philosophy. A member of the Victoria Institute and Philosoph- ical Society of Great Britain. These honors and fellowships wen- conferred upon the Doctor without his asking, and hence are the more highly appreciated. To this day he does not know who in London presented his name to the Victoria Institute for election, the members of which are said to consti- tute the most learned body ol men in the world. He has also become distinguished in his more recent medical pra< lit r, and lectures on Physiology and Hygiene before the medical colleges of Cincinnati and Los Angeles. He commenced the reading and study of medicine with Dr. O. Martin, one of the most distinguished physicians and surgeons in the New England States. His early medical edu- cation was "regular" or "allopathic." After attending the prescribed course of medical lectures, he graduated from the Philadelphia (Pa.) University of Medicine and Surgery, and registered at once in Philadelphia as a practicing physician. He also received a certificate of practice from the University Hospital of Phila- delphia, and a number of years later a diploma from the Philadelphia Polyclinic, college for graduates only. He holds several honorary diplomas and is a member of State and national medical associations. In October, 1892, the Doctor purchased the fine sanitarium at the West End in San Antonia, Texas. Here he built up a fine medical practice, and won some important legal battles over the local physicians, who were jealous of his success and rapidly growing influence in that section. On the night of Feb. 26th, 1894, while the Doctor was absent, this fine sanitarium was totally destroyed by fire, together with the large library which he had been collecting all hi* life. The property was insured tor about one-third its real value. PRESENT 1 OCATK ».\ am. i kBORS. With the remnant r I from this property in Ban Antonio, the 1 came t-> tin- genial climate and beautiful location of San Diego, in Southern Cali- fornia, arriving in March, following August he purchased a fine resides e on "Shei man I [eights/ 1 the famous "Montezuma Villa," once occupied bj [es •'• Bhepperd, 1 le bought during tin- extreme reaction from the "ix.om" of about fi when i\ ite was v ery low. Tl he has enlarged and improved, making of it a beautiful home and local his rapidly in< 1 92 J. M. PEEBLES A. M., M. D. some of his cures, both psychic and medical seeming almost miraculous. Here prosperity smiles upon him once more. In a few weeks his good wife will join him from the East, and become installed as the matron of the institution. The Doctor is an indefatigaple worker. Besides attending to his 167 patients (which he now has on hand), he edits the Temple of Health, contributes articles to various papers and medical magazines* gives an occasional discourse on Spirit- ualism, and performs his duties as presi- dent of the Los Angeles College of Science. He has published nine volumes of book matter, besides various pamph- lets, and has others in preparation. PERSONAL HABITS AND MODES OF LIT- ERARY WORK. Dr. Peebles believes what he preaches, and carries it out in the practice of his daily life. He is strictly temperate in all his personal habits, eating no animal food nor partaking of stimulants of any kind, not even tea or coffee. But his table is amply provided with the various cereals, nuts, vegetables, fruit, honey, etc. He has a passionate fondness for trees, shrubs and flowers, of which his prem- ises is well stocked, mostly planted with his own hands; and one may observe him any morning before the sun is up, out watering and caring for these. His mag- netic presence and perennial cheerfulness diffuses joy and sunshine throughout the whole house. In dress he is always neat and exact, but not dudish or foppish. He abhors the fashions. His habits are all clean and wholesome. His conversation, though often racy, pungent and abound- ing in witticisms, is chaste and refined. The writer— intimate with him for more than thirty years — never heard a coarse or vulgar expression fall from his lips. He is the best illustration I know of "How to grow old gracefully." At seven- ty-five, the lines in his face are soft and full of youthful expression. His frame is filled out, so that he is now both portly and tall. He is still projecting abors which it would seem demands a lifetime to carry out. His mental pro- ductiveness is something wonderful. It seems like a perennial fountain, both in its amplitude and versatility, — a fountain which as yet gives no sign of diminishing its volume. His mental concepts display the various stages of inception, germina- tion and evolution, but the processes are extremely rapid. His library may be compared to a field in preparation for a new crop, full of potential possibilities, but the crop that is to be does not present a very attractive appearance to the eye, — books, papers, scraps and unfinished MSS. lying all about. For the most part he stands at his desk while writing, but much of his literary matter is dictated to an amanuensis, — dictated rapidly while he alternately walks the floor and sits in a J recking chair. While thus engaged witticisms frequently burst forth as a by- play which serve to oil the "hinges of the mind" and keep the mental machin- ery in easy motion. It was intended to speak of the doctor's attitude of tolerance towards, and quali- fied acceptance of the various historical religions — especially Buddhism — , and of his firm belief in the doctrines of pre. existence and tendency towards a belief in reincarnation, but since these topics are quite fully discussed in his various works, and as the limits of this article are already exceded, no further presentation of them will be here attempted. Our brother has indeed "fought the good fight." His years have been filled with useful labors. The golden harvest sheaves lie all about him. He has assuaged many tears of sorrow, and extended helping hands to young, aspir- ing souls from the summit he occupies. He never knowingly perpetrated a wron.u against his fellows. His heaven consists in doing good. He believes his present duties pertain to this world, and he means to stay here until he shall be wit- ness to some of the great social and religious changes for the better, which he believes are impending and very near. His inmost being is ever afire with the gospel — the living gospel of Spiritualism J. M. PEEBLES A. M.. M. D. 93 in its highest, holiest aspects. His trust in Providence is absolutely unswerving. And now, though far past seventy, and nearing life's setting sun, there is not a life will, in some approaching evening time, open upward into the sunlight of another and higher life of growth and ultimate completeness — one God, one fragment of doubt in his mind but that law, one brotherhood, and one divine the incompleteness of this rudimentary destiny for all humanity. ^gjito^ MRS. GEORGE ROBERTS. Mrs. Roberts was born in Hartwick, Otstego Co., N. Y. She was a medium from her earliest recollection. Her mother was a medium of great power and her children a family of sensitives. Mrs. Roberts was married in i85r, and with her husband, George Roberts, removed to California in 1861. After their arrival in California Mrs. Roberts' mediumship became more pronounced. Spirits walked and talked with her daily and manifested through her in twelve different phases. The most remarkable of these was levitation. The first she experienced of this phase she found herself being carried through the air and a dog was barking at her. The next she knew she was extended on the hearth-rug before a bright fire in a friend's house; her consciousness returned till she did the spirits' bidding. Th^y were then told to take the medium home; and it required careful nursing to restore her, so great had been the power over the physical. At another time she was carried across a stream and sat upright against a fence after a severe accident which caused dislocation of the shoulder and a broken arm. The broken bones were set with materialized hands. She was once sent many miles, not knowing what her mission would be, and arrived at the friend's house Justin time to save his life from poison. In many ways she has been used to save life. She hears spirit vo'ces, sees faces, and obeys their requests. She is at the present time working under the guidance and instructions of a band of wise and powerful spirits and will carry out their designs for the upliftment of humanity with all the ardor and strength of her deeply spiritual nature. THE TEMPLE OF WISDOM. In her beautiful and spacious home are apartments consisting of elegant parlors, set apart and consecrated to the work of divine, loving and advanced spirits. This "Temple of Purity and Wisdom" was formally opened and dedicated four years ago. On that occasion Mrs. Robert* 5 explained to the assembled guests that the nature and objects of the Temple work was to elevate the spiritual condi- tion of the people, to render them pure and perfect in mind; holding that one who succeeded in attaining this high degree of spiritual unfoldment would necessarily obtain perfect control over the physical organism, as the body was but the creation of the mind. If the mind was pure and elevated by the aid of spiritual perfection, the body in its action would conform to the same. The attainment of this spiritual perfection was the highest accomplishment, and should be the chief aim of life. The services attendant upon the ceremony of dedica- tion were beautiful and impressive. The Temple and its belongings were draped in snowy white, as was also arrayed Mrs. Roberts and those who attended her. Mrs. Roberts is the "human magnet'' of the Temple, and as she says, holds converse personally with the angels, who guide her in all things pertaining to the Temple, and by their direction it was made. .MRS. GEORGE ROBERTS. MRS. GEORGE ROBERTS 95 At first the room was all in white. White cashmere and lace were used for portieres, piano cover, the upholstering of chairs and sofas, the altar covers, and for the robes of those who entered the room. Nothing but white must be worn by those who hoped to be able to hold communion with the angels, even the shoes were ot the same pure white. But later there has been a little transforma- tion, and now some colors are used in the Temple. The colors introduced are: Gold, which signifies wisdom; blue, love; red, strength; royal purple, power; and green, which is nature's foundation. But the robes of all those who enter still remain pure white. Many people have heard of the Temple, and many visit it every day, some of them coming from long distances. Some who visit it are drawn by idle curiosity, but very many more to hear the spiritual teachings which are given as freely as when Christ taught on earth. Universal love and universal brotherhood are the foundation stones of the Temple, and there is no defined membership. Every- one who wishes to come is received as a member so long as he wishes to remain, D ut without a white robe he may not sit in the inner Temple. Everything is free except the robe— that each one must fur- nish for himself. To sit in the outer temple one needs no white robe The principles taught are very beautiful and are aimed entirely for the uplifting of mankind. The teachings are all of universal love, love from the father of all, and love and charity for humanity in all its phases. Mrs. Roberts believes that all things, even the most humble insects and the flowers, have within them the spark of divine life; she will take the life of nothing, and no flower is everplucked by her before it has rea< lied its maturity. l here is a free cin ulating library ol psychic and occult works that UlOSC who come are welcome to. On week days Mrs. Roberts is always in the outer Temple from 10 a. m. to 4 p. if., where she will receive and instruct all who may wish to learn and profit by the teachings of the angels. As to this lady's womanly virtues there can be no question. Her creed is not as shadowy as the baseless fabric of a vision, and it delineates in its sweetness that highest of all types, a perfect woman. The belief that the ideal life can only be attained through the subjection of the body to the mind — the gross material to the intellectual, is beyond cavil true; but there must be so tireless a course of moral and intellectual evolution ere that goal is attained that only the most san- guine can contemplate it with hope. The principles inculcated by Mrs. Rob- erts — the comfort she extends to those whose ambition cannot bear to be bounded by the narrow confines of this world — her clear elucidation of tangled questions where reason's light in the hands of gentleness dissipates the nox- ious mists of ignorant (ear, appeals to the rationalist and allays the unreasoning ardor of the fanatic. The night is fai spent and the day is at hand when they who do all in their power to inaugurate an era of love and banish fear Irmn the hearts ol humanity, deserve the grateful thanks and cordial < o-operation <•: men and women everyw 1 Besides the value ol the practical teachingsol the Temple, the benefits tp San |os<- arising from the charitable work ot Mrs. Roberts is beyond estimation, 1 l«r lil<- is devoted to hei work, and with tin- ini the cin le <>t' her friends it i M -< omes more arduous. M >\ Mrs. k"i>- erts' hop- llized and le | rewarded is tin- earnest prayei o| mam grateful hearts \\h'> have been n 1 i| ol hei benefsu ti< >n ERNEST S. GREEN. The subject of this sketch was born near the wooded shores of Lake Wasecaj Minnesota in 1866, and at the age of seven years removed with his parents to the vast and billowy plains of Western Kan- sas, where he spent his winters in school and his summers herding his father's flocks. Away, away from the dwellings of men, By the antelope's haunt, by the buffalo's glen— Oh! then there was freedom, and joy and pride, Afar in the desert alone to ride. There was rapture to vault on the champ- ing steed, And to bound away with the eagle's speed, Withthedeath-fraughtfirelockinhishand, The only law in the desert land. It was there he read "books in the running brooks," sermons in the rocks,'' and poems written upon the skies; saw visions of celestial cities and glories untold by mortal pen or tongue; heard voices of the prehistoric past teaching him of the mysteries that were, and were yet to be, and in this manner was devel- oped while yet a boy to such a degree that he was able to confound collegiate "professors" with his philosophy. At fourteen years of age he began to learn the printer's trade, which occupa* tion, coupled with journalism, he has followed most of the time since, though some three years were spent as a musician, traveling with a band; also several tours of exploration were made among the mountains of New Mexico and Colorado, three days and nights having been spent with two companions in exploring a cave, a graphic description of which, entitled "Amid the Wonders of a Midnight World," he wrote for the Great Divide, a Denver magazine. Coming to San Diego in 1891, he con- tinued the study of Spanish, which he he had already begun, and, aided by his Spanish teacher, translated and compiled a volume of nearly 400 pages of "Mexican and South American Poems" which was published, and although highly endorsed by the literary press of both America and England, the book fell flat upon the mar- ket, causing a severe loss to the authors. Mr, Green has also written about fifty original poems, many of which were published in the literary journals of the country, and afterwards published col- lectively in a pamhlet called "Poems of the Past, Present and Future." The author, however, has now a very poor opinion of these poems since coming put in the full sun-burst of spiritual truth and knowledge, which came to him since their production, many of them being influenced by the orthodox teach- ings of his youth. In 1892 he married Miss Emma Jenkins, a native daughter of California, who now assists him in the publication of the Herald of Light. Since the author of this book has asked me to add my "testimony," as the Meth- odists would say, I will do so in part and with as much brevity as possible, in order that others may have an oppor- tunity to give the other reasons in their varied experiences. Although my parents were Methodists and I was raised among orthodox people, ERNEST S. GREEN. ERNEST S. GREEN 97 and first learned how to read in the Bible, yet from my earliest memory a voice spoke in my ear telling me that the first eleven chapters of the book of Genesis and many other things in the Bible were myths. I could not understand how an omnipotent and omnipresent God had to -call for Adam and Eve to come forth before he could find them; neither could I understand why he had to "go down" to Sodom and Gomorrah to see if it was "altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not I will know." Neither could I understand why it should have scores of contradictions like the following: *For I have seen God face to face. — •Gen., xxxii: 30. No man hath seen God at any time.— John i: 18. And they saw the God of Israel. — Ex. xxiv: 19. Whom no man hath seen nor can see. — I. Tim., vi: 15. •God is not a man * * * that he should repent. — Num. xxiii: 19. And God repented of the evil he had said. — Jonah iii: 10. Those that seek me early shall find me. — Prov. viii, 17. They shall seek me early, but shall not find me. — Prov, i: 28. The Lord is very pitiful and of tender mercy. — James v: n. I will not pity nor spare, nor have mercy, but destroy them. — Jer. xiii: 14. He doth not afflict willingly. — Lam. iii: .Vv Spare them not, but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling. — I. Samuel xv: 3. Thou shaft offer every day a bullock for a sin offering.- -Ex. xxix: 36. I delight not in the blood of bullocks. —Is. i: 11. God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man. — James 1: 13. And it came to pass after these things that God did tempt Abraham.— Gen. xxii: 1. *The above table was compiled by Dr. Peebles, and is copied from his ans- wer to Dr. Kipp's Five Sermons against Spiritualism. Neither could I believe that part of the race was to be eternally damned and part saved. In short, I found, later, that I had always been a Spiritualist but did not know it. After these inconsistencies had been discovered, I read up on all the religions of the world, and of the numerous Mes- siahs of all ages, and found that Confucius had uttered the golden rule 600 years before Jesus spoke it, and that there was scarcely anything in our Bible that could not be found in far more ancient ones, and in the Dlahabarata, the Vcddas, and other oriental bibles, I found still more wisdom than our Bible contained. Although I had been reading up on occultism all my life, and had read of many things that were not accounted for by the numerous books I had read which purported to be "complete exposes" of mediums, I shunned Spiritualism to the last, having never heard anything but ill reports of them as a class, especially mediums. However, a slate-writing medium vis- ited the city and caused considerable excitement, but of course I thought it would be no trouble for me to tell him how he did his tricks, and paid no atten- tion to him, until one evening while sitting quietly at the table with my wife, engaged in reading the papers, a loiul rap, as of a hammer, was heard on the tabK- between us. There could be no accounting for this, as we lived in tage, and there was no < ham • for am one to get under the floor to strike the blow; besides we were in the middle <>t the door, and the blow was distinctly located by both of us .is on the table Alter that, though we locked our doOfl from the inside and left the keys in themi we would find them unlocked. The win" dows would be unlatched la th< manner. At last I went to the medium with my questions written In a sealed envelope. This I banded to him and watched him 9 8 ERNEST S. GREEN pass it into the lamp and burn it at once, giving him no chance for sleight-of-hand. I then took the slates, washed them thoroughly and held them firmly between my hands, upon mv lap. The medium placed his fingers upon one corner of the slate, and immediately his features be- came rigid and the sound ol rapid writing was heard between the slates, passing to and fro and working rapidly down to the bottom in about one minute — a piece of pencil about the size of a grain of wheat had been placed between the slates. This was all done in broad daylight, and I watched the medium's fingers to see that he did not make the scratching. Three loud raps from within announced that the slates were ready to open. When I opened them I found one of them writ- ten full in very small letters. The writing resembled the peculiar style of the person to whom the questions were addressed. They were all satisfactorily answered and things referred to that no one knew this side of the Rocky mountains but myself, and none but my own people on the other side had any knowledge of. Here was more proof ol immortality than I had ever seen before. Since that time I have had abundant demonstrations in my own family that would convince any person in his right mind. In that slate written message I was advised to start \\\l Salem, Massachusetts. She early remov- ed to Boston where she received many advantages of iptellei tual i ulture furnish- ed by that progressive city- the em- bryotic "hub." From her parents she imbibed a liberal spirit, tjiey being Universalists, but six- never uas inclined to join any cluin h. In the year 1S54 she learned that one of her girl friends could "get the raps." She and her sister,the late Mrs. Hutching?, determined to sit and see what would be the result. Almost from the first they were both controlled to write, and her sister soon after became clairaudient and .clairvoyant. Her conversion, through her own mediumship, was complete; and though a third of a century lias rolled away on the rapid wheels of time, still she has never had cause to regret this, the greatest event of her life — her spirit- ual birth from darkness into light. Four years of quiet spiritual growth sped on, when the hour arrived that was calculated to show the great value of Spiritualism to her. Dear reader, have you ever watched nature's beautiful law of unfoldment as seen in the budding life of a little child? And have you also realized that the dear little darlin. more to you than all the world beside? And when your mind w.is filled with plans for its future welfare, have you it turn away from all that it had loved and cherished, and as it seeking pi tion from the chilling winds of earth in the strong embrace <>t your willing anus, breathe out its last breath on your wai m, loving heart ? It s,>, then you h.i\e p through ill ii, ii, e oi soul refinement vou< hsafed to humanity. This ble< led trial 1 ame to the lot oi Mis. Whitehead. \ child, a sweet little d uighter <•! eight lummi mslerred from I of her loving mother to I dear angel friends a It waa then that ti. solation, the swet t solace "i Spiritualism 1 ame t«> her relief, lu il she found thai abiding 1 omfort born • •! absolute knowl- that 1- u. .t elsewhere nun In the following sunin lOUghl a new hOC soo MRS. S. B. WHITEHEAD in San Francisco. Her great love fo r children, intensified by the transition of her beautiful daughter, led her to engage in Sunday-school work. There not being any spiritual society fostering lyceum work at this time, she went into that of the Unitarian society, where she instruct- ed her class in liberal thought, and dropped as many seeds of spirituality in their young minds as circumstances would •admit. This work was continued by our sister for three or four years (to the great' and lasting benefit of the church), until the arrival on the Coast of Mrs. Emma Hardinge. Her labors were a great en- couragement to the Spiritualists, for shortly after a movement was made by Mrs. Whitehead and other nob'.e souls, for the organization of the First Children's Progressive Lyceum of San Francisco. The members of the lyceum paid a Avell deserved compliment to the devo- tion of Mrs. Whitehead and her well- T*nown ability by electing her Guardian of Groups — a position which she contin- ued to hold for several years with honor to herself and satisfaction to all. From that time down to the present she has 'been a persistent, faithful worker in the cause of spiritual progress. Being of a retiring disposition, she has never sought leadership, but has been content to labor on unobtrusively, though efficiently, in 'humble positions. Ever and anon she has been summoned to do battle in the front rank, at which times, we are pleased to say, she has never shown "the white feather." The Society of Progressive .Spiritualists is under deep obligation to her for her wise, patient services as a •director from the first day of its organi- sation, for a period of ten years, during the greater portion of which time she filled the position either of Secretary or Librarian. She was ever devoted, faith- ful, honest and conscientious in the dis- charge of her duties and in her efforts for the prosperity and usefulness ot the society. Though sometimes misunder- stood and criticised by enemies, still she never swerved from the path of duty and right. To her wisdom and spiritual in- tuitions, that society owes largely its present prosperity, and perhaps even its existence. She is thoroughly in harmony with the progressive, practical work of this sterling, spiritual society. She was elected as a member of the Board of Directors of the California Spiritualists' State Camp-Meeting Asso- ciation, and did most efficient work there in the capacity of secretary, for three years. On all the great questions of the day, affecting the weal or woe of humanity, she is certainly a "solid citizen," ever espousing the cause of the weak against the encroachments of the strong. Hav- ing shown that she has a mind of her own, has oft exposed her to the some- what common but still terrible charge of being "strojig-minded." Though this dreadful accusation probably had the effect of excluding her from the society ot the weak-minded, still it was a ready passport to the ranks of the woman suf- fragist, where she was known as a per- sistent worker and efficient adviser. She has lived to see the fruit of her labor in this direction. We cannot close this article better than by making reference to the kind, patient, loving demeanor that ever characterized the gentle, faithful ministrations of Mrs. Whitehead for her aged mother. No duty to her was ever viewed in the light of labor. Nothing was left undone that willing hands could find to do. Though her mother was oppressed with the weight of over four score years, and for several years confined much of the time to her bed, still Mrs. Whitehead was her only attendant until the end came. We can only wish that when the winter of age may have whitened her brow, that that she may be fortunate in the reward of a care as tender and heartfelt from some earthly loved one, who will take a pure delight in smoothing her pathway to the beautiful home she is now building in the world of joy, when her angel friends shall have summoned her to "come up higher." WILLIAM EMMKTTK COLEMAN. WILLIAM EMMETTE COLEMAN William Emmette Coleman was born June 19, /843. at Shadvvell, Albemarle county, Virginia. In 1849 his family mov- ed to Charlottesville, the seat of the State University. Here he first attended school, and astonished all by his remark- able proficiency in study, — his teacher, in 1850, when he was only seven years old> often placing him in his seat, as precep- tor, to hear the other scholars. Mr. Coleman was born with an insatiable love of knowledge, which still obtains as strongly as ever. In Richmond, Va., to which his mother moved in 1851, the same proficiency attended him. In 1854, at eleven, he left school (his teacher say- ing that he could teach him no more), to become assistant librarian in the Rich- mond Public Library, which position he retained till the library was dispersed several years after. In 1855 he prepar- ed an analytical catalogue of the library. In 1859 came the turning point of his life, — his conversion from Orthodoxy to radical Spiritualism, at the same time renouncing his pro-slavery views for abolitionism. Since then he has been a zealous member of the Republican party, probably the first one in the city of Rich- mond. From that time to this he lias been a supporter of every reform looking to the advancement of the human race: as woman's lights, labor, ami prison re- forms; dress, dietetic, and medical re- form-; peace and temperance reforms; rights of children, marriage and divorce reforms; co-operative and othersoi i«>l« >gic reforms; state secularization, abolition ol capital and retaliatory punishments, etc, His tin trough acceptance of the Spiritual philosophy directed his mind to scientific and philosophic matters, and also pla< ed him on his feet morally. Mr. Coleman egards spiritualism as his saviour and inspiring guide, mentally and morally, and that all that he has since become and done is due to the revolution in his mental nature brought about by his spiritualism. In 1863 Mr. Coleman made his debut as an actor in Richmond, and he became assistant stage manager; and in 1864 he was stage manager at the Wil- mington (North Carolina) Opera House. He continued on the stage till 1867 during which period he was the dramatic correspondent of the New York Clipper and the Mercury. He also dramatized several works for the stage, including a successful version of "East Lynne." In 1867 he was President of the Board ol Registration in Bland county, Virginia, during the reconstruction of that State, under Federal laws, from [867 to i s 7". he was clerk at the military headquarters in Richmond, Va., and when the d ment was abolished in [870 he was th«- chief clerk in the adjutant general's offu e He was a delegate to three successive state conventions of the Republican party in Virginia, in 1868-70, and in [869 he was appointed a member of the Republi- can State ventral Committee ol Virginia In 1870 he was a prominent memb the first ••woman's Rights" convi held 111 Virginia, and bj it he m vi< e-president <>t the "\ irginia Woman's Right - A 9 •■ K iati..n." I 1870 to I s : t lie was on th< his last engagement ' manager in Albany, N. \ , rib prim ipal dramatic roiewa • "old men;" and among his ni' ful imp ■ Poloniui in " Haml ••King ol the I omm • M: ., Muii. .n." and I : in 102 WILLIAM EMMETTE COLEMAM Since 1874 be has been in the Quarter- master's Department, United States Army, being made chief clerk in the chief quartermasters' office in San Francisco in 1883, in which office he is still employed. In 1875, at a pronouncing-bee in Philadel- phia, he won the first prize ot $50, and he also took prizes at several spelling bees. While in Philadelphia he was an active participant in the theological debates each Sunday in Jayne Hall, in which he particularly defended Spiritual- ism and the future life from the attacks of Materialists, and also Freethought and Rationalism from the assaults of the ortho" dox. Several of his anti-theological arti- cles, on the Bible God, Jesus Christ, the Sabbath, etc., were published in the "Freethinker Tracts" from 1875 to l8 79- He attended the Centennial Congress of Liberals, at Philadelphia, in 1876, thus being a charter member of the National Liberal Lengue. He was an active mem- ber of the Executive Committee ot the Liberal League in Kansas, in which state he resided Irom 1875 to '79, and was Sec- retary of the Kansas State Liberal and Spiritual Camp meeting in 1879. He is opposed to the total repeal of the laws against the transmission of obscene litera- ture through the mails, but is in tavor of such modifications as will protect the rights of all from arbitrary arrest and im- prisonment. Through Spiritualism, Mr. Coleman was a believer in evolution before he ever heard of Darwin; and a conflict between Spiritualism a. id Darwinism being pre- dicated in 1876, he published an extend- ed reply thereto, which ran through the Chicago Religio- Philosophical Journal for several months, and "elicited encomi- ums from many able thinkers." In 1878 Mr. Coleman delivered a series of lectures on "Darwinism and the Evolution of Man,'' before the Leavenworth (Kansas), Academy of Science, which were classed by the local press as among "the ablest and most interesting" ever delivered at the Academy. Attempts were made at the Academy, by the ultra- Christian con- servatives, to silence Mr. Coleman's radi- cal utterances, but he fought them "tooth and nail," and refused to be put down. In 1879 ne lectured at the Academy twice on "Spectrum Analysis;" and also on the 'Parallelism between Biologic and Philologic Evolution." At his departure from Leavenworth, the Academy passed resolutions of regret, and recommended him "to scientific and literary persons everywhere, as an able thinker, a ripe scholar, and an earnest, studious, and industrious worker." In 1877 Mr. Cole- man published a number of Freethought and scientific articles in the Toronto, Canada, Freelhoughl Journal, and in 1878 he conducted the " Review of Cur- rent Literature" in the Spiritual Offering, of St. Louis. Since 1875 ne nas contrib- uted hundreds of articles to the Spiritual and Freethought journals in America and England, mostly, of late years, to the Religio- Philosophical Journal and the Carrier Dove. In 1878-9 he compiled and published two editions of an "Index of Orders of the War Department Affecting the Quartermaster's Department." He has, since 1880, lectured many times in San Francisco on Spiritual and theologi- cal subjects. For over a dozen years past he has made a specialty of Oriental- ism, especially of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sanskrit literature; and he is a mem- ber of the principal Oriental societies in America and England. He also devotes special research to comparative philology and comparative mythology. He has a library of 8.000 volumes, including one thousand on Orientalism, and two thou- sand seven hundred on the religions of the world. The best works in all branches of knowledge form the rest of the library, which has been declared by scientists one of the finest and best-strlected private libraries, for working purposes, in the country. Mr. Coleman's numerous essays on "Krishna and Christ," and on other Oriental, philological, archaeological, and theological subjects, have been warmly commended for their accuracy, thor- oughness, and ability, by the leading Sanskritists and comparative theologians of the world, including Professors W WILLIAM EMMETTE COLEMAX i°3 D. Whitney (Yale), C. R. Lanman (Harvard), A. H. Sayce, Max Mueller, and Monier- Williams (Oxford), Abraham Kuenen and C. P. Tiele (Leiden), Al- brecht Weber (Berlin), et al. He was a member of the Advisory Councils of the '"World's Congress of Evolutionists" and ofthe "PsychicScience Congress" at the Chicago Exposition of 1893. In both congresses a paper from his pen was read. Among the more im- portant of the numerous essays and treatises which he has published are these: "The Essenes and Therapeutae," "The Druids", "The Alexandrian Library," "The Seven Bibles ofthe World," "The Talmudic Jesus," "Apollonius of Tyana and Jesus Christ," "The Veil of Isis," "Sabbath Observance," "The Nicene Council and the Biblical Canon," "The Bible God and Nature," and "The De- lusions of Astrology." Mr. Coleman has an analytical, critical mind, and his writings are largely occu- pied with a ventilation of what he regards as the sophistries and fallacies of talse theories. In Spiritualism he accepts nothing that cannot be scientifically demonstrated. For twenty years he has been especially active in attempts to place Spiritualism and the occult on a purely scientific basis, the segregation of the impure and the irrational elements therein from the demonstrably true and sensible; and the "frauds, fools, and fanatics," as he terms them, in Spiritualism, he has mercilessly excoriated. He has also vigorously denounced tin* bad logic and vagaries (as he deems them) of re-incarna- tion, pre-existance, obsession, occultism, bibliolatry, the solar-mythic origin of Christianity, and the charlatanism of many pretended mediums. "N<> compromise with error; the truth must prevail 1 '' is the watchword of his endeavor. "A terror to evil-doers ar.d t-vil-thinkei s, " he lias been called by Andrew fackson Davis. Mr. Coleman is devoted, practically, to the reforms he advocates. He eschews the use of intoxicating liquors, tobacco in all forms, tea, < ofiee, stimulating condi- ments, profane and indelicate langU gaming, low and lewd associations, etc., and believes in purity of heart and life, integrity, chastity, and the supremacy of truth. He has a hearty detestation of all stiams and hypocrisies, coupled with a fervent love of truth for its own sake. Although as a writer he is bold and vigor- ous, at times very severe yet personally he is mild, diffident, retiring. Mr. Coleman has combated Theosophy as a fraud and delusion from its inception in 1875, and he has published many articles in exposure of its pretenses and ofthe trickery of Madame Blavatsky. For some time he has been preparing for publication a work in exposure of Theosophy in all its branchesr; and it is intended to include many facts never before published, gathered by Mr. Cole- man during his prolonged researches, and his extensive correspondence on this matter in all parts ofthe world. Though a decided disbeliever in any form of Christianity, and many of his writings are devoted to criticisms of its claims, Mr Coleman ever tries to be strictly just to the Church, the Bible, Jesus, and Judaism; and he has often felt called upon to oppose and expose unfair attacks upon these by certain schools of Free thought. As the New York Evolution remarked, "Mr. Coleman is a devour of He is one by whom truth, unadulterated truth, is preferred far above his personal whims, or passions, ordesires, and regardli the claims of party, place or power. I IlS articles show him to be one of the most thoroughly well read men in the country." In 1871 , Mr. Coleman m 11 1 ied M Wilmot Bouton, of N *w York, a 1 education and refinement, beloved by ail who knew her, sensitive, mediumistic, and aw earnest spiritualist and reformi r She passed to tie- higher lil 1 in In a tribute to her mem m Mi I loleman I., her noble qualities in tie- ; and most alln open- ing her circles and receiving thej to lay to them, "1 lichi um,"and nothing else. This was not understood, until at last it was discovered thai it w trol," and finally he explained by saying that his name was Hichicum Hi, and that Hichicum meant " power," and Hi meant "here" — "power is here." From that time he assumed an active control, and has remained with her ever since. He subsequently stated that he was a Mohawk chieftain, who had lived fifty years btfore in the Mohawk Valley; that he had been brought to Mrs. Upham by "Sunrise," and that he was a medi- cine man in spirit-life. This statement has been abundantly verified in the won- derful control he has manifested to thou- sands of persons in healing and in giving tests. Among those cured by him was a doctor who had been given up by his phvsician, who told him to go home to Boston and lay his bones with his father's. Also a Mr. Thompson, said by his phy- sicians to be afflicted with aneurism of the aorta of the neck, and who could not live — was liable to die at any moment. Hichicum told him it was not aneurism, but a strain, and the ligaments were swollen, and lie, through his medium, could cure him. After four \\ 1 merit he was perfectly restored, and is now, after sixteen years, alive, wll and hearty. Mrs. M. I.. Morrison, residing on How- ard street, s.m Francisco, and afflicted with inflammation of the Stomach, was told by her physicians th.it she could only live a few hours. Mrs. Upham, being sent for, told her daughter her mother's symptoms, than the doctors had. At the lirs: ment she broke th ind, in six treatments she cured h< . and fpham n.»w pi testimonial that she Cured her without on<- drop "i medicin< gle drop of blood, and without : or plaster—- using nothing laying on of h.n ( )u ano 1 .: of a Is inder the her in gi eal p mi. and placing her hands upon t ! with BUi io8 MRS. M. J. HENDEE-ROGERS scream a little. The cure had been ef- fected — the placenta had grown to her side, and was, by this means, removed. The lady quickly recovered, and is, to- day, one of our best mediums. On one occasion, in sitting with a gen- tleman, a number of his spirit friends came, but he said he wished to hear from the living. She then saw and described, in turn, (i) his wife; (2) a young man of eighteen, whom she said would make a good surveyor and architect, and whom the sitter identified as his son, whom he had just placed in a surveying school; (3) another son, more domestic, and re- sembling his mother; (4) a young lady, sitting, as it seemed, on the floor, with one limb drawn up toward her back;— this lady, she said, was his daughter, and she told him the cause of her affliction, and advised him to take her out of the doctor's care and place her under the treatment of a magnetic and electric heal- er, and that she would get well; — (5) a young girl, ten or twelve years old, in good health, and resembling him in ap- pearance. The gentleman confirmed the truth of all that had been told him, and said he had been recommended to con- sult her relative to the treatment of his afflicted daughter. He was not a Spirit- ualist, and had never before sat with a medium; and he said it was the most wonderful thing he had ever seen or heard. His family, which had been so accurately described, was in Chicago, and he went on his way rejoicing. A few weeks thereafter, the family of the gentleman, including the invalid daughter, presented themselves to Mrs. Upham. The sick girl, in accordance with the medium's advice, had been placed under the care of a magnetic heal- er, and was rapidly recovering. She afterwards became a healthy and happy wife and mother. The writer has seen the written testimonial of the father, Mr. Charles Holland, setting forlh the facts in this case as here stated. "During my first summer in San Fran- cisco," says Mrs. Rogers, "I felt im- pelled to write, and I was requested to sit one hour each day, and the spirits would write their experiences in the spirit life. This request was signed, 'George Washington.' I commenced, and the result is the pamphlet known by that name, written through my hand, and pub- lished by, and through the kindness of our loved and lamented friend, T. B. Clark, who kindly interested himself to do the work after it had lain in manu- script nearly ten years, and who after- wards sat with me while writing the spirit experiences of Martha and Mary Washington. The three manuscripts were published by him, and they have been widely circulated. "Spiritualism came to me in my trou- bles; it soothed my sorrows and gave to me the knowledge that though my friends passed from my sight, they were not dead, but born to an immortal clime, where I expect to meet them, when I am called to go. When my husband, Mr- Hendee, knew that he was dying, he called all around the bed and said that he should die, as he had lived, in the full belief of Spiritualism; that he knew that he should meet his mother and friends; and, as far as his future was concerned, he was happy to go, only being sorry to leave his wife to the cold world. He was a staunch Spiritualist for fifteen years — a good and noble man. I have received many loving tests from him in proof of his presence and love. While residing at Napa City, in 1S65, during my control at a seance, I saw a funeral procession. The men walked with their heads bowed, and dressed in black, with black and white crape on their arms. There soon followed a band with muffled drums, then others on horseback. The black horses wore white plumes and the white horses black plumes. Then carriages of state, then foreigners; then the catafalque came and was set down, and I was made to go for- ward and look into the casket. There I saw the face of Abraham Lincoln, and as I was made to express what I saw, I said, "The head of our Nation." Then I was taken away, and foreign ambassadors MRS. M. J. HENDEE-ROGERS 1C9 followed in carriages, with horses highly caparisoned, all passing on in the train- Then I heard the 'Battle Cry of Freedom' played, and I looked and saw the Union troops with flags lowered ^nd draped in black and white. They marched on out of sight. I then came to myself, when I heard them say, T am afraid it is Lincoln.' I had given a full description as they passed. This was en Sunday evening, at Captain West's, at Napa; and on the next Saturday noon, news came that Seward and Lincoln were assassinated. I said I did not see but one, and, as Sew- ard lived, there was but one; and I had seen the real procession that was to be, for the processions formed at other places were meager compared to what 1 saw in my vision, for such it must have been. There are several no^v living who were present on this occasion, including Mrs. Captain West, at whose house it trans- pired. By this and many other testimo- nies regarding Lincoln's death, it cer- tainly seems established that the spirit world is often conscious of many things before they transpire on earth, and that it was to be his fate." Mrs. Rogers' experience as a medium and healer has extended over a period of more than twenty-five years, and is re- plete with interesting incidents and facts, but a few of which can be given in a brief sketch. Enough could be related to fill a large volume. Although the pio- neer medium on this Coast, she is still actively engaged in public work MRS. ESTHER DYE Mrs. Esther Dye, the subject of this sketch, was born on March 6th, 1852, at Athica, Fountain Co., Indiana. Her parents being strict Methodists, she was brought up and schooled in their faith. She remained loyal to her early training until overwhelming evidence of spirit power by the occult forces back of her compelled her to acknowledge the truth of Spiritualism. This, of couise, cut her oft from fellowship in the "church of her fathers," and she was destined, as many others have been, to run, the gamut of social and religious ostracism. But she was being "led in away she knew not, 7 .' and unseen hands were shaping her future, and waking to life her latent powers. They were moulding her for use in the cause of humanity, and endow- ing her with the old-time "gifts of heal- ing." Esther Dye, or, as her spirit guides call her, "Esther the Healer," was born a medium. Though she did not under- stand it at first, yet she can now look back and recognize many evidences of her medial powers, such as are usually experienced in incipient development. Not until within the last six years have those gifts been utilized understanding^ in the ^reat work to which she has been set apart by the spirit world. In 1888 and 1889 her development was so rapid that she at once began to diagnose disease clairvoyantly and to heal the sick "by the laying on of hands," magnetizing garments, papers, etc., with increasing power and success up to the present time. Many very remarkable cures have been effected, through her instrumentality, of persons pronounced beyond all hope by distinguished and reputable physicians. Hundreds of testimonials can be furnished in confirmation of the above statement. Mr. S. D. Dye, her husband, is kept busy attending to her books, answering letters from every section of the country, and sending magnetized pads to those of her patients whom she treats at a distance. She has an army of friends and acquaint- ances who love and esteem her for her many noble traits of character. She is always in closest sympathy with her patients, and her large and generous heart ever throbs for the afflictions and woes of others, while with open hand she delights to give liberally to the deserving poor. The intelligences who heal through her are too exalted and humane to allow their chosen instrument to prostitute mediumship to mere money getting and feeding the insatiate greed of avarice. They recognize that "the lust of money is the root of all evil," and that the holy cause of human weal is sadly crippled through this debasing agency. Hence they have elevated their medium far above its baneful influence, and they propose to thus deliver her from all evil, and wonderfully augment her power for good in the years to come. . It has been Mrs. Dye's most cherished desire for years to be able to establish a healing institute in Los Angeles, her home city, where the land is watered by silver streams running through groves of golden fruit, and where the air is redolent with the sweet perfume of the lemon and orange, and ever blooming flowers. But her extreme liberality to the deserving poor has hitherto kept her too poor to accomplish the desire of her heart. However, the spirit forces promise she will yet realize her wish, and the structure be completed in the near future. The author of this brief sketch would fain paint with well chosen words her many virtues, and set them as sparkling gems in a coronet of gold, or plant them as choice exotics by the "Fountains of waters," that sweet memories like in- cense may rise, and the hearts be kept full, and the love fresh in those who have shared her heaven appointed benefac- tions. May many others of earth's sick and sorrowing ones find health and com- fort through her healing ministrations, and be led to recognize that the age of so-called miracles has not passed. ."NIKS. ESTHER DYE. MRS. F. A. LOGAN. MRS. F. A. LOGAN MediuMj Heai.er and Speaker. Mrs. Logan was born in Skaneatlas, Onondago Co., N, V., in August, 1S22. Her father, a Baptist minister, settled in Wisconsin in 1841. In the winter of 1S50 she investigated Spiritualism and commenced writing communications in poetry for her lriends, acquaintances and strangers, giving much consolation to the bereaved and sorrowing; but not until she withdrew from the Church and from a bondage still more severe, did she become an in- spirational speaker and take the platform in 1865. After visiting New York City and becoming a member of the Progres- sive Lyceum, even to the promotion to the leadership of Liberty Group, did she obey the spirits' promptings, to plead the of human freedom from everything which Cramps <f railroad in the principal towns and cities <>i Min- :, she wa- mad-- the Stat-- Mission- ary and ordained to solemnize mai 1 and to pn-a h the gospel "t glad tidings wherever she went. After fulfilling her mission the started down the Mississippi, le< turing in the river towns on "\ Pie 1 for Rights," an original, poetical le< tun riving at St. Louis, she gave an original, poetical lecture, which -in- had memo rized, on the "Last, Present and Future," which had been well received in several cities. She travelled extensively through- out Illinois and Wisconsin, and again to New York, stopping in si towns in Canada, Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania; everywhere restoring one to health, by the healing power with which .she seemed particularly gifted. The reader has but to examine h( timonials and scrap-books t yinced of this indefatigable workei cess as healer and lecturer. W insert one or two ol the many and won- derful testimonials obun-s, tendered her in her journeyings from grateful hearts. New York Ci 1 v. fune so. 1 but just t«. the public th.it I state up. I had Putrid Erysipelas all over m and head. A council of five phj i pronounced my case hopeless; I must 11 was « ailed in to w ilness th<- dissolution of soul and body, by her magnetic hands 1 was ■ ind b\ hei treatment in a few d 1 ble t<> pack my ti unl May God's bi attend hei w herever she goes, i"i ft ;h and pun- intent be 1 oned, th< none be more ti ulj fitted than her w I-mii \ C. Di San fosi . I ' ; : id rheumatism in m> left limb 'ul Mis I n < ame int and healer. With her. J'i tw enty min tirely c nied, an ' >d run as blitl hen in my youth Cm Consumption, MRS. F. A. LOGAN seemed to recede at once under her hands. Call the power by whatever name you please, mind cure or anything else, it makes but little difference about names. Mrs. L. believed that she had the assist- ance of angel guides, not only in healing but in her journeyings, and unmistakable spiritual power accompanied her in all her public work, until hundreds have been healed, several of the States trav- ersed, and over 2,000 lectures given, me- niums developed by the potent, silent force accompanying the application of her hands to the forehead and base of the brain. Strangers, whom she had never met before, applying to her for treatment, have been entranced at the first sitting, and described the beauties of the spirit world. Some have been developed to sing and play inspirationally, some to heal and some for speaking and writing. One little girl, ten years old (whose elder brother had died not having been converted to the Christian religion, was mourned by the Baptist mother as eter- nally lost,) becam? entranced and des- cribed her brother as perfectly happy in his beautiful spirit home, which brought joy and comfort to the bereaved, such as they had failed to obtain in their church. Mrs. Logan has no time to idle away on loolish fashions or display, as her heart is full of sympathy for he afflicted and unfortunate ones of earth. In her travels she has visited reform schools, jails and penitentiaries, delivering addresses, dis- tributing reform literature, and speaking words of sympathy and encouragement to the inmates. Very many towns were visited before reaching our golden shores in 1874. The following tribute was tendered her after her first lecture in San Francisco, which will give the reader somewhat of an idea of the subject matter of the dis- course: San Francisco, July 13, 1874. Mrs. F. A. Logan: Dear Madam— Having for many years believed that a purified pub- lic sentiment and feeling would ultimate from the teachings and moral force of woman, it was with unfeigned pleasure I listened to your poetic lecture delivered in Grand Central Hall, in this city, on the 12th inst., so graphically descriptive of scenes, incidents, and illustrations of "Life in the Great Metropolis of Our Country, New York City." A lecture so instructive and replete with interest, clothed as it is with argu- ment, eloquence and appeal, while being fully appreciated by the thinking, intel- lectual and morally cultured, must also be felt as a stern rebuke to the dissi- pation, profligacy, shams and hypocrisy of the age. Wishing you success in your work of faith and labor of love in this land of progress and prophetic greatness, I remain, Yours in the bond of common humanity, James Battersby, Late Pres. Lyceum of Self Culture. Mrs. L. has not sought notoriety by visiting large cities only, but has gone into districts, towns, and hamlets, in the mountains and in the valleys, believing that there were jewels and pearls of im- mortal worth in the humblest home, or beneath a tattered coat and faded dress; and nothing grieves her more than cold formality, or the pomposity apparent everywhere, in all ranks of society. She deeply appreciates the kindly words of sympathy, the cordial welcome to hospit- able hearts and homes that she has re- ceived during the twenty years of mis- sionary life through the Eastern States, Oregon, Washington Territory, British Columbia, Nevada, Wyoming, Utah and Colorado. While in Leadville she held a public discussion with a very well-read M. D. on the conscious individuality of the soul after what is (so-called) death; not winning his point, he acknowledged that he himself had felt the presence of individualized immortal spirits. Mrs. L. could furnish volumes of inter- esting incidents of her travels throughout the States and in our picturesque golden California. During a trip to Yosemite Valley and the mammoth trees, she stopped to give a temperance lecture in Vallicito, in the church at 11 a. m., Sunday. The clergy- man and his wife had made arrangements and kindly entertained and introduced her. Discovering that her audience was composed mostly of women and children she proposed that they all march down MRS. F. A. LOCiAN i'3 to the largest saloon and give the lecture there. Suiting the action to the word, the dignified minister, with his better half by his side, and the entire congregation, all marched to the open door of the saloon. The keeper's dark Italian eyes nearly pierced the leader of this little army through; but knowing in whom to put her trust (the power that never fail- eth,) she simply said: "Please allow us to hold our meeting in your place of bus- iness. We will not detain you long." The keeper put down his billiard cue, and placed the seats around the room. His wife came in, and all being seated, the drunkards remaining also, Mrs. L,, after a short invocation, said, " We have not come here to find fault with your saloon or your business, for it is a legitimate business. You are licensed by our Gov- ernment to pursue it. But we would appeal to the better natures of individuals and ask them to not engage in orpatron- ize anything that would wrong anotherin any way whatever, for the wrong would certainly rebound upon the wrong-doer. 1 ' During the lecture tears coursed down the faces of the most obdurate drunkards in the audience, and all expressed their thanks to the speaker, not only from their tear-dimmed eyes, but by a generous do- nation, which is not a small item to the one who is living and laboring for the good of souls, with no permanent home except in the hearts of the people and on the evergreen shore of the hereafter. Mrs. L.'s spiritualistic ideas embrace all reforms, and her most popular lec- tures are on Spiritualism, Temperance, Cause and Cureof Disease, the Relation Man Sustains to Woman Legally, So- cially and Morally, and Four Poetical Lectures, and one on ('in urnMaii Th<- subject of this sketch has Indonv itable perseverance to carry out her spii itual impressions against all obstacles, as instanced in getting up the first spirit ual camp meeting on our shores, in October, [884. By obeying the still, small voice, an interest w is awakened in other souls on the same plane of un foldment, and a grand, successful meet- ing lasting twelve days was the result. Her only brother, Walter Hyde, pre- sided over thirty-six sessions in such a way that harmony prevailed, mediums were developed, the humblest, the young and the old, the rich and the poor, were considered of equal importance in the mind of the chairman, as well as by the spirit helpers, and a harmonious organ- ization was effected for future campmeet- ings. Mrs. L. does not claim to be a seer or prophetess, but we find in her book of miscellaneous poems a prophecy written in 1875, of the electric lights, and form materialization, besides other gems en- titled, " Poor Little Barefoot," "Mam- moth Trees of California," " Compan- ionless," and " Reasons Why I Became a Spiritualist," etc. Mrs. Logan has a special gift for the development of mediums; and now sev- eral, who were comparatively obscttre before, are giving remarkable tests from the platform, and begin to feel that they can secure halls and audiences without her assistance. For several years past Mrs. Logan has conducted a Sunday morning meeting in San Francisco which is called the "Circle of Harmony.'' at which a free platform is maintained where all are allowed to give expression to their best thought, unrestricted as to time of topic, when subjects of genera] interest are di» ussed in a friendly, courteous manner. The timid and retiring have been em ..uiagcd and stimulated to put forth their best en deaVOrS and develop latent talents. Many mediumistic gifts have been unfold- ed and the happy p< foi ti> to labor in the spii itual * ineyard, Mis. Logan feels that spei ial should be taken to not hinder the world from communing with this by arbi« tiaiy 1 ules and < < le 1, the 1 .1 •• a ben n< >ne but populai rrs ai ed, and no opportunity .itt> ad' (l for spii itual i ommunion it» h as might frequently b l through some limit • n I in 1 in le ot I in mony parti* ulai « are is taken to all< nd unresi spiiit com mu nil ation through -ms instru* u MRS. F. A. LOGAN in- nt the angel world may select. Some- limes such messages voice beautiful truths clothed in beautiful language; and ■1 other times they express but the crud- : the spirit and the medium through whom the mes given. In medi- umshipMrs. Logan recognizes the appli- cation of the saying that "a child must before it cm walk," and is willing to extend the helping hand and give the of encouragement to the young and inexperienced medium who tremblingly stands upon the platform for the lirst lime, feat ful lest the sustaining influence should be withdrawn, and their own weakness become apparent to the audi- ence. Many <>! our present-day workers on the Pacific Coast are indebted to Mrs. Logan for having opened a door and pre- pared a place where they could give forth their first impressions from the spirit side and feel assured that their feeble efforts would meet with approval and encour- ent until they grew strong and self- confident to go out into other fields of work and usefulness. Logan has published four original il lectures and her sister's book ot "Prophetic Visions and Spirit communi- cations." Her ready pen, by the aid of invisible intelligences, has given comfort to many hearts, and also diagnosed dis- eases and given a reasonable explanation of the case as instanced in the many communications received from patients whom she has treated personally, and also by spiritual science methods, when many miles intervened between the pa- tient and the healer. The success in either case has always been most phe- nomenal. Mrs. Logan realizes, as all writers do, that it is impossible to put into a brief autobiography all the struggles, trials and triumphs of a soul laboring inces- santly for the good of humanity. Subject to temptations and all the ills of mortal life, and now, when silver threads crown the brow of this veteran worker in her seventy-third year, she can look back over a life hallowed with blessed deeds and noble service in the cause of truth, right and justice. She calmly awaits the results of her life labors, and with Alice Cary says: "My past is mine and 1 take it all, Its follies, its weaknesses if you please, Nay, even my sins if you come to that, May have been my helps, not hindrances." LOIS WAISBROOKER. -AI.TTHOR AX 13 EDITOR. That Mrs. Schleslnger desires to put me into her book as one of the Workers in the vineyard of reform, is of itself sufficient honor, and as I desire to live more in my work than in my person- ality, and further, as I shrink from having my name go to posterity coupled with the too partial estimate of friends who are Inclined to enlarge virtues and forget faults, I will myself say what needs to be said, hut it will necessarily be more of my general than of my Cal- ifornia work. As to myself, I made my entrance into this life on the -1st day of Febru- ary, 1828, in the town of Catherine, Schuyler I 'ounty then a part of Tiuga) \. Y., as the first of -even children born to Caroline and (liandisen Ni- chols. My mother's maiden name was Reed, and though their children were all Methodists, her father and mother were among the flrsl [Tniversalists <>f the country. It was my talks with my Pindfal her t in- summer of his eighty- ftrsl year, which helped to break me from the bondage of church teachings. The de.ith of a brot hei i n-la w, with the circumstances attending, had pre- pared the way lor bis woi.lv to take effect. This brother-in-law, who was a good husband, son and brother, died believing he was going to hell, because he had never been converted. The first links broken, the investiga- tion of Spiritualism in 1856 completed I the work bo well begun. Among the ftrsl evidences received was acominu- My parents were poor, uneducated, hard-working people, my father sup- porting his family as a day laborer— a wage slave — and as a matter of course my advantages were but few. It is the memory of my father's unrequited toil, of how much he did and how little lie received, which intensities my opposi- tion to an opposition to an economic system which so robs the toiler. My parents gave me the name of Adeline Eliza, but when at twenty- eight years of age I began to write over the signature of "Lois," my friends commenced calling me that, and 1 soon adopted it; so it is now nearly forty years since [discarded my baptismal name, as I have since discarded Chris- tianity in all its forms. The good con- nected with it belongs to universal hu- manity, not t<> a Bed of people who have shed riveis of blood to enforce their propaganda. I was always called peculiar. How much of that peculiarity belongs to myself, and bow much of it comes from the influence of those who were once denizens of earth, and who now hold me lo the work for which they have helped to prepare me, I cannol say, but I bave always wanted to write. The school composition, as it was called, while a terror to many, was a pleasure t<> m< And now, dismissing myself as far as possible, turn t<> that in which I have lived mOSt, to I bat which I ha - impelled to write. My ftrsl effort out- Bide the newspaper column was an an- il ilavery Sabbath school book called i 16 I.OIS WAISBROOKER • Mary and Ellen; or, The Orphan < Hrla," w hlch, the last I knew of it, was being extensively used In the Sab- bath schools of our Uongregationalist friends, I being at the time of its wri- ting a member of that church. My second book, "Alice Vale," was written to illustrate Spiritualism. It ifl dow out of print, as is " May weed Blossoms. " a collection of fugitive s, of which I thought more than did others, as the nieagreness of its sale pr »\(m1, and also, as is "Nothing Like 1 1 ; or, Steps to the Kingdom," an earn- est but somewhat crude effort to give a glimpse of purity in freedom, in the relation of the sexes. Those will probably never be reissued. "Helen Harlow's Vow" was written to -how that woman should refuse to submit to the injustice which condemns her, and accepts the man for the same act— the heroine determining tha* she will not -ink because she has foolishly trusted; that she will be just to herself if others are unjust to her. She main- tains her self-respect, and in the end commands the respect of all who know 7 her. "Perfect Motherhood; or, Mabel Ray- mond's Resolve," does not trench upon the province of the physician, but takes up tin* conditions of society which make it Impossible that mothers shall transmit, through the law of heredity, the elements of character which, un- folded, would give the world a superior i SOS Of meu and women. "The Occult Forces of Sex" Is a work \\iii<'b is more valued each year, in P I Of Which I will state that the 'it' i the last part was written, Bomel blng over Ave j ears since, there I ban 200 sold with my per- sonal effort, added to what was done by others; but during the lasl two years encouraging In the me. Phil little book consists Of three • written in Battle tflohlgan, in is:.;, and called 3 i Question ami the Money Power;" the second at Riverside, Cali- fornia, in 18S0, and called "From Gen- eration to Regeneration," (and really the most valuable of my California work), and the third at Milwaukee, Oregon, in 1889, and called "The Tree of Life Between Two Thieves." I have good evidence that Alexander von Humboldt, his brother William, Mrs. Hemans, Lady Mary Wortley Montague, and two or three others whose names I have forgotten, assisted me, not only in writing the work pre- pared at Riverside, but they are still with me when I attempt to get clearer, purer views of the finer forces of the sex. I received the communication with the names given through Dr. J- V. Mansfield, and signed by Von Hum- boldt. Permission was given to use the names in connection with the work, but the letter being lost in my attempt to send it to Dr. J. Rodes Bu- chanan for psychometrization, I have never before given the name to the public. This second pamphlet is put first in the book. "A Sex Revolution" was written in 1862. It puts motherhood to the front, demands that "women take the lead'» till the conditions for a higher grade of motherhood are obtained. Another work issued recently is the "Fountain of Life, or the Threefold Power of Sex." I have also essayed the newspaper business or method of scattering thought. " Our Age, Ours — the Peo- ples'," was issued at Battle Creek, Michigan, till forty-two numbers were sent out. Then the financial crisis of 1873-4 forced a suspension. "Foundation Principles," issued from Clinton, la., in 18S4, and afterwards re- moved to Antioch, California, was car- ried into the fourth volume, when it suspended for a time, but was finally resumed after I had located in Topeka, Kansas. I do not know what the future of this life has for me, but this I do know — that I shall never consider my work LOIS WAISBROOKJER 17 done so long as I have the strength to do, and the privilege of doing more — and — Whenever I'm called, I gladly will go, My lessons of wisdom to learn over there; Then back I will hasten, to help lift this earth Out of its ignorance, sorrow and care- Will aid it to cast oft its sorrow and care, For I could not remain in a world filled with bliss While rivers of sorrow were rolling thro' this. Yours, for the Work, Lois Waisbrookkk. P. S. — I have forgotten one thing. So many will ask: Was she ever mar- ried ? I have been twice married, have two children and six grandchildren, but 1 have lived so long alone, and there is so much questioning if mar- riage be not a failure, that married or single scarcely ever enters my thought. L. W. MRS. MAGGIE WAITE. Among the mediums developed in California, Mrs Maggie Waite i3 one of the mo9l reliable for platform tests, giving namea readily and correctly, and describing spirit forms accurately. Winn under spirit influence she is both clairvoyant and olairaudient, and verbal m rom the spirits without hesitation, and usually to the entire satisfaction of the investigator. Miv Waite was bom in the city of New York, August 31, 1561, but at five of auc was taken by her parents m Francisco. She received her' education in a convent in California, and as a child knew nothing of Spirit- q. Although it is sixteen years or more since Bhe was first informed that Bhe would Bometime become a me- dium, it is only within the last few that the development of her >m me need. In answer to questions concerning her experience) M rs. Wait My flrsl knowledge of Spiritualism was received when fourteen years of age. A lady invited me to accompany her i ce given by Mrs. Ada I on in- the seance a pair of in- • liauds encircled my waist, and lifting me from my chair, placed me ■ . I was much frightened- Mrs, Foye endeavored to allay my fear, i thai I would become ••"' ll for the spirit world. ter attending Mrs. isionally heard raps bul resolutely refused to no- - Qi Saving been br< ught up "v Infancy Id the Catholic faith, I the manifestations l had witnessed to be the work of the Devil, and consequently resolved to have no more to do with such things. I avoid- ed Spiritualism and Spiritualists for years after that. Meantime I met Mr. Edwin Waite, whom I married in the Catholic faith, June 19, 1871. We had been married about three months, when my husband told me that his grand- mother, who had passed into spirit life a year and a half previous, appeared to him and told him that in a few years everything would come out all right, having reference to the mediumistic work I am now engaged in. "After the birth of my first child, I began to see spirits around the cradle, but did not at first recognize them as spirits. They seemed like persons in this life, and I wondered how they got there. I was afraid someone had en- tered the house. One night I was sud- denly awakened from my sleep, and looking up, saw standing at the door- way a white-robed form. The figure made a gesture with her right arm three times in succession, as if beckon- ing me to come. Some of my friends, to whom I related the circmstances, const rued it as a warning of my early death; but my dear friend, Mrs. Jennie Daniels, had just passed into spirit life, and although I did not recognize the form, 1 was assured by her mother that it was Jennie, and that she had ap- peared to another person at about the sanre time. My friend's mother was a Spiritualist, a fact of which I was not then informed. Not fully crediting the statement, I made no further in- quiry; and as my visions soon ceased, MRS. MAGGIE WAIT! MRS. MAGGIE YVAITE 119 I thought no more of Spiritualism for about six years. In 1889, on passing Metropolitan Temple, one day, I no- ticed a poster announcing a test seance by John Slater. My curiosity being aroused, I entered the Temple, and on the following evening attended a se- ance at Slater's house. Among the Usts the medium gave was one which puzzled me. He related a conversation which had occurred between myself and husband in our house that morn- ing, giving some of the exact words my husband had used. I wondered what power— other than spirit— could possibly have conveyed such informa- tion to the medium, and 1 determined to investigate the subject. After some inquiry, I found a medi- um who held circles for development. 1 attended, and at the first sitting my hand commenced to move independent of my own volition; and paper and pencil being given me, my hand not myself— began to write. The first mes- sage w;t< a- much of a surprise to the medium as to myself, as it was from a drar friend of his, who bad passed away in Los Angeles, giving his name in full— one I had never before beard. More perplexed than ever, I deter- mined to fathom the mystery, and con- tinued my investigations, mainly by private sittings in my own house. This continued for ;< year or more, when, one evening, while sitting at the table with a few friends, I began to feel that I was losing consciousness. Yielding to the influence, I was Boon asleep, and knew not what occurred. On awaken- ing my friends told me I had been en- tranced by the Bpiril of an Indian girl, who gave her name as Pohontas. This was on the 20th of November, 1890. Pohontas is on.- of my guides .-it the present time, controlling me mainly during my sittings at home. "The next imi lie nee that came to me \\ as that of a little girl, \\ ho passed away in Sacramento two year- before, when she was five years of age. She told my friends I being unconscious) that her name was Maude Phillips; that she was born in Sacramento, giv- ing the street and number. Deter- mined to ascertain if the statement was true or false, I wrote to the the person whose address was given, and to my surprise received in reply a letter from her parents, stating that they had a child of that name and age, who passed away at the time stated. Shortly af- terward the father and mother came to San Francisco on business, and called on me to make further inquiry in re- gard to the letter I had written them. They were very ignorant of Spiritual- ism. I tried to explain how it was pos- sible for their daughter to control me, but they seemed unable to comprehend, so I said that if they would sit quietly awhile, I would see if she could control me, and they might have the opportu- nity of talking with her through me. The father, in a very determined man- ner, said he would not listen to any- thing of the kind, and that if he ever heard again that 1 had called back his dead, he would have me prosecuted! They were horrified at the thought of such sacrilege, and left me with in- junctions never to dare do anything of the kind again. "This spirit continued to come to me, and not long after the visit of her pa. rents, she stated that if I would go to a photographer and have my picture taken, she would try to appear on the plate. I did so, and when the picture was developed was delighted to find a spirit form beside my own. After- wards, at one of my circles', a lady was present who resided next door bo the parents of -tin- little -iii in Sacramento. The spirit came, and to prove her iden- tity, called the lady by name. Mini told her all about herself and family. Tin- lady had known the child well, up to the time of her transition to spirit life, and w hen I -lowed her t he plot lire she recognized it at once as the likeness of the child. 1 flighted as I had been to obtain the photograph in the manner I did, its recognition by a friend of the 120 MRS. MAGGIE WAITE child gave me still greater satisfaction and joy. The Bplrit continues to con- trol me at times, and is always wel- oomed as intelligent and trustworthy, although passing away at so early an •Hi. next spirit to attach himself to me ;,- one of my guides gave his name a- William Ualston— whether "Ralston the banker" or Ralston the beggar I know not; neither do I care, so long as he renders service satisfactory to my- self and to the angel world. I do not to know the history of controlling spirits, further than they choose to give it in proof of their identity. If they give more it is because they wish to do BO for reasons of their own, or to satisfy friends with whom they communicate. When this spirit first controlled me I felt the condition of a drowning per- son, suffering the agonies of one strug- gling and suffocating in the water. Thta unpleasant feeling soon ceased, and now the spirit controls easily and agreeably, and has become my princi- pal guide for platform work, assisting mt with what success those who have attended my public seances know." Mi> Waitehad no desire to become a public medium; but it was a work re- quired of her by her spirit friends; and she consented only after becoming con- vinced that to do so would be giving aid ami comfort toothers. The communi- cation- received through her while in com-, of development gave such satis- faction to those in the circle that she concluded to give her time and strength to the S/Ol B bul as this necessarily in- ii li ber dutli - to herself aud family, she began to accept pay for pri- vate sittings. Her services as platform test medium were given freely in pub- lic until July, 1892, when she was em- ployed by the Society of Progressive Spiritualists, in whose service she did grand work on the platform. During the past three years Mrs. Waite has traveled extensively through- out the Eastern States, visiting many of the principal cities and attending the great camp-meetings. Her public work has been the subject of many flattering notices from the secular and Spiritualistic press. She has also re- ceived the highest commendations from the various societies for which she has labored, from the East to the West, Mrs. Waite enters into the work as- signed to her by the angel world with a sincere and earnest desire to do good, and convey to doubting and unhappy souls a knowledge of the future life that will bring peace, comfort and a satisfaction not to be found in any of the creeds or beliefs of the past. May she meet with that appreciation and support in her public labors that her gifts deserve, and never feel that her labor is in vain. That spirits and mor- tals may unite in upholding her willing hands, giving her the heartfelt sympa- thy and encouragement needful to sus- tain her in every trial, and thus bear her safely above the storms of persecu- tion aud sorrow that are the inevitable lot of every pioneer in reform move- ment, is the sincere wish of her many warm friends. ELIZABETH LOWE WATSON. INSPIRATIONAL SPEAKER, POET AND WRITER. Mrs. Elizabeth Lowe Watson was born in Solon, Ohio, October 6, 1843. Her father, Abraham Lowe, was of Teutonic descent, born in New York, and her grandfather, of the Knickerbocker type, had large landed possessions in "Old Manhattan Town.'' Her mother was of Scotch stock. Her grandmother, Mary Daniels, was a remarkably intelligent woman, with a poetic religious tempera- ment, possessed of psychic gifts, the nature of which was then a profound mys- tery. The beginning of her knowledge of Spiritualism was at the age of seven years. One day at the school she attend- ed there came mysterious sounds on the desks. The children wondered who made them. They were sitting with their backs to the teacher, who finally said: "Children, turn around upon your scats," but still the raps continued. She drew one child after another on to the lloor until she came to little Libbie, and her she seated in a (hair in the mid- dle of the room; still the rap- continued. As the children were returning home that day, they laid their hands upon the ro< ks, when those mysterious raps were heard as plainly as Upon the desks at school. When home u,i 1 1 cm hed they hurst in upon the mother with great won- derment, saying, "L is making the raps'." And the good woman did not know at first what to do; but finally said to herself, **God would not send to my innocent little child an evil one to tor- ment her and me. I have tried to live a good life and obey His commands. Why should He let the Devil in upon my little sheep fold?" And she sat down to the table and " tried the spirits." For two weeks the mother scarcely slept, so anx- ious was she to know the secret of this power, and if it was really what it claimed to be. Sometimes it purported to be Libbie's little departed sister, some- times neighbors and friends, and always claimed to be a disembodied spirit, anxious to make itself known and to tell something of that mysterious land be- yond the grave. The result was the mother's conversion to Spiritualism, and a great scandal, of course, in the neigh- borhood. People said that the dear, good woman hat! been deceived, for the Bible declares the very elect are liable to delusion. Friends and neighbors gath- ered in to investigate; some were con- vinced, while some called it this thing, some that. For several years the family lived the ordinary life of country people; hearing strange reports of spiritualistic phenom- ena, but not witnessing any of the mys- terious occurrences, wlicnat length there came through Elizabeth anothei manifi s- tation oi the peculiar power, this time in the form of 1 ranee. Sitting with her mother and sisters around the tab home, she felt a strange inflm n< e sweep- ing over her; the second time thai they formed a "circle" she was entranced and began to quote Scripture and to discourse ELIZABETH LOWE WATSON OH various topics. It became noised abroad. Evening after evening people crowded the house to hear the sermons of the child, then thirteen years of age. But after a brief period she resisted the influence. She saw that her young mates n to look upon her as something uncanny; her great ambition to become a school teacher was going to be thwart- ed il she continued to serve as a medi- um; she begged her mother not to insist upon her yielding to the influence, and the mother consented. But finally the unseen intelligences got the mastery, and at fourteen years of age her public min- istry began. It may be noted here that she never went to school more than lour or five years altogether. " I never heard a spirit rap except at home," Mrs. Watson tells us, "nor saw a trance medium until years after my own psychic development. I was compelled, by the phenomena which followed me everywhere, to leave school at thirteen of age, and this was the first real grief of my life. My ambition was to teach; the good genius of our district school had become interested in my and promised to use her influence in my behalf; my mediumship frustrated all of my most cherished plans — and I well remember the bitter tears I shed when it was decided that I must give up school, while dear, faithful, believing mother replied to my remonstrances and My child, you will be a teacher of gray-haired nun and women if you will only consent to be guided by the Is. " •| was first entranced in a home circle and almost immediately began to speak au < onscious state, from scriptural usually chosen by my audiences \\ln< h were < omprised of neighbors and friends for the first few weeks; but soon the < rowds <>t listeners were „ , great that we adjourned to an old Methodist church (otherwise usually vacant] and fpom tint day < alls i amc to me from lion. Si hool-houses, barns, niversalist chun hes and every available place foi a hundred i around, was utilized, it being a common thing at that time for people to drive twenty miles or more to hear a morning lecture. I was at this time a frail, slender girl of fourteen years of age, whom the neighbors said would not live three months; but much to their astonishment (and I fear to the disappointment of not a few pious souls) I thrived under the tax of three lectures every Sunday and often four or five daring the week, and at eighteen years had almost a perfect phys- ique. My father relinquished farm life and devoted his time to me, as constant and ever watchful escort, and I do not remember missing an engagement in the four years during which we were never separated. Through summer heat and the most terrible winter storms we drove long distances and always found large audiences awaiting us, although it re- quired a goodly degree of courage at that period to attend a spiritualistic lec- ture." She was both too ignorant and too in- nocent to understand the awfulness of the tales that were circulated at this time by good souls to put down "the devil and his works." The stories that caused her friends to weep and wring their hands, passed over her head as lightly as thistle down. "The neighbors said, "She is studying her sermons," and declared that she quoted whole lectures from A.J. Davis and others, lectures of which she had never heard. Some said that she was a remarkably smart child; others that she was stupid. Questions of all kinds were sent up to the rostrum to be answered, and almost universally a com- mittee was elected to choose a subject upon which the lecture should be based. She was told by a gentleman a few years ago that he listened to a lecture delivered by her when fourteen years of age, upon the subject of "The Relation of Matter and Spirit" — a subject which was chosen by the audience, and that it equalled any that he had heard her deliver since. In 1S61 she married Johnathan Watson, <>iir of the oil kings of Titusville, Penn., a gentleman with five children, " rich but ELIZABETH LOWE WATSON > 2 3 respectable." For severval years there- after she retired from public work, ex- cept to officiate at funerals and lecture occasionally for charitable societies. During those years of private lite the angel ministry went on. To the sanctu- ary of the home the wise teachers often came, bringing messages of encourage- ment and needed counsel; when great emergencies arose, when the new and solemn responsibilities weighed tooheav- ily, the heavenly light shone clear and unmistakable upon the difficult pathway; and these angelic ministrations were shared by a large circle of fond and ap- preciative friends. The consciousness that the spirit moth- er of the children who were her chief care and anxiety, was a co-worker with her, lending her sympathy and aid whenever possible, was a constant source of com- fort and inspiration. To the vast enrichment ol her woman- hood were added four children, embodi- ments of spiritual beauty and the fruitage of true love. The following typical example of the loving watchfulness of spirit friends at this time is narrated by Mrs. Watson: "When my first-born was but a few months old, I left him to spend a lew days with my hus- band in New York City. One Satur- day night, when too late for the train t'> Rochester then oui home), we re- ceived a telegram stating that the baby dangerously ill. I was young, he was my first baby, 'and every mother knows what a wonderful thing that is) I was wild with grief and (ear. We COUld do nothing but telegraph lor particulars and wait until the next evening. My husband insisted that I should sit lor en- train ement and see what our angel friends would say, and this was their message: "There is no <«<.i-ion tor so g| eat an alarm; the < luld is better, and now sleeping quietly. They call it ( hol- era infantum, but it i^ simply indigi please note the time; you will scon hear." It was 10:30 o'clock. We re- ceived a telegram dated [o o'clock that night corroborating our spirit message in every particular, and when I reached home the facts accentuated its value, clearly precluding the possibility of a co- incidence. I could fill a volume with incidents of a similar character which have come under my personal observa- tion, tests of clairvoyance, prophecies fulfilled, diseases healed, lives saved by angelic fore-warnings, interpositions and hearts comforted." But the joys of maternity were quickly shaded by the death of the two youngest of the household, by that fearful scourge diphtheria, in the space of five months, and then for the first time in her life did she who had so frequency administered the blessed consolations of her faith to others under bereavement, know the full meaning of the angels' messages. Through the agonized mother heart was poured a flood of precious assurances; to her perception came revelations of spiritual truth and beauty. The death- chamber of her darlings was illumined with a light that " was ne'er on land or sea ;" the pall of grief was lifted, and angelic presences took the place of her vanished babes. After many years of phenomenal pros- perity, during which time Mr. and Mrs. Watson endeared themselves to the com- munity in which they resided by their hospitality, liberal charities and sympa- thetic interest in all humanitarian efforts, financial reverses and Mrs. Watson's de- clining health brought them to the Pacific coast, and Mis. Watson was immediately engaged by the First Spiritual Union ol San Francisco, as its regular pastor. After several years' ministration for this 51 •< le! \ . she became the settled speakei for the ( .olden ( rate Eleligious and Philo- sophical Society of San Francisco; and for six years she lectured almost con- stantly in this city, and with ever-ii in- popularity. Her many womanly combined with the eloquence and power ot her public .n\<\ deared her to the hearts ol her con tion; and probably no religious teacher or pastor in the city was m< >re be by his faithful fiock, than was this wom- 1 - 4 ELIZABETH LOWE WATSON an-pastor by the eager-listening auditors, who each Sunday hung upon the fervid of burning eloquence and beauty that rolled from her angel-touched lips in almost measureless streams of richest harmony and love. Mrs. Watson's so- journ in San Francisco was twice broken —first by a trip to Australia in 1882, and dly by a tour of the East in the summer of 1885. In Australia she was most cordially received, and everywhere ted with large and enthusiastic au- diences. Her tour of the East was one continued ovation. Whether speak- in- in < hurches, halls, or campmeetings, crowds of rapt listeners hung upon the streams of living eloquence that flowed from the inspired lips of "the silver- tongued orator of the Golden Gate," as she is aptly termed; and her last address at the Cassadaga campmeeting waschar- a. terized as one of the grandest orations that the people had ever been privileged to listen to. ( )wing to financial reverses in the East Mrs. Watson, about ten years ago, estab- lished her home in California. She pur- < based an unimproved ranch — first six- . to which was subsequently added ten acres more — in Santa Clara county, near San Jose. This she has most successfully cultivated, beautified and adorned. Her lovely home there- upon, with its beautiful surroundings, has been named bv her "Sunny Brae;" II in all, it is a charming little par- the admiration and delight of its visitor, a\h\ the pride of her friends all over the country. One year she sent ket one hundred tons of the best quality of prunes, always labeled with Sunn) Brae" brand, she also and other fruits. She superintends the entire business herself from win. h is derived an annual income oi betwe< n loin and five thousand dollars. With "Sum ntre, the influ- tended far and wide in tin- adja< enl country, pene- " >'»i" the « onservative ortho- ■ in all the < ountry round,— from h< 1 on sociological, reformatory and religious themes being constantly solicited from "all sorts and conditions of men." Her life of usefulness and goodness at " Sun- ny Brae" has commanded the respect and love of the entire community for many, many miles around. One of the most potent instrumentali- ties to this end has been the annual gatherings at " Sunny Brae" under the grand old Temple Oak. " In the center of the lawn that in front follows its splen- did sweep, stands the Temple Oak, — a noble tree, spreading its superb branches covered with dense foliage fifty feet in. every direction from its trunk, making its spread about one hundred feet in diam- eter." Here for a number of years past, on the first Sunday in June, which, says Mrs. Watson, "we' call our Memorial Day, on which we dedicate our home to spiritual services and to the memory of our dear unseen," have great crowds gathered to listen to an eloquent ad- dress from "the little preacher," Mrs. Watson, and to enjoy her hospitlity. These meetings are anticipated and planned for by hundreds of people months ahead, and many families have made it their memorial day, — bring- ing their offerings of loving tnoughts for their departed ones to the flower-decked altar under the great arches of the living Temple, the majestic oak. In 1895 there were about 1000 persons in attendance upon the June meeting under Temple Oak. In 1894 Mrs. Lydia A. Coonley, Presi- dent of the Woman's Club of Chicago, published a graphic description of the myriad beauties of charming "Sunny Brae," which she had visited a short time previously. Following a vivid pen-paint- ing of the lovely house and grounds, she says, "wonderful, enchanting as is all this ministration to the senses, the keen- est, most lasting joy comes through the personality of the mistress of " Sunny lhae." * * * Her earnest conversa- tion is full of a rare personal charm, and I shall never forget our long, delightful t&lksi Few women have such gift; ELIZABETH LOWE WATSON 125 of language and a deeply religious and loving nature continually revealed. 8he is poet, orator, minister, and above and beyond all a rare woman. * -rr * * * "Upon the lawn the Temple Oak With noble arms outspread Breathes benediction on each one Who loves his green-crowned head. " Within the home the stranger finds A joyous welcoming ; Good will, the 'Open Sesame' At which the wide doors swing. "But would you know the fairest flower That perfumes every day, 'Tis heartsease, blooming 'neath the roof Of blessed 'Sunny Brae." Mrs. Watson has only one living child, a daughter, Lucretia, now a young lady. She is ambitious, and much desirous of emulating her mother's career of useful- ness as a public ministrant. Her aims turn to world-helpfulness, and she her- self to that end she has for several years been taking a collegiate course at the University of California. Possibly, in the not very distant future, she may find her sphere of usefulness to be that of minis- ter in one of the most advanced Liberal churches of America. Immediately following this sketch, the reader will find in this volume a few choice selections from the inspired ad- dressee of Mrs. Watson, together with some excerpts trom the many poetical improvisations with which her inspira- tion and genius have enriched the world. During her public career she has been the recipient of many warm encomiums from critical minds, both Spiritualists and non-Spiritualists, and the following tes- timonial to her worth .is a public minis- trant is from the Spiritualistic critic, Win. Emmette Coleman: " I know of no female orator in the ranks of Spiritualism comparable to Mr-. E. L. Watson. Good, sound sense is eminently characteristic of her platform utterances. The vagaries, extremeness, idealism, and transcendental rubbish which some Spiritualistic workers in- dulge in, is foreign to Mrs. Watson's lectures. Instead of these, she, good, true woman as she is, with soul aflame with zealous philanthropy for all the sons and daughters of earth, ever presents in her discourses sound, sensible, rational, ethical Spiritualism, — a Spiritualism free from fads and follies, fanaticism and fal- lacies. It is a Spiritualism all-embracing, including all things tending to man's elevation, mental, moral, spiritual, but at the same time eminently rational. While not neglecting the basic facts of spirit communion and the phenomena in gen- eral, the philosophy of Spiritualism, in its wide-extended scope, is duly consid- ered, including its various bearings upon the sociological reforms of the day, and upon the crying evils in our social struc- ture. The eloquence of Mrs. Watson has long been noted. In her case, melli- fluous language and sound practicality, oratorical beauty and grandeur and un- adulterated common sense, are inextri- cably blended. Beauty of language and sensible ideas are as one in her public ministrations. Mrs. Watson's labors are largely de- voted to the edification and upbuilding of mankind morally, — the rounding out and perfecting of character, the elevation of the race in the domains of ethics, the strengthening of the moral instincts and aptitudes. Intellectual wealth is a grand tiling, but moral affluence is grander. Morality is the true touchstone of human cliarai t<-r; and seeing how largely Mis. Watson's labors are devoted to tin- guid- an< e and furtherance ol the moral senti- ments, my soul goes out in thankfulness to her therefor." [26 ELIZABEIH LOWE WATSON EXTRACTS FROM LECTURES AND POEMS, [Extract from a lecture on 'Come Up Jism. The spirit world lias accomplished much in establishing through these spiritual phenomena the fact of man's Immortality. They baveaccomplished much If they have determined for you, beyond a peradventure, this question: '•Shall I have further opportunity for growth after I leave the body? Shall I meel with ihe friends whom I have loved and lost?" But there is some- thing beyond this in the work of the spirit world, and that is, What does it signify to me, as a moral being f If I go to a Beance, and I am convinced that a -ree, the inspirations to a pure lit.-, tli.- phenomena fall flat and dead, aud do you no good Whosoever clings COUtinuoUSly to them in their physical pli:.-« , and i- satisfied w ith that, is like unto the man w ho will not rise to his wan'} estate, but continues to amuse If \\ ith the toys of childhood, atld car.s not | ( ,i :i || thai genlUS has i'- d and evolved from Hie nlpha- Higher; or, The New Year of Spiritua- bet. For, I repeat, the physical phe- nomena of Spiritualism are only the beginning of man's spiritual knowl- edge; they are only the indices of that which is of more importance, and will surely follow; and they will he mean- ingless and worthless to him who sees in them only an amusement — only the demonstration of spiritual power which has no moral significance — who will not go beyond these and listen to the voice that may be heard through them appealing to him as a deathless soul to come up higher. * ■ * * ¥r * The one step higher of which we speak to-night is that step which shall lead every seeker after spiritual truth to the altar of his own life. You who have felt it a necessity to seek some outside medium and outward sign in order to communicate with your spirit friend, did you ever think how great the happiness of that friend when he is able to meet you at your own fire- side? Aide to touch you, not through some physical sign, hut to breathe into your own spirit the message full of consolation and encouragement ? Can you not understand why the spirit world would plead with you to leave the childish toys and forsake the old ways of the physical world and enter into the rich possessions of the spirit, and that it is only by cultivating this sympathy between yourself and the spirit that you can he ministered unto in your times of greatest need? Do you not see how often we must (ail, if we seek through extraneous channels to meet and commune with you, and how you may multiply these avenues throughout the land, by each one making his own soul a repository of angel messages of instruction and con- solatioti ? *> ELIZABETH LOWE WATSOX 127 SOUL OF KTjPlT"CJR.E. Soul of Nature ! Life divine ! Make our hearts thy holy shrine ; Let our human discords be Mastered by thy harmony ! O, Thou mighty Architect, Whose plans th' endless years perfect, Building systems infinite By thy silent, changeless might, — Thou, whose thoughts are suns and stars, •Thou, whose law no error mars, To thy boundless love we turn, Toward thy perfect truth we yearn ! Very weak and blind are we, But in trust we lean on Thee! Soul of Nature ! Everywhere Shine the symbols of thy care, In the sea-depths vast and blue, In the smallest drop of dew, In siderial spaces filled By the beauty thou hast willed— And earth's clods to thy caress, Respond with pure loveliness, Lily, rose and violet, ( .ems in golden sunshine set From this island in the sky Unto thee thy children cry. Soul of Mature! Source of things] Quench our thirst at living springs ! By the magic of thy breath Danish bitter dreams of death ! Let its language for love's sake Be made plain to hearts that break 128 ELIZABETH LOWE WATSON From the gloorr of vanished years, Speak the prophets and the seers, Pointing to the mountain height Whence shall come the clearer light; And from every race and clime At this present day of time, Sounds a gentler undertone, From great Nature's vast unknown. Beloved, listen ! It may be Prelude, in a minor key, To Love's grandest symphony Th' song of Immortality ! ELIZABETH LOWE WATSON [Extract from an Address on "Psychics and Religion," delivered June 3d, 1888, at McVicker's Theatre, Chi- cago, 111.] Question your own heart! If you set aside ancient authority, and admit the fallibility of your sacred books, though containing much truth, and listen to the oracles within — God-implanted, God-reflecting — do you not find that this doctrine of a natural, active Spirit- world is rational? Does it not accord with your hope— your need? Doe9 it not accord with all your human expe- rience upon the external plane? Is there anything in the discoveries of ecieuce which conflicts with the central claim of modern Spiritualism ? On the contrary, every discovery in the line of the physical sciences seems to have laid the foundations of this larger truth. Glance for a moment at the subject of mesmerism, and note how far one mind can act on another, en- abling the mesmerist to bridge over what was once considered an impassa- ble gulf between mind and mind, and furnishing us with an illustration of what the disembodied spirit may ac- complish. J lave you any reason for supposing that the physical brain is absolutely indispensable to the think- ing spirit? On the contrary, your ex- perience with psychics proves that in- telligence is at times, even iii earth-life, independent of the flesh. And what is the relationship of the psychical law to oar everyday lif--? It frees ua at the very outset from the bondage of the senses, which has been a barrier between <>nr bouIs and much that is beautiful and true; it refreshes our souls with new baptisms of hope; it supplies the missing link between the bereaved heal 1 and the departed friend; it overturns the theological dogmas that have .so long been obsta- cles in the way of human progr. u Tut' psychical powers of Bocrates, JeSUS, Paul and AppolouiUS inspired virtuous action; poured balm upon wounded heart*, healed diseases of mind and body, and taught that the spirit- world is a natural world; that all we need fear is the consequences of our evil acts; that even as when we muti- late the flesh we suffer pain, so if we violate the laws of virtue and fraterni- ty, the reaction will produce spiritual suffering. I defy anyone to prove that psychical experiences have exerted other than good and helpful influence. Ever the angel's message has been, "Fear not, fear not." Every new revelation from that world increases our heme. Every fresh vision accentuates the fact of the natural life of the spirit, and reveals to us the beautiful truth that we may begin our heaven now and here; that the griefs with which human life is burdened are but the necessary discipline through which the soul passes in ascending to higher planes of truth, goodness and joy. And the sympathy from unseen intelligences — how it buoys us up in the midst of vast discouragements ! My friend, have you ambition to secure for yourself a place of honor in this world V Have you depended solely upon out- ward emoluments for your happiness? One glimpse of the psychic side of life reveals the fact that the only things which endure are virtue, intelligence, truth, and the attributes of the in- dwelling soul. All else is but tempo- rary — swiftly passing. "You have only what you are. 1 ' All you have to fear is within yourself. You can hope for nothing too good; you cannot believe too implicitly in the divinity of life; every sweet aspiration of the soul is but a prophecy that Bhall surely be ful- filled. \\'e are enwrapped by the spiritual world. We already inhabit it. Clair- voyance and clalraudieuce, common experiences of the psychic, are results of the unfoldment of faculties which survive after the change called death, and reveal the fact that every effort we make toward nobler living adds to our treasures hi the hereafter. Every vir- tuous impulse -ball become a t in ill of i 3 o ELIZABETH LOWE WATSON joy, while every lapse of the soul from truth and go »dness is Biire to bring un- bappiuese To the least of us it says, • You are a Soul, inheriting all the past, heir to all the future;" and every breath of truth that kis-cs the face of beings here Is a signal from God, leading us onward and upward. Lei us continue the writing of Sacred Scriptures. Let us listen sympathetic- ally to the psychic experiences of others. Let us reverently remember that th>' greatest souls of history have been those who have defied space, and time, and things of sense, exulting in i' e deathless powers of the soul. Let us strengthen ourselves for the struggles and combats of life with the thought that over all is the reign of law ; and that as immortal spirits we have a right to truth, a right to to-day's experiences; and that from the proph. et's vision to the si raphic smile on the face of a dying friend; from the faint- est whisper from the unseen to our in- i .' i Boui, to the grandest song of spirit- ual triumph that was ever sung, we have need of psychical experiences; thej shall be to us strength in our hours of weakness; light in midnight darkness; and when bereavements come, when our dear ones depart from US through the silent portals of death, they Bhall be to us the promise of re- union in years to come. They shall he he assurance that divinity reigns throughout I he universe. And thus we Bhall learn that— Our lives arc one with th' rolling spheres, \n«l over all 1 1 id's will hath sway; Tin I bor of uncounted \ i ai > H illi br< ught Hie harvest of to-day, I u all n- man\ inn .I array. rin Past, < nwrapp <| in error's night, >A si '"it ii mighty chrysalis, • Truth pn pared tier wing lit, ( hi w hi.-ii I,, Hoar from Doubt's abyss, i in ai mankind t«. endl< m bliss. The funeral pyres of martyred men, Who died for harmless heresies, Still mark the way where truth ha been Encamped along the centuries, Protected by the pitying skies. How slight the pangs Servetus bore, When matched with manhood's noble pride; How dear the names forevermore Of those who have for Truth's sake died — The Christs whom hate has crucified. Thought's golden shuttle, swiftly sped, As by a great, unerring hand, Has woven Truth's unbroken thread Into life's pattern, vast and grand, Nor ever paused at priest's command ; Until at last our glad eyes see, As on a mighty, pictured scroll, A sweet and tender prophecy Of Truth's bright future far unroll, Her throne th' enfranchised, death- less soul. [In answer to the question: "Is Hap- piness the Chief Object of Life?"] Happiness is the fruit of right liviug; happ'nessis the natural consequence of obedience to the laws of your constitu- tion. You cannot, therefore, separate happiness from the good, and we can answer that in this sense it is the chief ohject of life. Not the happiness of the body — of the sensuous nature alone — for he who enjoys only the sense of the flesh, knows not great joy; it is only he who finds this a step, and uses it for mounting to higher altitudes, who knows the joy of living; he who feels that he has triumphed over sense, who has fought bravely with temptations and won the victory. Then, sweeter than the shout of happy soldiery, when Victory lor them is declared; prouder than the trumpet-blare, which cries a great man's power, is the consciousness of thai man who has seen what is good ;iiid true, and been able to climb to it, and live it in his soul. To feel one's ELIZABETH LOWE WATSOX 3 1 self attacked by a thousand malignant enemies that make raid upon our vir- tues — beings that strive to bind us through our passions, and drag us from that high estate to which we all are heirs — to feel ourselves proclaiming victory over these; to stand upon a bat- tle-field so proudly and nobly won — this is to know true happiness. This must be the grandest object of our life; to conquer that which is pernicious in ourselves, and that which militates against the highest nature of the soul 5 to conquer all things below us, convert chaos into beauteous forms of life, and bring from discord sweetest harmony. To work all life's fallow ground; to tear up the virgin soil, where now may grow only weeds, and sow it thick with gold- en seeds that abound with life most beautiful, impatient to burst forth into bloom and sacred fruits; and where there are desert wastes afar, o'ersweep- ing which are scorching winds of bit- ter passion; to turn into these the fresh, full, silvery tides of spiritual being, until the banks shall overflow and wa- ter all those scorching sands; until the very atmosphere shall call from the flashing music of the tides their soft tributes to send them back again in ■weet baptismal rain, and from this mighty labor of the soul to see those Wastes made to blossom like the rose! At last to wrench from Nature crude her wondrous secret; to convert her Ores and precious stones into things more fair, that shall stand for attri- butes of spirit life; to see the chili, dull atmosphere of mortal being glittering with ten thousand starry thoughts that have their birth in < tod's own bosom thi- is to labor well, ; . I m 1 to earn rich happiness. Ami t hi- whether wekuow it or not, is the objeel and aim of e\ < rv human soul. Though now we lose our way; though We DOW B*€ not into (he mystery by which we arc BUrroU tided ; though vain Beems all our l.bor, and Impossible to attain the heigh U and the vast plains outlying there beneath tie gorgeous sun of wisdom's day. still the steps are possible — they were carved by the law of God. By and by the mist will melt away, and the rough stone of life, which, like that quarried there in Nature's mighty warehouse, awaits the artist's hand to give it form, will, by the slow dropping of our human tears, reveal a diviner shape. And in these ways, so won- drous and so little known by us, God works His will with men, until at last that blessed vision which glows before us all and which we name our happiness, shall be fulfilled, and each soul know why it is here, why it has waited long, why toiled and struggled against a cruel fate— a fate that at last becomes its ser- vant, and shapes the higher life to which it was born and of which it is the natural heir. Judge not your life by th' little part That lies too near to view aright, But with a calm and trusting heart Await the future's clearer light. By looking at a tiny seed How can we prophecy the flower? Who knows how far a trilling deed May yet extend its subtle power? Take not your journey's reck'nings while Within the valley's veiling mist, Nor in the mountain's dark defile, Where light of sun hath never kissed, But press straight on, without delay, And what has seemed a trackless wild Will open up a flower-strewn way, ( )n which < rod's tender thoughts have smiled. Through winter's storm and rayless night The earth iu perfect safety rolls, ( ruided by her attractions' might,— And thus it is with human SOUls! When all life's surface writhes in pain, And bj some cruel fate seems driven, We still are held by love's bright chain, Safe sheltered in the breast ol heaven. We i annot controvert ( rod's will, Within its circle .ill abide; There is no depth I !«• does not till. There is no height to us denied. ELIZABETH LOWE WATSON ioms Into crystal build! Moved by a silent, unseen power, Or sunlight's fairy pencils gild The satin cheeks of opening; flower; So does tin- weakest man obey A law bf life that slowly brings, From all tils fellowship with clay, A shining soul that soars and sings. Then, though we may not understand The mighty, veiled Alchemist Whose sweet, unuttered thoughts com- mand The birth of pearl and amethyst, 0!,let us fill, with heart content, The place He deems for each the best, Of Love a willing instrument, Trusting to time and God the rest. CHARLES DAWBARS. CHARLES DAWBARN. Mr. Charles Dawbaru is a well known thinker, writer and lecturer, whose life and labor is that of a level-headed Spiritualist. Ornamental Spiritualism has had little attraction for him. To discover a fact, then learn and teach the lesson of that fact, has been his object; and carried out so fearlessly that he often startles and alarms the worshipper of phenomena. Mr." Dawbarn is from England and from old Baptist stock. His ancestors of three generations have preached many a solemn sermon warning sin- ners 'to flee from the wrath to come.' Born in 1833 amidst the narrowest of all religious surroundings, he grew to early manhood unconscious of the sci- entific agitation that was even then bringing light out of darkness. He was trained to accept 'faith' as divine; but 'human reason' as a deadly snare. It is now about foiiy years since Mr. Dawbarn came to America, where for a year or two he did Sunday work in Baptist pulpits at the requeso of the church he had joined. He says that it was reading "Buckle's Introduction to the History of Civilization" that first siimd him to independent thought. Carefully reviewing the grounds of bis religious belief, be became convinced thai a personal devil and an endless bell were not taught in the Bible; BO be left tie- Baptist and joined t be Uni- versalis! church. ()f course bis old friends were wounded, and left him to win a posi- tion amongst strangers as best be could. But he soon gained favor, and once again lectured and preached and was active in Suuday-x-bool work. I'he- oomena occurring in his own home Induced him to investigate spiritual- ism, with the result that be became an avowed believer. Once again he was almost friendless, for there is a bitter antagonism to progressive thought amongst many so-called liberal Chris- tians that was not surpassed by the Mayflower puritan. Even by the most charitable of his Universalist friends he was counted as afflicted with soften- ing of the brain. But such animosity neitherembittered him, nor caused him to swerve from avowing his belief, although for a time it destroyed his domestic happiness. Mr. Dawbarn has been a widower for twenty years, and has devoted his leis- ure to a most earnest investigation, both of phenomena and philosophy; but a very active business life held him from public work for a number of years. He then gave a course of lectures in Frobisher Hall, New York, on social and religious subjects, which led to his being invited to lecture at the well- known Lake Pleasant Camp the fol- lowing summer. Mr. Dawbarn early attracted atten- tion amongst thinking Spiritualists by his articles published in various pa- pers; but chiefly those in the Ueligio- Philosophical Journal, of Chicago. 'Manhood versus Anthood .Mis- takes of Investigators," "Gospel of True Manhood," "Unborn Man," and a lecture published in the Banner of Light on "A Warning from Eae( t<> West; or, Spiritualism in India," were among bis earliest productions, and bad wide circulation and aroused eai ti- es! thought. An anniversary address, "A Review of Modern Spirit uallsm, " which was reported for and published in the Carrier Dove, was an admirable specimen of his fearless criticism and outspoken Indignation against every- thing he deem- unworthy of I be cause. ' ;: CHARLES DAWBARN In l^s Mr. Daw barn came to Cali- fornia, making his home in the beauti- ful lit lie city of San Leandro. For more than a year he lectured to large audiences in Ban Francisco, and for another year he accepted engagements in various cities on the Pacific Coast, from Victoria in the north toSan Diego in the extreme south. His lectures were highly esteemed everywhere, and ii seemed as if the demand for his sci- entific and philosophical addresses would hold him permanently to the Spiritualistic platform. But his value tig a Citizen became recognized, and he was claimed for public service. For a lime he served as a county health offi- cer. He was then chosen as City Trustee, in which position his care for the health of his adopted city led him to demand and finally complete a most BUCCfc&sfu] system of sewerage. And \.t more recently his services have I.e. n Bought to help in establishing a plant lor the electric lighting of both the streets and homes of San Leandro. Amidst the cares and duties of a very busy life he retains all his interest in the cause of Spiritualism — demanding only that it shall be accompanied by approved phenomena, and freed from the credulity which so often endorses fraud. Mr. Dawbarn finds time for articles in the Eastern press, which are always welcomed by thoughtful read- ers, and have helped to compel the present general respect for Modern Spiritualism that has been conspicuous by its absence during many of the forty- eight years of its histoiy. Mr. Dawbarn is still in the full vigor of manhood, both physically and in- tellectually, and proposes to continue to maintain and support his belief by his pen as often as he can find leisure. Whether he will appear upon our platform is a question that he cannot now answer, but at the present time he is obliged to refuse all invitations to lecture. MRS. <;korgia cooi.ky MRS. GEORGIA COOLEY I was born in Portland, Oregon, where my parents are still residing. I was the youngest of ten children, five of whom are still in earth-life, the other five having passed to spirit-iife. No special religious belief was in- stilled into my young mind, as father was an independent thinker, bordering toward materialism. When I was a child my mother attended the Metho- dist church, consequently I became a member of the same Sabbath-school. After a time I tired of this one, and became a member of the Presby lerian Sabbath-school, which I attended until I was about sixteen years of age. A- I now understand the philosophy of Spiritualism, I find I was always a medium, yet among those who under- stood me not. Being very delicate, I was compelled to remain at home from school a great part of the time, and while suffering from malaria and other physical ills — all being given a differ- ent name by the v ;i ii,)u> physicians — I would begin tospeakin a manner quite foreign to my accustomed way, and was naturally considered "out of my head." Very often during the night, the other members of the family would be aroused by what was called "Geor- gia's night mare of preaching." On some of these occasions I would realize what was transpiring, but found it im- possible to prevent tie- same, ai other times I knew nothing, and on being told what bad happened, felt inclined to disbelieve. These spells occurred oftener and lasted longer as I grew older, and all possible remedies were used to quiet me, but without avail, until at Isst, by some unknown meaUBi salt was thought of, ami my mother would watch her opportunity t<» throw some into my mouth. This seemed to break the spell for the time, and longer periods gradually intervened, until at last I began to feel I had outgrown the terrible unnamed malady. During all my childhood days I was exceedingly clairvoyant, seeing spirit forms, yet could not hear what was said, although their lips moved. I also took "Trips to Heaven," as I then termed it; but of late years find it is my spirit leaving the body, and going out into space — sometimes visiting the "Spirit World.' While attending Sabbath-school, I fre- quently saw writing on the Walls, names over the people's heads, visions, etc.; and becoming interested in this, when the time came forme to read my verse from the Bible, I had lost the place, and would have to be shown it by my teacher, which was very em- barrassing. I often wished to tell the teacher, yet felt intimidated. Thiscon- tiuued until I began to feel a restless- ness coming over me, which finally grew into a distaste for Sabbath school. I then went to the Baptist church for a time, but emptiness seemed connected with all. and I ceased going to church altogel her. and BaW but lit t le clairvoy- antly for several years, but was very impreSSiOUal BO much so, that it be- came my sole nicaiw of guidance. I knew nothing of Spiritualism until I met M r t ooley. He spoke of his father belug a medium, and I felt Very much annoyed; consequently very lit" tie was said upon the subject until after we bad been married about two years. Then Btrange noises were beard about the house loud rap-, a- though some one was at the do ir and on opening it, to my astonishment no one was vis- ible. Raps would then be beard on t be w imiow, my Btove covers would rattle, ovt n doors open ami close with MRS. GEORGIA COOLEY a bang, and coal was shoveled without Visible hands. As I was much alone- Mi. Cooley working at night— I became v, iv much alarmed, and we sought another house, feeling the one we occu- pied was haunted. My hushand rea- Boned with me, saying: "Our .spirit friends arc making these disturbances, as they wish you to know they are Why do you not talk to them?" etc, Bui he reasoned without avail, and we removed to another home. But the noises followed me, and I again be- came clairvoyant and alsoclairaudient. The spirit friends explained to me that I was an instrument the spirit world desired to use for humanitarian work. I rebelled against this, fearing that if 1 gave up to these influences, my individuality would be destroyed, and I would become a slave. I was influenced by my husband to attend a camp-meeting at New Era, ( Oregon, hut went more for the purpose of visiting with his people than from any interest I took in the proceedings. The first day passed quietly. The sec- ond day I thought [would walk around the grounds and take agood look at the people calling themselves Spiritualists. I had only gone a short distance from our tent, and was saying to myself, "They look very much like other peo- ple," when 1 was entranced by a spirit f lend of a lady who was passing me. Prom that on, I was not myself hut a few moments at a time for the remain- ing ten days of our stay on the grounds. As booii ;i- one Bpirit left me, another took possession, personating, passing through death alkihg in their old, familiar way much to the satis- faction of their earth-friends, and very oil ei i to the amusement of those pres- ent i « \ delicate at the time, ha\ in- Just recovered from an attack of t) phoid f. ver, and found it impossible t" preveut the various spirits that de- sired from taking possession of my or- ganism. Naturally the variety of such Influence - caused much merriment— illy when one Who made himself known as "Pat" would control. He was a typical representative of "Old Erin," and in his witty, yet earnest manner, caused quite an excitement. On being told of this I felt very much hurt, and endeavored to leave the ground, but found it impossible to get away. On returning home, we found "Pat" had followed us, and to this day he is still in the band, as one of the most earnest workers, being a good test guide as well as a proficient char- acter-reader. When lack of enthusiasm or harmony is felt, "Pat" is always at hand, and with his harmonizing influ- ence sets all present at ease. After returning from the camp-meet- ing, I again began to fight against my development, and only after a long pe- riod of patient waiting and earnest per- suasion by my Guides did I consent to do the work the angel friends desired. I have never regretted my decision. I have not lost my individuality, but have become more fully individualized; and as I follow the instructions of the higher intelligences I find life grows more beautiful each day. By being cautious, exacting and earnest, and with the help of 1113^ husband's influ- ence, I have attracted a band of truth- ful, earnest and enthusiastic workers from the world beyond, who never tire of giving their aid to mortals. Through the magnetic influence of my Indian band, of which "Red Fox" is the leader, I find myself growing stronger each day. My mediumship has changed very much since the be- ginning. Different phases have been developed, such as trance and inspira- tional speaking, public tests, writing, etc. I have had much experience with what is known as "dark spirits," and find that some of my best work has hern in that direction, breaking obses- sion, causing both mortal and spirit to l>e lifted into a higher condition. As we educate and familiarize our- selves with the grand and beautiful philosophy of Spiritualism, we become more helpful and useful in this world,. MRS. GEORGIA COOLEY 137 and find no moments to spare; for as we learn, we can always find others to instruct and assist. May we all grow into the light of truth, and as we gain strength and knowledge therefrom, never weary of sowing the seed that will thrive throughout all time, and yield a bountiful harvest in the golden fields of eternity. A REMARKABLE TRANCE. The following is a statement made by Mrs. Georgia Cooley, who was living in Summerland, Cal., at that time. She says : " On the 13th day of March 1S95, about 2.30 p. m., I had just finished giving a sitting, and being in a very sensitive state, everything around me seemed illumin- ated. As soon as I opened my eyes I saw the name Carrie Van Horn written out, and at the same instant a voice whis- pered, 'Go to her as quickly as possible. We wish your help to relieve the spirit.' I found the lady very low, and the friends who had gathered around her bedside seemed anxious to learn what I thought of her condition and urged me to do all I could to help her regain her senses and bring her out of the unconscious condi- tion she was in. There were two win- dows in the room ; one near the head of the bed, the other nearly opposite. I raised the one farthest from the bed and looked out ; when I turned around I saw a light vapor rising from the head of the s'k k woman. This seemed about the size of a person's hand. She could not speak and did not seem to recognize anyone in the room. The atmosphere was heavy and stifling and I suggested that the window be raised mar the bed. This was objected to by some spirit, for I heard a voice saying, ' Do not nurse the physical. Please sing.' None present could, or at least felt inclined to do so, and the sensations that passed over me were verv disagreeable. I tried to 1 the room, but could not. The small vapory-like cloud was changing rapid- ly, and in its place came a spiritaul counterpart of the dying woman, which seemed to rise a few feet from the body. could only see at this time clearly — the head, neck, and part of the chest. The lips of the physical moved as if talking and the same was noticeable of the spirit, both moving in unison with each other. I here noticed what apparently was a struggle going on between the physical and the spiritual. The latter seemed making a desperate effort to free itself from the body. Again I heard a voice say, 'You must now create a vibration.' My hands at the same time were lifted above my head and descending with a slow steady motion. Those present joined in this movement and we all felt much relieved. I saw a number of spirit hands at this time doing precisely the same thing. They, however, were work- ing directly over the dying woman. I saw also the spirit form of an elderly lady step up to the bedside and place both her arms under the reclining spirit and raise it gently upward. At the headboard and surrounding the entire front of the bed was a beautiful vapory-like lace that hung in folds, while the centre was studded with some of the most beautiful roses 1 had ever seen. I began to feel sick and weak, and arose to go, when some one asked me when I thought Miss Van Horn would pass out. I .ike a Hash there c.une nine marks on the head of the bed. I did not feel sure as to the meaning and said, ' 1 saw nine marks but do not know what was meant by it.' One- more I heard a voice Ray, ' By nine o'clock all will be over. YbU can go now, but we will re- main." " I went home and was busy with my household duties until a few minutes past seven, when 1 felt a smothei iug sen- sation come over me and a Strong spir- '38 MRS. GEORGIA COOLEY itual influence. I went to the cabinet with my husband and sat a few mo- ments, and went into a trance. I soon became aware of moving in the direction of the Van Horn residence ; but while the sensations of moving were somewhat like the physical act of walking, I moved with more ease and rapidity. As soon as 1 reached the house there appeared to be an opening I had not before noticed, through which I passed into the room of the dying woman. I immediately saw that the spirit had freed itself from the body and was in the act of passing out of the room through the window. There were several spirits who attended this new born one, and were of both sexes. I followed them out of the room and saw them gradually rising upward- going out over the ocean. " The town ot Summerland is situated on the beach, and the body was borne for quite a distance out and above the water. I now began to feel myself ascending, and also became aware of the presence of my guide. We were following the group, but were some distance below and back of them. I could see quite a distance beyond them a cloud of white vapor, which parted as we neared it, and we ill passed through without any incon- venience. I soon began to feel much better, as the atmosphere seemed lighter and purer. 1 noticed Miss Van Horn raised her hand to her head as if in pain. Then an attendant spirit stooped over nd made a few passes in the direc- tion indicated, saying, ' Never mind, that is all right.' . my attention was drawn to this • tin- body, I saw a silvery cord at- t.ii bed t.> the neck <>r base of the brain ; and t<. my surprise, in following it up, found it still attached to the body. By this time we had reached a plane that ap- 1 ( uvular, the dimensions ol which extended u bras the rye could reach. i unrounding objects Beetned as tan- gible as anything I had ever seen on earth, and the whole area was covered with < <»ts <>t beds (for the) had no head or loot board), The covering was of a ling lace, and hung in folds around each bed. There was no roof over this place, which I thought was a hospital, and thousands of spirits flitted hither and thither, attending to the weak and suffering spirits who were brought here. Miss Van Horn was placed upon one of these beds and given a vigorous treatment. To my question as to what place we were in, my guide said : " We are in the sphere of strength. Soms remain twelve hours ; others long- er. Much depends on the condition of the spirit. ' " I do not remember how much time I spent in this invigorating atmosphere, but at the request of my guide I again started earthward, and soon stood in the presence of my friend's body. Her lips were moving, and she gasped for breath, while a deathly pallor overspread her features. I remained but a few minutes and returned to my home, and next awoke to find myself in about the same position as when I left, or rather went in the trance. It was then about 8 o'clock. I went to bed, but was again drawn to the chamber of my friend ; and as I stood looking at the body which was still breathing, I saw the cord break, and like a flash disappear. I awoke with a start, and when I looked at my watch it was nine o'clock. I learned since it was near that hour that she ceased breathing. " It seemed strange to me that the spir- it could be absent over an hour from the body, and still the latter showing signs ot life. But is it any more wonderful than the trance condition in which mediums leave their bodies and visit distant places while the physical body is apparently in a condition resembling sleep. Oh, how grand and uplifting are the scenes in spirit life, and the power of the unseen forces that are around us. We think life a hardship, but does not the bless- ings of our spiritual gifts carry us far above and beyond the trials of this life ? Friends and co-workers, lift up your heads ! Your gift is a blessing and not a misfortune. Open the door to the unseen world, and you will receive the richest blessings the spirit world can give." C 1 1 A R I v OTTK MacMEEKIN. MRS. MaeMEEKIN. The subject of this sketch was born in England, Nov. 5th, 1837. On her lather's side her ancestors were English, and on the mother's side they wereScotch. Her father was a wholesale merchant. Her mother was a medical doctor, and for a long time held a position as such in the Glasgow Infirmary. In the year 1857 she married; five children were born in the British Isles. Three beautiful girls passed to spirit life at an early age. The family came to New York in 1869, and from there to California in 1870 and settled in San Jose, which at that time was a small village. She grieved very much at leaving home, and not understanding her new surround- ings kept a great deal to herself, and being of a very sentitive nature would sit by the window for hours alone, and would there see panoramic visions pass- ing before her. Thinking she was be- coming demented her physician was sent for, but he could discover no disease, and he said there was nothing whatever the matter. He tried, however, to stop the deep intense breathing; but as both the doctor and herself were ignorant of the laws of spirit control they could Dot Understand what was the matter. Her husband at that time was investigating the phenomena of spiritualism. Being a doubter she would not have anything to do with mediumship, spurn- ing it from her ; and not until the year 1889, when questioning within herself one day when alone concerning the phenomena and philosophy of Spirit, ualism, she became enveloped as it were, in a cloud of white mist when she saw the form and heard the voice of an old time friend, named James Ferguson who was a lawyer when in this life. He told her to doubt no longer, as he with many others would aid and prepare her for the work that was in the future before her. From that day hundreds of broad minded spirits have controled her brain, and she is always ready to join hands with those who are striving to advance poor humanity. Her natural inclination leads her to the whole, and not to individu- alities. Her experience in Spiritualism has been a marvel to herself and many others. Her phases of mediumship are clairvoyance and clairaudiance, inspira- tional speaking and psychometric reading. She has also diagnosed and cured disease through her guides tor a number of years free of charge, and held parlor meetings at her home for many years for those who were seeking after truth. Those who are acquainted With her guides ami teachers know what spiritual truths they have given through her as their medium. CHARLES H. FOSTER. Test Medium, Charles H. Foster was one of the early test mediums whose name became promi- nent wherever spiritualism was known full forty years ago. He was called " the skeptic's medium " from the fact that his tests were of such startling and convinc- ing character that they carried conviction with them. To have a "sitting" with Mr. Foster was equivalent to an open acknowledgement of the facts of spiritual- ism. Few, if any, ever left his presence doubting or disbelieving. They were forced to accept as true the unmistakable evidence given them of spirit communion through this remarkable man's psychic powers. Mr. Foster was born in the historical town of Salem, 'Mass., and had that event occurred two hundred years earlier he would probably have shared the fate of many other psychics of that time who were put to death by an ignorant, bigoted people who charged them with the un- pardonable crime of witchcraft. How- ever, our medium did not put in an earthly appearance until it was safe and proper for him to do so; consequently bis life was spared and his mission as a medium accomplished. Mr. Foster's mediumship began to de- velop when he was about fourteen years , his attention being called to it by bearin bis desk in school. Phy- m< .ii manifestations 01 curred in ins room at night, and his parents would find the furniture scattered about in great con- Such demonstrations gradually gave way to an organized and systematic pres- entation <>i these phenomena in the light, and the medium soon attained a world- reputation. At an early stage of his mediumistic career, Mr. Foster visited England and created a great sensation among all classes through the wonderful manifestations of spirit power occurring in his presence. It is said that during that visit he was the guest at Knebworth, of Lord Bulw r er Lytton, and so greatly was the distinguished author impressed with what he witnessed, that it formed the foundation of " A Strange Story " in which Mr. Foster figured as " Margrave." He was treated royally, and received everywhere. People of rank and social station visited him, and even Queen Vic- toria attended one of his seances. In Paris he was the object of distinguished attention. He was an invited guest and had frequent sittings with the Emperor Napoleon, the Empress Eugenie and other members of the - Imperial house- hold. In Belgium he was also highly favored, receiving from King Leopold a magnificent diamond pin as a token of his regard. He also visited Havana, and the com- munications received at his seances were many of them given in Spanish and French, although Mr. Foster knew no- thing of either language. He traveled extensively throughout the United States visiting all the principal cities, convincing skeptics wherever he went of the truth of spirit return. An illustration of the nature of Mr. Foster's wonderful mediumship was pub- lished in the New York Graphic a num- ber of years ago which is copied here. 11 One night a total stranger to Foster called at his rooms and said : " Foster, I don't believe in your hum- bug. Now, you never saw or heard of me, and 1 will bet you twenty dollars CIIARU-S II. FOSTER, CHARLES H. FOSTER 141 that you can 't tell my name ; I do it to test you." "Twenty dollars," slowly repeated Foster ; " twenty dollars that I can't tell your name ? Well, sir," putting his hand to his brow, " the spirit of your brother Clement, tells me that your name is Al- exander B. Corcorane." Mr. Corcorane was astonished, and took out his money to pay the medium' who pushed it back with a laugh. " One day," said Mr. Frank Carpenter, when we met at Mr. Foster's — "one day a lady, an utter stranger, came into Mr. Foster's room with a lock of coarse hair in her hand. It looked like fine bristles. Holding it up, she asked the medium whose hair it was. Foster took it in his hand a moment, pressed it to his brow, and exclaimed : 'By the eternal, this is Andrew Jackson's hair.'" It turned out that the lady's mother was an intimate friend of General Jack- son, and that the bunch of bristles was really an heirloom from the head of old Hickory himself. One day, Alexander McClnre of Penn- sylvania, came into the Continental Hotel with Colonel John B. Forney. Mr. Mc- Clure was very sad, for he had received news that his son was drowned at sea. " What do you think about it, Foster ? " asked Colonel Forney. "Why, sir, the boy is not drowned at all," replied Fos- ter. "He's alive and well, and you "11 have a letter from him in a day or two, and then he will come home." Two days afterward McClure met Fos- ter and said with tears of gratitude : "Why, Foster, you were ri^ht. My boy W all sale. I had a letter from him today. * * * Next to this gentleman sat another, a person well known in political circles. Poster suddenly turned to him and said : " Wilcoxson— is that the way you pro- nounce it? His spirit is here." The gentleman spoken to said : "This is most singular. WilroXSOn is right. Where did he die ? " Said Foster : "The power is in my arms ; I will write. I le seized a pencil and wrote in a scarcely legible scrawl, very rapidly : " Died at Ford- ham." The gentleman shook his head. "Is it anything like Fordham ? " asked Foster. " Suppose you write it, and on the other pieces of paper write the names of other towns-" This was done, and the bits of paper were folded up and thrown on the table. The correct slip of paper was immedi- ately selected — the name being " Lon- don." "This is indeed singular," said our friend. " I this morning received a dis- patch by cable announcing the death of that person yesterday in London." During Mr. Foster's visit to the Pacific Coast many years ago, he made hundreds of converts to Spiritualism, and gave some of the most remarkable tests ever given by any medium. Epes Sargent is given as authority for the statement that on one occas : on two skeptical gentlemen who had witnessed the mysterious red writing in process ol appearing on the medium's arm, seized hold of it to discover his trick as they called it, and said : " We know nothing will come while we hold it." "What will you have?" said Foster. "Some- thing that will be a test— something that will fit our case," said they. Immediately while they held his arm as in a vice, there appeared in lar»-e, round, blood-red letters the words "Two Fools." Many similar tests could be given, but the above are sufficient to illustrate some of the various phases of his wonderful mediumship, and the almost absolute certainty of the statements made by him when under the influence of his spirit guides. Mr. Poster passed to spirit life on Dec. 15th, 1SS5, at the age of fifty-two years. He was the victim of typhoid fever which resulted in a nervous difficulty from which he never fully recovered. He had always been a devoted Hon during all the Changes and exciting event-, ol his re- markable career, and when affliction Came, they in turn ministered unto him and sought to stav tin- ravages "i mental decay. After years of suffering he recov- 42 CHARLES H. FOSTER ered his spiritunl perceptions, and with themfcame a deeper spirituality,— an un- folded, chastened manhood. He was always generous and noble in giving, having no thought of accumulating wealth ; but earning money and spending it freely he made many hearts glad through his benefactions. The good he did far over-balanced his faults and left his life page written over with blessed charities and tender, fragrant memories. He passed away at the home of his aunt, in the place of his birth, Salem, Mass. WILLIAM MacMEEKIN. WILLIAM MaeMEEKIN. Wm. McMeekin, was born in Scotland in the year 1838, his father and mother being Scotch, and of the lineage of the old Scotch reformers. His father was a very religious and moral character, and so sensitive that he was called a crank. He was always searching after truth while on earth, and is now one of the principal spirit controls of his son for inspirational writing. He always eschewed the use of intoxicating liquors, or tobacco in any form, believed in purity and integrity, he had a detestation of hypocrites, loved truth wherever he could find it, and transmitted those qualities to his off- spring. Mr. Mac.Meekin has been a teacher of music for the last twenty-five years in San Jose, and his family are all musicians. He began his investigation of Spiritualism in 1S70, and at that time was sexton of the Episcopal Church of San Jose, which position he had held for 15 years. From the spirit of his mother he received his first message through planchette, and since that time has been a spiritual worker as far as circumstances would permit him ; and by holding developing classes has brought a great many to the light. He was president 01 the First Spiritual Union of San Jose, in the years 1892 and 1893, and held said position until he went to the Sandwich Islands with his youngest son and re- mained there during part of the troubles and insurrection in Honolulu. He re- turned in 1S94 and resumed his work in San Jose. Mr. Mac.Meekin and his wife are both exemplary spiritualists, and faithful, conscientious mediums, giving freely of their spiritual gifts wherever they can benefit a poor, unfortunate fellow cieature. The cause has in them two faithful and efficient workers, whose good deeds entitle them to loving re- membrance. ADDIE L. BALLOU. Poet, Patriot, Preacher and Painter, The author of "Workers in the Vine- yard " is indebted to Mr. Albert Morton, for a portion of the notes comprising the sketch of one ot the most efficient and practical workers along reform lines on the Pacific Coast. Mrs. Ballon is untiring in her philanthropic labors, and is the leading spirit in a number ol societies and enterprises for the aid and better- ment ofthosein need, for social purposes, and individual upliftment and culture. The Western Reserve in Ohio has been the nursery of many eminent work- ers in the reform fields of labor, among whom were the prominent Spiritualists, Joshua R. Giddings, M. C, for many years, Senator and Vice President, Benj. 1 . Wade and President James A. Gar- field. In this section, where the very atmos- phere was impregnated with Anti-Slavery and rigid theological beliefs, our heroine, Addie Lucia, the daughter of strictly or- thodox parents, was born, and when about thirteen years of age became a member oi the M. E. church, although she rebelled against its doctrinal restric- tions, which she felt to be horrible and ing. I >h<-< tly after becoming a < bun li member her mediumistic tenden- ! while attempting to play at ghosts and summon spirits for the edification oi the son o! a deacon — her ile sweetheart she was suddenly Controlled and made to do remarkable things, greatly to the consternation and displeasure of the good deacon and mem* niily with whom she was visiting, and was made the object of ve- hement prayers till the spirit was exor- cised — temporarily. For years thereafter she was used mediumistically in various ways, writing, healing and seeing while in a semi-con- scious state. Soon as she decided to enter the lecture field, all her mediumistic powers were concentrated upon speaking and writing, and she traveled widely and became celebrated for her faithful ser- vices as a writer and speaker on all reformatory subjects. The secular papers in commenting upon her grand work in the many reforms she has ably advoca- ted, and in referring to her artistic achievements have generally ignored her work for pure Spiritualism. In "California, Her Industries, Attrac- tions and Builders," the following bio- graphical sketch appears: "The life and honored career of Mrs. Addie L. Ballou, artist, orator, writer and notary public, of San Francisco, is a representative type of self-made women ot the West. Born on the Western Re- serve in Northern Ohio, during the ex- citing days of Anti-Slavery agitation, of parents devoted to the abolishing of slavery, and other humanitarian reforms. Her inherent tendencies drifted her into advanced fields of thought and activity, identified with which from her earliest years, she is so well-known throughout the United States and the Colonies as a forcible, eloquent and ready speaker and writer of both prose, verse, and as a philanthropist in reforms. The early ADDIE U p.m. I. or. ADDIE L. BALLOU 45 death of her mother, and the removal of her family to the frontier in Wisconsin deprived her of the opportunity of even a common school education, as the care of other motherless children devolved upon her in a neighborless region of the far west for some years, and where, at the early age of fifteen years, she was married. By studious application and remark- able energy and courage, she succeeded iii overcoming monumental obstacles and inopportune environments, grasping every suggestion for improvement. Some- times with feet on the cradle, and needle in hand, applying the lesson from the book neat at hand, and never despairing of the ultimate success in the uncertain future. Her first literary contribution was composed while doing her family washing — written upon scraps of brown paper and stealthily transcribed in a wretchedly cramped hand that night, after every one else slept, then she walked a mile to post it to the county newspaper, lest her secret might be dis- covered, and then she suffered a week of honest remorse and torture for doing so, at the end of which time a highly flavored editorial announced the simultaneous birth of a local poet and the publication of the exquisite gem " Contentment," and gratuitously prophesied the brilliant future of the author. The poem was widely copied, and each announcement of the fact threw the writer into violent ague, but succeeding ones have continued to evolve, until at present a large volume is in contemplation for the publisher. Some of the later poems appear in a com- piled work of an eastern house in "Torts of America," and a late local publication as well. The author has been a success- ful writer of shotl stories and essays, and has for many years been recognized as a terse writer and ready journalist. During the late war of the sixties she distinguished hersell in the service of the government by enlisting, and afterward received a COmmissisn from Surgeon General Wolcott, as nurse and matron of the 32nd Wis. Vols, [lift., by whom of the surviving members she is held in affectionate and revered memory still, as she is also esteemed by the G. A. R- wherever found, as a comrade." Mrs. Ballon, through many vicissitudes and at cost of many privations, took up the study of art, writing and speaking in the intermediate spaces between study hours, and has succeeded in making a name among Californian artists beyond her most sanguine and earlier hopes. Several of her largest and best pieces fill places of honor in the celebrated Stan- ford Gallery at Melbourne, Australia. Mr. Stanford (younger brother of Leland Stanford) having secured the entire pro- ductions of her brush during her three years' stay in Australia. The place of honor in the entire collection numbering some 300, being given to the painting now celebrated in both countries — ''Morning" — rejected at the State Fair in Sacramento. Among the successful bills of Mrs. Ral- lou s championage, was the one intro- duced and acquired through her efforts at the Legislature of California three years ago, which provides for the ap- pointment of women as notaries public in and throughout the State. Many women, at present in California, are since made beneficiaries through appointment to the office, among them recently and to the gratification of her many friends, the au- thor of the bill. Mrs. Ballou is inordinately fond of the little people, and enjoys their sports or their sorrows with their griefs as if they were her own, and always has a tender word for all, and enjoys a romp 01 a sea- son in their companionship as the one restful and happy incident in life to an- ticipate. She has tluee sons and o.ie daughter .it the head of their several homes in honorable and honored man- hood and womanhood, and tor whom her « ftoits and upon whom has centered the h< tpes of .1 hard-wrought, sell firing and devoted life In answer to a call from California Mrs. Ballou came here in Feb. 1871 , and tilling her engagements in Sin fose, Sao €46 ADDIE L. BALLOU Francisco, Sacramento and elsewhere, in May she attended the New Era camp- meeting near Portland, Oregon, thence to Salem where she became interested in the boy, Thomas Gerrand, condemned to be hanged in a short time, visited him in his cell and learning the circumstances below, and being moved by his tender years determined to save him if pos- sible. Public prejudice was very bitter against him principally owing to the fact of his being a half caste, his mother being a squaw of more than usual intelligence. He seemed not the hardened criminal represented to be, but the child of unto- ward and unfortunate circumstances and was dejected, forlorn and friendless. Having but a few hours to remain in Salem before leaving for other engage- ments, she hurriedly drew up a petition presenting a strong plea for the prisoner and urging executive clemency by a commutation to life imprisonment, and went in person to Gov. Grover who gave the matter serious consideration and both the petition and his answer were printed in the papers all of which were favorable to the boy. The Governor re- fused to commute the sentence but or- dered a stay of execution, and that allowed of a new trial which was had later on but with a second sentence of legal murder. In the mean time through the free columns of the press, from the rostrum, and in circulating petitions, she led in arousing public opinion throughout the entire country reaching as far as New England, from which let- ters were daily pouring in, and by a con- stunt ( lloit, speaking almost daily on a tout up tin- Sound, from every point on the line of which she wrote descriptive and amusing letters lor publication to keepbel the Oregon public until the lature should convene in Salem in September. Then she prepared a Hill to prohibit capital punishment in the state, which was introduced by Col. C. A. I who worked assiduously for its I In- Bill became the sensa- tional ..nc (.1 ti; as in the event oi its passage < rerrand would not be hanged. The Legislature tendered a seat within the bar, and the judiciary gave a hearing on the merits of the bill. With the exception of a few dollars that she raised on the train and handed to the mother of the condemned boy, no one contributed one dollar to help her bear the expenses incident to all the time and money necessarily spent to carry on the work of saving the boy, and she wrote her own son at college that it would hardly be possible to contribute to his expenses during the time the case was making such demands upon her. He managed however to get along without her aid by working for his board and in other ways helping himself, and did not have to leave school till graduated. The Bill referred to failed to pass by three votes, so the case went on to what seemed a forlorn ending. The Governor was inflexible, the gallows were in pro- cess ot erection, and only two days re- mained to the execution when such a tide of public disfavor set in as to over- whelm him, and he at the last moment commuted the sentence to imprisonment for life; the best course and about the only one there seemed for him to pursue if he would keep any faith or favor with the people who had elected him. Mrs. Ballou had furnished the boy with draw- ing-slate, pencil, paper, and other things to make life less terrible, and his im- provement was marvelous ; and the letters he wrote her, some of which I have seen, were full of genuine gratitude, and evi- denced great pains and intelligence. Gerrand became one of the best disci- plined prisoners at the penitentiary, and after remaining for a term of some seven or eight years there was but little diffi- culty in getting him pardoned out. He then went to Vancouver where he en- gaged in saddle making, a trade ac- quired at the penal institution, and at the last time heard from was providing for his old mother as well as himself, as an honorable citizen. One more instance of the beneficial re- sults following Mrs. Ballou's indefatiga- ble philanthropic labors was in the case ADDIE L. BALLOU 147 of Jesse Pomeroy, the noted boy mur- derer, who was sentenced to be hanged for murders committed near Boston. Be- ing well versed in the laws of pre-natal conditions, she was shocked by the mon- strous laws which by a legal murder are supposed to atone for a murder perpe- trated by a boy whose mother had fre- quently assisted her husband in butcher- ing cattle while the unborn boy was be- neath her bosom. Her persistent efforts with the Governor of Massachusetts, by gaining the assistance of others through correspondence and the press, resulted in the commutation of Jesse's sentence to life imprisonment. The investigation Mrs. Ballou made of the Jesse Pomeroy case opened up some startling testimony in the matter, aid laid bare many falsehoods that a morbid public had taken for truth relative to the boy and his family, together with which and the story as told by himself, and the Gerrand case also she has in preparation to present in a new coloring to the pub- lic in a not distant day. An extract from one of our journals descriptive of an art gallery recently opened, contains some items of interest relating to Mrs. Ballou's artistic work. It said : " This picture gallery will be the attraction for all visitors. Paintings of great value have been secured, the most costly and unique of which will be the companion paintings of Addie I.. Ballou, representing "Morning" and "Night." These paintings have quite a history. Their perfection has not been questioned by the most severe critics. The attempt Co pi. ice them on exhibition at the State Fair and the Columbian Exposition was repelled by those who questioned the propriety of doing so. The Sacramento Bee, in speaking of " Morning " said : " It is possible that the approach to Na- ture by the artist was too (lose for the fastidious, hut Nature's model is peri-i l- ly copied, and the coloring turned to suit the subject." In speaking of "Night," the Sau Francisco fbsi said : "The figure is ot a nude young woman, standing on the crest of a globe, with hands grace- fully poised above her head, the perfect coloring giving it the glow of life." These paintings, being the product of a San Francisco artist, will invite special attention and interest." The Searchlight, organ of the equal- suffragists, said of Mrs. Ballou : "As a writer of prose and verse she has achieved national fame. She is President of the State Republican Club, and to no woman in California does the Republican party in the last campaign owe more than to this distinguished author, artist and woman-suffragist. ' ' The same paper also gives a report of a justly merited scoring given to one of our Solons — who evidently had little re- spect for his mother and less for himself — in artistic touches more vigorous than finished, a realistic word painting. Mrs. Ballou said: "The surest indication of the approach of the hour's great need of woman's voice and influence in the mak- ing of laws that embrace her welfare and that of her children, is the possibility of such forgetfulness on the floor of legisla- tion, (of a member who speaks, and others who listen, with levity,) of the first sense of honorable manhood in the reverence and respect due all woman- hood in the relation of that office through which his own mother, in common with all motherhood, had periled life and en- dured maternal anguish that he might be. There is no man of intelligence but holds in reverence the holy condition of maternity, no matter what the station, or the race ot her to whom it comes. No man who lurks the instinct to revere, or the tenderness to consider that condition through which the mothers of our race, in unspeakable anguish, often lose their lives in perpetuating life— should find an honored place in the halls ol legislation. It remains the duty of self respecting wo- manhood to continue her insistance to a seat beside him, if lor no other : 1 than to -uard the sanctity of maternity from the vulgarity of profaning and con- temptuous lips. No wonder that nations decay and men 148 ADDIE L. BALLOU deteriorate, when the halls of the Solons " Where is my boy to-night ? " has been are made the vulgar jesting places of appropriated by several literary pirates, sons of women whom they debar ; to de- It is pleasant to rehearse the achieve- file by making merry over, and insulting ments of the faithful workers, but the the shrine before which they should rev- limitations of space demand that much erently kneel with uncovered head." remain unsaid that could be told concern- In her literary work Mrs. Ballou has ing the valuable services of one whose been highly complimented in the same life has been consecrated to high and way as the writers of " Beautiful Snow" lofty purposes for the advancement and and "Curfew must not ring to-night." upliftment of humanity. Her touchingly beautiful poem entitled STEPHEN I). DYE. S. D. DYE. S. D. Dye was born on the 19th of June, 1836, in Troy, Miami Co., Ohio. His mother, Catherine Cappock, belong- ed to the old Quaker stock who were banished from England, and their prop- erty confiscated, while they were made to suffer all the curses that could be heaped upon them by fanatical, creed- bound religionists, who, in their blind zeal to serve God, made it a crime to give a Quaker something to eat. Com- ing to America in 1709, they met much the same treatment at the hands of those who themselves had fled from religious intolerance in the old world, for they seemed to think they were doing God's service by whippings, fines, imprison- ment, and banishing from the common- wealth of Massachusetts, Baptists and Quakers. The dark history written in blood, and the charred remains of the victims burned at the stake, both in the old world and the new, cruelly murdered by the professed followers of the com- passionate, meek, and lowly Jesus, cre- ated a prejudice in the mind of Mr. Dye, that can never be eradicated. 1 lis ances- tors had suffered these persecutions mainly at the hands of Protestants, and it would be simply impossible for any relig- ious sect to ever reach him, even though all the Christian (?) Kndeavorers in tin- country should tUIH the focus point ol prayer upon him. And yet, he is not a hardened sinner. He is a good in.m, a man with a noble generous nature, in- domitable courage, perseverance, energy and pluck, and like the Yankees of 177^, never presumes to know when he is whipped. In whatever he undertakes, In- fests his eye on victory, and works to that end never stopping to look at the difficulties that lie in the way. When the war broke out in 1861, Mr. Dye respond- ed to President Lincoln"s first call for troops, and became a member of Com- pany A, 44th Regiment of Ohio Volun- teer Infantry, serving faithfully through the war. He was then and still is a con- sistent spiritualist. After the war he personally engaged Moses Hull to deliver three lectures in West Milton, Ohio, pay- ing him seventy-five dollars for his ser- vices. Removing soon afterwards to Iowa, Mr. Dye took his principles along with him to the new country, and it was mainly through his energy and perseverance that the first meeting of Spiritualists was held in Tama City, Iowa, for the purpose of effecting a State organization. He was then publishing a liberal, spiritual paper in that place, and was the author of a pamphlet entitled "The Crusade" which has passed through six editions. With his pen he dealt sturdy blows against hoary-headed superstitions that have usurped the name of Christ to serve their nefarious and selfish purposes. With tongue and pen, with brain and brawn, the subject of this brief sketl h is ever ready to serve the cause of human- ity. When the history of Spiritualism on this coast shall have been written, and each worker shall receive his or her just mead oi praise for service rendered, that will not be a Htinted portion be- stowed upon Stephen D. Dye. Spiritual- ism in Los Angeles has come to th.- front as an acknowledged power, largely through his labors and influence. from one weak struggling society two i5° S. D. DYE years ago, they have grown till now there are three societies besides two or three independent meetings. Instead of occu- pying some " out of the way " hall over some saloon as is too often the case, they have converged to the very center of the city, one occupying Music Hall with a seating capacity of 1400, while the last and newest society of which Mr. Dye is President, is ensconced in Los Angeles Theatre, one of the finest in the State, with a seating capacity of 2000. It was to Mr. Dye's foresight, energy and perse- verance more than to any other agency, that the Southern California Camp-meet- ing Association was inaugurated and its first meeting made a grand success, dur- ing the summer of 1895. As others weak- ened, he grew strong. As the prophets of evil cried failure, he shouted success. While rich spiritualists tightened their purse strings, he loosened his and out of his own pocket advanced the money to make the first payment on the tents and the pavilion. He assumed great responsibilities, for he is not rich in this world's goods _ Speakers and mediums were engaged at a stipulated sum for each appearance on the platform. Many other expenses were to be met. All sorts of evil prognostica- tions were indulged in by the wiseacres who knew it would be a failure. Some feared it would be a success, and Mr. Dye get more than his share of credit. Others did not believe in a "one man power" although there was no attempt at any such exercise of power ; but in certain emergencies somebody had to shoulder the responsibility, and our sub- ject did it with results that have passed into history, and that have also been re- corded above. Walking in harmony with his compan- ion and yet working along different lines, they form a combination not easily broken, and destined to do much for hu- manity in sowing the seeds of truth in a prepared soil, that shall by and by spring up into everlasting life, and their labors be crowned with the fulness of a blessed Immortality. BISHOP A. BEALS. BISHOP BEALS In answer to questions concerning his early mediumistic experiences, Mr. Beals says : " I do not recollect the time that I was not visited with strange, prophetic dreams and trance-like visions. I have always been conscious of the nearness of the spiritual world. I was even in child- hood a worshipper at the shrine of na- ture, and later in life I found her sweet influences far more in harmony with my religious aspirations, than were the lelig- lous doctrines of the popular churches." Mr. Beals was born in the village of Versailles, in western New York. His father, a physician, was a member of the Universalist Church, with which denomi- nation Bishop also allied himself. In 1856, while residing in New York City, he united with the congregation of Rev. E. H. Chapin, at that time one of the most popular pulpit orators in America. It was here that he first became interested in the facts and philosophy of Spiritual- ism, through the columns of the Banner of Light, in which the sermons of Chap- in and Beecher were then published. In 1S57, during a visit to his native village, he attended lectures by Miss Libbie Lowe mow Mrs. E. L. Watson, of San Jose, Cal.) who, although an unsophisti- cated girl of fourteen years, gave utter- ance in the trance state, to thoughts so profound and of such sublime spirituality that all who listened to her were- struck with wonder and admiration. Of the effect on himself, Mr. Beals says : " Her eloquent trance utterances touched a re- sponsive chord in my soul, and awoke within me the latent power of medium- ship." It was not until some years after this awakening that Mr. Beals began his career as a public speaker and teacher. The ul- timate incentive to his public work was the death of his mother. This event seemed to bring him more than ever into rapport with the higher life. At his moth- er's funeral he came under spirit influ- ence and in an unconscious condition played [on the organ, sang, and impro- vised a poem in which the names of members of the family were given, and the guardian spirits were invoked to pro- tect and shield him in his future public work as a medium. From that day to this Mr. Beals has been engaged in the work of spreading a knowledge of the spiritual philosophy, traveling from point to point, and ministering wherever there seemed most premise of doing good. He speaks rapidly, and frequently goes from one topic to another in the same discourse. On this account his lectures- have by some been called illogical ; but he gives pleasure to a large class of spir- itualists, and as his utterances are char- acterized by spirituality and moral purity, they are the means \A accomplishing great good. Mr. Beals is an accomplished musician, and many lovers of music an- attracted to his lectures, who, except lor the sweet spiritual songs and the artistic instrumental performances of the medium, would nevei attend a spiritual meeting. Mr. Beals has traveled extensively and lectured in all the prominent cities of the Pacific Coast. He recently married an estimable lady ofSummerlaod, Cal., and. has located 111 that beautiful little city by the sea. He frequently lectures for the different societies of that place, aw^ is held in very high esteem by a large ( irde of friends. His contributions to the spir- itualistic press are widely read and -reat- BISHOP BEALS ly appreciated. Among: his poetic con- tributions are many beautiful gems of thought and inspiration. The following, written a number of years ago, breathes the same fond spirit of filial love and tender reference for the memory of his sainted mother, that characterized his earlier writings and poems. It also shows the deep appreciation and love of nature that ever dwells in the soul of the true poet and inspired writer. I gazed at the sun's bright path in the West 'Till the earth seemed flooded with glory, And I thought of the dear ones happy and blest Held sacred in song and story. And I longed to climb the star-steps of night To that beautiful city of gold, Where the morning returns with infi- nite light And whose splendors can never be told. I thought of my mother's dear sainted eyes That beamed with such tenderness here, And I musingly asked if still from the skies They reached earth's shadowy sphere. And if on missions of mercy and love To guide and counsel she came; And to picture in dreams that city above Where our heart's dearest treasures have gone. Dear Mother, once more earth tenderly weaves Her mantle cf sunset with gold, And wrapped in its glory my spirit still grieves For thy sympathy sweet as of old. The zephyrs are laden with messages sweet From the lips of many a flower, In the innermost shrine of my heart, there's a seat That waits for thy presence this hour. I know that the morn will spangle the earth With pearls in the trembling dew, And break into songs and rapturous mirth With many a radiant hue. Yet in the low west where the firelight burns The hush of a vision is seen — Through the vista of years my spirit oft turns To my childhood, sunny and green. JAMKS G. CLARK, JAMES G. CLARK. James G. Clark, though for thirty-five years an earnest believer in the facts and philosophy of Modern Spiritualism, can hardly be classed among mediums and special workers in the cause. He is known rather as a writer on general lines of reform, and as a helper and in- spirer in every good work and cause without regard to creed, party, or fac- tion. He has long been known and loved by all classes for his inspired songs and poems. Many of his reform lyrics have beeu quoted and recited all over the English-speaking world. This has espe- cially been true of "The Voice of the People," by all odds the most stirring labor poem ever written in any language. As a writer, composer, and singer of spiritual and reform songs, he stands without a rival. Mr. Clark, while intensely radical and pronounced in his convictions and opin- ions, is, nevertheless, generous and catholic in his treatment of all creeds and beliefs. He may be termed a M Chris- tian Spiritualist," as he never hesitates ech and pen to declare his faith in the Nazarene as the Master Soul of all time, worthy of emulation, love, and homage as the divine Meal Man. And he defends his attitude with arguments that arc not easily refuted by those who take a different view of the great I ralilean Medium. B. O. Flower has, in the past written and published in that at of our popular magazine tWO sketches of Mr. Clark, from which we quote the followit as they give a better idea of the man and eneral work than anything we have found elsewhere in print: •' Poet oi the Pbopub. " In the present paper I wish to give a brief outline of the life and work of the poet, Composer, and singer, Jan. Clark, whose fine lyrical and reformative verses have been an inspiration to thou- sands of lives. " Mr. Clark was born in Constantia, N. V., in 1830. His father was a man of influence in his community, being rec- ognized as intelligent and honorable, and possessing that cool, dispassionate judg- ment which always commands respect. The mother gave to her son his poetical gift and hisjntense love for humanity, his all-absorbing devotion to justice and liberty, and a nature at once refined yet brave. When but three years old, the little poet had learned from his mother "The Star of Bethlehem," sung to the air of " Bonny Doon," and could sing the entire piece without missing a word or note. When twenty-one years of age, he was well known in his community as a concert singer of rare ability. At this time Mr. Clark attracted the attention of Mr. Ossian E. Dodge, who, in addition to publishing a literary journal in Boston, had under his management the most popular concert quartet in New England. Mr. Dodge was a man of quick percep- tion; he readily saw that the young poet and singer would prove a valuable ac- quisition to his already famous troupe, and promptly appointed him musical composer for his Company. Into this work Mr. Clark threw all the enthusiasm of youth, composing such universally popular SOngS as "The Old Mountain Tree," '* The Rover's Grave," ''Meet Me by the Running Brook," an. 1 ''The Rock of Liberty." "The old Mountain Tree" or some time a reigning favorite through the laud, it being bus months in theaters and concerts. At the Boston Museum, then the leading theater Of Boston, it was no unusual thin- to be called for as many as three times in a Bingle evening. " ( )ne day, during this period of popu- 154 JAMES G. CLARK. larity, his mother, who was a very religious woman, said to him, 'James, why cannot you write a hymn ? ' He loved his mother devotedly. There was between them more than the strong ties of mother and son. She had fostered and encouraged his every poetical and musical aspiration, and it was his most earnest desire to gratify her wish, but thought along this line came slowly, and almost a year elapsed before the young man placed a penciled copy of his hymn, "The Evergreen Mountains of Life," in his mother's hand. She read it through silently, too much overcome to speak, while great tears coursed down her wrinkled cheeks. At this period he composed several songs and hymns which have been universally popular, such as " Where the Roses Never Wither," " The Beautiful Hills," and " The Isles of the By and By." Of these poems, Dr. A. P. Miller, .himself a poet of more than ordi- nary power and an admirable critic, writes: 'These songs have for thirty years been received by all classes as forming a group of original and perfect lyrics adapted to every platform and hall, whether sacred or secular. To say this,' continues Dr. Miller, 'detracts nothing from his songs of love and free- dom. It is only saying that they are the vSt. Klias, the Tacoma, the Hood, and the Shasta, which out-tower all other song peaks and reach those heights where the sunshine is eternal and the view uni- m real.' " It may be well to note at this time the Singular fact that in his poetical life Mr. Clark has appeared in three distinct roles, although lie has always been the poet of the people. During his youth and early manhood the popular lyric and ballad claimed his power. It was the work of this period which won lor him the name of the Tom Moore of America; and had he not taken the other upward steps, tin- appellation would not have <> palpably inadequate to describe the man who for thirty years has been the poel of reform and the prophet of the new day. When the sixties dawned, the first song epoch of his life was drawing to a close, and the mutterings of the Rebellion were oppressing age and stim- ulating youth throughout the North. Mr. Clark had given his country a col- lection of songs and ballads destined to live long after his body had returned to dust, and he had sung his melody into the hearts of thousands who had listened to the poet composer and singer with that rapt attention which is the tribute of manhood and womanhood to genuine merit. The clouds of rebellion were gathering around the horizon; but ere the shock of arms thrilled the nation, Mr. Clark was summoned to the death bed of his mother. Sitting at her side as the spirit was poising for flight, and catching inspiration from her words, there came to him that exceedingly pop- ular and touching poem, "Leona," which was first published in the Home Journal of New York, then edited by George Morris and N. P. Willis. This poem, Mr. Morris afterwards declared, had been more widely copied, admired, and com- mitted to memory than any other com- position of its class ever published in America. " The divine afflatus which fills the poet brain, and weaves itself into words which thrill and move the profound depths of human emotions, was next manifested in Mr. Clark's soul-awakening songs of freedom. The sweet ballads and lyrics of love and home disappeared before stern Duty's voice. While Whittier, Longfellow, and Lowell were firing the heart of New England, Mr. Clark sent forth "Fremont's Battle Hymn," one of the most noteworthy poems of war times, and a song which produced great enthu- siasm wherever sung. " During the earl}' days of the war the poet traveled from town to town, singing the spirit of freedom into the hearts of the people, and arousing to action scores and hundreds of persons [in every com- munity visited, who had heretofore taken little interest in the pending struggle. In this way he raised many thousands of dollars for the Sanitary Commission and JAMES G. CLARK. i55 Soldiers' Aid societies. In addition to " Freemont's Battle Hymn, ' ; this period called from his pen a number of war songs and poems, such as " Let Me Die with My Face to the Foe," " When You and I Were Soldier Bo\-s," ' ' The Children of the Battle-field," and "Minnie Min- ton." The history of this last-mentioned poem is peculiarly interesting, and re- veals the fact that at times coming events have been flashed with singular vivid- ness on the sensitive mind of our poet. The pathetic facts connected with the poem are as follows: Mr. Clark was visiting a family by the name of Minton. In the home circle was a young lady named Maria, who had a lover in the army. One da}- Mr. Clark said, ' If your name were Minnie, it would make a musical combination for a poem.' The young lady blushed and replied that her frieuds often called her Minnie, and doubtless at this moment her thoughts went out to the soldier boy for whom she daily prayed. Some months passed, when one night, while the poet was riding in the sleeping-car, the words of the ballad "Minnie Minton" forced themselves upon his brain, so haunting his mind that he could get no sleep until he had transferred them to paper. This was done by drawing aside the curtain of his berth, and writing in the faint glimmer of the lamps, which had been turned low for the night. It is probable that the poet did not dream, as he penciled the following lines, that he was writing a prophecy which a year later was to be- come history. Yet such was in fact the Minnie Minton, in the shadow I have waited here alone, — On the battle's gory meadow, Whicb the Bcythe of deatb has mown, I have Listened for yonr coming, Till the dreary dawn of day, But I only hear the drunimi ng, As the armies march a . ' ) Minnie, dear Minnie, I have heard the angel's warning, I have Been the golden shore; I will meet 3 on in the morning Where the- shadows come no more. ' We come now* to the third epoch in the history of Mr. Clark's poetry. The war was over. His thoughts turned to the toiling millions of our land, for from early manhood his heart had ever kept rhythmic pace with the hopes, aspira- tions, and sorrows of the masses. Now, however, the ballad singer, who in the Nation's crisis became the poet reformer, becomes the prophet poet of the dawning day. And with advancing j-ears came added power; for it is a notable fact that with the silver of age has come a depth of thought, coupled with strength and finish in style not found in his earlier work. Take, for example, the following stanzas from "A Vision of the Old and New:" 'Twas in the slumber of the night — That solemn time, that mystic state — When, from its loftiest signal height, My soul o'erlooked the realm of Fate, And read the writing on the wall, That prophesies of things to be, And heard strange voices rise and fall Like murmurs from a distant sea. The world below me throbbed and rolled In all its glory, pride, and shame, Its lust for power, its greed for gold, Its flitting lights that man calls fame, — And from their long and deep repose, In memory and page sublime, The ancient races round me rose Like phantoms from the tombs of Time. I saw the Alpine torrents press To Tiber with their snow-white foam, And prowling in the wildern The wolf that suckled infant Rome. But wilder than the mountain Hood That plunged upon its downward way, And fiercer than the she-wolf's brood, The soul of man went forth to si I Kingdoms to quick existence sprang, Bach thirsting for another's The din of wars incessant rang, And Blgntl Of hate each loiehead WOK. All nations bore the mark of Cain, And only knew the law of might; They lived and strove for selfish gain And perished like the dr< anu oi night. I woke: and slept, and dreamed once more, And frOffl a continent's white crest, I heard two OCeattS -ecthc and kmi, Along vast lands by nature blest; 156 JAMES G. CLARK. All races mingled at my feet, With noise and strange confusion rife, And old World projects — incomplete — Seemed maddened with a new-found life. The thirst for human blood had waned; But boldly seated on the throne, The grasping god of Mammon reigned, And claimed Earth's product for his own. He gathered all that toilers made, To fill his vaults with wealth untold. The sunlight, water, air, and shade Paid tribute to his greed for gold. He humbly paid his vows to God, While agents gathered rents and dues. He ruled the nation with a nod, And bribed the pulpit with the pews; Yet, over all the regal form Of Freedom towered, unseen by him, And eagles poised above the storm That draped the far horizon's rim. At length, the distant thunder spoke In deep and threatening accents; then The long roll of the earthquake woke From sleep a hundred million men. I woke: and slept, and dreamed again: A softened glory filled the air, The morning flooded land and main, And Peace was brooding everywhere; From sea to sea the song was known That only God's own children know, Whose notes, by angel voices sown, Took root two thousand years ago. No more the wandering feet had need Of priestly guides to Paradise, And banished was the iron creed That measured God by man's device; No more the high cathedral dome Was reared to tell His honors by, For Christ was throned in every home, And shone from every human eye. No longer did the beast control And make the spirit desolate; No more the poor man's struggling soul Sank down before the wheel of Fate; And pestilence could not draw near, Nor war and crime be felt or seen — As flames, that lap the withered spear, Expire before the living green. Ami all of this shall come to pass — For Cod is Love, and Love shall reign, Though nations fust dissolve like grass Before the lire- that sweeps the plain; And men shall eease to lift their gaze To seek Him in the far-off blue, lint live the Truth their lips now praise Ami in their lives I lis life renew. There yet shall rise beneath the sky, Unvexed by narrow greed for pelf, A race whose practise shall deny The heartless creed " Each for him- self." There is no halt or compromise Between the ways all life has trod, 'Tis downward, with the brute that dies Or upward with the sons of God. "This poem was founded on a vivid dream which came to the poet and so impressed him that he found no peace until he committed the verses to paper. "The poet's loyalty to the toilers is voiced in most of his latest poems and songs. "The People's Battle Hymn," published last autumn, was sung with great effect at the industrial gatherings throughout the West. Of this song, General J. B. Weaver, the candidate of the People's Party for President in 1892, said: ' It is the song we have been wait- ing for. It is an Iliad of itself.' " The following stanzas from this song will give an idea of the exaltation of thought, which, when accompanied by Mr. Clark's soul-stirring music, arouses an almost indescribable enthusiasm among the people wherever it is sung: — THE PEOPLE'S BATTLE HYMN. There's a sound'of swelling waters, There's a voice from out the blue, Where the Master His arm is reveal- ing— Lo! the glory of the morning Lights the forehead of the New, And the towers of Old Time are reeling, There is doubt within the temples Where the gods are bought and sold. They are leaving the false for the true way; There's a cry of consternation Where the idols made of gold Are melting in the glance of the New- day. CHORUS. Lift high the banner, Break from the chain, Wake from the thralldom of story. Like the torrent to the river, The river to the main, Forward to Liberty and Glory ! There is tramping in the cities, Where the people march along, And the trumpet of Justice is calling; JAMES G. CLARK. 57 There's a crashing of the helmet On the forehead of the Wrong, And the battlements of Babylon are falling. O! the master of the morning, How we waited for his light In the old days of doubting and fear- iug— How we watched among the shadows Of the long and weary night For his feet upon the mountains ap- pearing. He shall gather in the homeless, He shall set the people free, He shall walk, hand in hand with the toiler; He shall render back to labor From the mountains to the sea The lands that are bound by the spoiler. Let the lightning tell the story To the sea's remotest bands; Fet the camp fires of freedom be flam- ing, While the voices of the heavens Join the chorus of the lands, Which the children of men are pro- claiming. " Mr. Clark is not only a poet, musical composer, and singer of rare ability, he is a scholarly essayist, and, during recent years, has contributed many papers of power and literary value to the leading dailies of the Pacific Coast. " The wealth of poetic imagery, strength, and deep penetration which characterizes the recent work of Mr. Clark is very noticeable in some of his later poems, and reaches altitudes of sublimity in thought rare among modern poets. This characteristic is well illustrated in " The Infinite Mother," which I give be- low. It is considered by many critics -is Mr. Clarke's master]-: Tin. ini iM'i ■>•. MOTHER. I am mother of File- and companion of God ' I move- in each mote from the suns to the -<>d, I brood in all darkness, I gleam in all light, I fathom all depth, and I crown ever} bight; Within me tin- globes of the nuiverse roll, And through me all matter takes impress and BOUl. Without me all forms into chaos would full; I was under, within, and around, over all, Fre the stars of the morning in harmony sung, Or the systems and suns from their grand arches swung. I loved you, O earth! in those cyles pro- found, When darkness unbroken encircled you round , And the fruit of creation, the race of mankind, Was only a dream in the Infinite Mind; I nursed you, O earth! ere your oceans were born, Or your mountains rejoiced in the glad- ness of morn, When naked and helpless you came from the womb, Ere the seasons had decked you with verdure and bloom, And all that appeared of your form or your face Was a bare, lurid ball in the vast wilds of space. When your bosom was shaken and rent with alarms, I calmed and caressed you to sleep in my arms. I sung o'er your pillow the song of the spheres Till the hum of its melody softened your fears, And the hot flames of passion burned low in your breast As you lay on my heart like a maiden at rest; When fevered, I cooled you with mist and with shower, And kissed you with cloudlet and rain- bow and flower, Till you woke in the heavens arrayed like a queen, in garments of purple, of gold, and ol green, Prom fabrics of glory my fingers had spun for the mother of nations and bride of the sun. There was love in your face, and your bosom rose fair, And tlu- Bcenl ol your lilies made fra- grant the air, And your blush in the glance "i yOUT lover was i are As you waltzed in the light of his warm yellow hair, ( >r lay in tin- haze "I his tropica! • pt 'neatfa the- gaze of the j assion moons: And I stretched out my anus from the awful unknown, Whose channels are swept by m\ alone, '5« JAMES G. CLARK. And held you secure in your young mother days. And sung to your offspring their lullaby lays, While races and nations came forth from your breast, Lived, struggled, and died, and returned to their rest. All creatures conceived at the Fountain of Cause Are born of my travail, controlled by my laws; I throb in their veins and I breathe in their breath, Combine them for effort, disperse them in death; No form is too great or minute for my care, No place so remote but my presence is there. I bend in the grasses that whisper of spring, I lean o'er the spaces to hear the slars sing, I laugh with the infant, I roar with the sea, I roll in the thunder, I hum with the bee; From the center of suns to the flowers of the sod I am shuttle and loom in the purpose of God, The ladder of action all spirit must climb To the clear hights of Love from the lowlands of Time. 'Tis mine to protect you, fair bride of the sun, Till the task of the bride and the bride- groom is done; Till the roses that crown you shall wither away, And the bloom on your beautiful cheek shall decay; Till the soft golden locks of your lover turn gray, And palsy shal 1 fall on the pulses of Day; Till you cease to give birth to the chil- dren of men, And your (onus are absorbed in my cur- rents again — But your sous and your daughters, un- conquei ed by strife, Shall rise on my pinions and bathe in my life While the fierce glowing splendors of suns cease t<> burn, And bright constellations to vapor return, Aud i hall rise from the graves the old, Shine, fade, and dissolve like a tale that is told. '• Like Victor Hugo, Ralph Waldo Em- Robert Browning, and, indeed, a large proportion of the most profoundly spiritual natures of the nineteenth cen- tury, Mr. Clark, while deeply religious, is unfettered by creeds and untrammeledby dogmas. In bold contrast to the narrow- minded religionists, who, like the Phari- sees of Jesus' time, worship the letter, which kills, aud who are to-day persecut- ing men for concience' sake, and seek- ing to unite church and state, Mr. Clark's whole life has beeu a protest against intolerance, persecution, and bigotry. Living in a purely spiritual realm, he eoves, and that renders it im- possible to cherish the spirit of bigotry and persecution manifested by the American Sabbath Union, and other persecuting un-Christian bodies, whose leaders have never caught a glimpse of the real spirit or character of Jesus. He is a follower of the great Nazarene in the truest sense of the word, and thus cannot understand how professed Christians can so prosti- tute religion and ignore their Master's injunctions as to persecute their fellow men for opinion's sake. On this and kindred subjects he has written very thoughtfully and with great power. " The light of another world has already silvered and glorified the brow of this poet of the dawn; and, as I have before observed, with advancing years comes intellectual and spiritual strength rather than a diminution of power. Such men as Mr. Clark wield a subtle influence for good in the world. Their lives and thoughts are alike an inspiration to thou- sands; their names live eushrined in the love of the earnest, toiling, struggling people — the nation's real nobility. " Mr. Clark, like William Morris, Mr. Howells, and many other of our finest contemporary thinkers, has become an ardent social democrat. Perhaps he is not tmite so extreme in his views as the English poet, but I imagine he holds opinions much the same as those enter- tained by Mr. Howells, and he is even more aggressive than the American novelist, which is saying much, when one considers Mr. Howells's fine aud brave work of recent years, aud espe- JAMES G. CLARK. x 59 cially his bold satire on present-day in- justice, in "A Traveler from Altruria." "Against the aggressiveness of wealth in the hands of shrewd, cunning, and soulless men and corporations, Mr. Clark raised his clarion voice, even more eloquent than in the old days when he wrote, composed, and sung for freedom and the Union before the black man had been freed. It is difficult to conceive a picture more inspiring than this patriarch of Freedom, whose brow is already lighted w T ith the dawn of another life, fronting the morning with eyes of fire and voice rich, full, and clear, now per- suasive, now imperious, but never falter- ing, as he delivers the messages of eternal truth, progress, and justice." GEORGE HAZELTON HAWES, Among the hills of western Massachu- setts the well-known shorthand reporter of the Pacific Coast passed the early years of his life. His native town is Middle- field, in Hampshire Count}', and he was born December 4th, 1849. He descends from the names of Hammond and Hazel- ton, Hawes and Bird. He is the young- est of six children. He was favored in being the offspring of parents happily united, devoted to each other and to their children, and who had the fullest confidence and respect of the community. His father was a schoolteacher and fanner. He lost his life through an ac- cident when George was but two years of age, and it is quite a remarkable circum- stance that since that time, forty-four years ago, death has not invaded the family circle he left behind. When Mr. Hawes was six years old his mother married Ebenezer Smith, who possessed a snug little farm on the east- ern outskirts of the town, sheltered by hills and maple woods, but rather a lonely and secluded spot, the nearest neighbor a mile distant. Mr. Smith pos- sessed many fine qualities, and was one of tin- staunch men of the community. Al- though a good Baptist deacon, he was very liberal in thought, took a number of newspapers, anil was well posted on all the stiii in- events of the day. He was anion- the first to adopt improved ma- chinery in farming, and was always ready and patient to consider new ideas. N-» doubt this state of mind took deep root in tlu- receptive nature of the young nd prepared the way for the com- prehension and adoption of those great vital principles which have so enriched his hi ' Notwithstanding a comfortable home and i' are ol parents, the stem i\ lor unceasing and rugged toil in that particular portion of the country to win from the soil a livelihood, makes a bondage of childhood which absorbs nearly all its sunshine, and the toiling years wore deep resolves in an earnest character that the labor of his manhood should yield more results than he saw were possible around him. He disliked farming, and repeatedly declared he would not make it his occupation. Up to the age of ten he attended the little district school three months in summer, and three in the winter. He then entered into the work of the farm, laboring nine months of the year with all the regularity of a hired man, going to school three months in the winter. Mr. Hawes claims there was nothing striking about his youth, but that some- thing within him continually caused him to long for greater opportunities. He was quiet in manner, studious as a scholar, gave but little trouble to teachers or parents, and seldom quarreled. His parents were members of the Baptist Church, and he was a constant attend- ant at its meetings and Sunday School. At eighteen years of age a marked and complete change took place. About three years before a sister had married and settled in California, and through her efforts and the hearty encouragement of an older brother, he decided to make the Golden State his future home. The gen- tle mother made but little objection, but as the day of farewell drew near, would frequently drop the daily duties to throw her arms around his neck and press him to her heart in silence, as though she would forever hold in her embrace the child who had never left her side. It is one of the singular workiugs of events that this brother, sister, and mother, hav- ing lost their companions by death, have for some time shared a happy home together with Mr. Hawes in San Fran- cisco, he having remained single. OKOKGK II. HAWKS. CxEORGE HAZELTON HAWK.-. 161 A journey of twenty-six days by water and the country life of New England was exchanged for the great metropolis of the Pacific. Mr. Hawes reached San Fran- cisco September 2, 1868, and most of the time since has resided here and in Oak- land. For a few years he was engaged in ordinary work of different kinds as an employee, and resided with his sister. The charm of her home and the atmos- phere of a happy marriage relation were the stronger attraction during the most dangerous years of temptation when the character was forming and the mind un- folding. Here in the home and under those favorable influences were born that deep love for spiritual truth, and con- fidence in spiritual power to bless mankind, which have shone forth so vigorously in later years. But to eradi- cate many of the old teachings was a work of time. While ever ready to rev- erently consider new ideas, he is slow to adopt until he thoroughly comprehends and discovers they are valuable. He had somewhat outgrown creeds, but finding a religious body that required only a be- lief in Christ and an acknowledgment of the Bible as the rule of faith and prac- tise, he felt he could go as far as this, and about 1S72 he united with a denomination in Oakland called ' Disciples of Christ, or perhaps better known to those outside as the "Campbelites." To his great surprise and pail] he found himself allied to an orthodoxy so rigid that the question of whether instrumental music in worship was Binful, or praying in any other position than on the knees was acceptable to the Lord, caused Buch dis- Bentions, that do! many months had passed when the little flock were com- pelled to discontinue public services, Mr. Hawes, however, would throw do discredit upon this denomination, and while the above was strictly true, it is only its extreme, and even at that time, unusual manifestation. He never re- newed this illation, tor in realized at oner that his noblest feelings and richest experiences must be BUppreSSed, and he resolved that no organization should ever stifle the deepest convictions of his heart. At the age of twenty-seven his brother- in-law died after a short illness, leaving his wife in feeble health, and three young children. Their means was slender, save a life insurance policy, and this was never collected owiug to the breaking up of the company. Mr. Hawes did not hesitate as to the course he should pur- sue. The helpless ones were never al- lowed to be separated or suffer for what his hand could supply. He had the great satisfaction of seeing the mother finally restored to good health, and two of the children live to mature into useful mem- bers of the community, and become his loving companions. With this new and serious responsibility he saw how impor- tant it was to have a distinct ami definite line of work, and he commenced the study of shorthand. It is somewhat sig- nificant that his mind was first directed to this work from hearing some beautiful utterances by trance mediums, and feel- ing a great desire that they might be preserved in the language in which they were given. Those who have seen his trained hand gliding gracefully over the pages of his note book, and the thousands who have read the magnificent discourses he has reproduced, are little aware of the difficulties he overcame, and the patience and perseverance he exercised to perfect the art of verbatim reporting. Without a teacher and after the heavy labors of the day, he took up the self-appointed task, and without faltering and nnas sisted, cai tied it to success. He now has one of the best equipped (Hues of his profession in the city, and has able assistants. His reporting has taken a wide range. I [e has served a tei m as official reporter in one of the courts, and during the past two yeai ported on Borne ol the most important cases tried in the United States Circuit Court. 1 1 1- 1 i;is also repoi ted extensively for the religious and secular prei m<. ns and lectures <>f distinguished pie visiting the Coast. Am< e mention< d Pi 1 >wl< r, 62 GEORGE HAZELTON HAWES. D. L. Moody, the Evangelist, Reverend Sam Jones, Reverend J. A. Dowie, the great Faith Healer, Reverend A. B. Simpson, Father MeGlynn, Robert G. Ingersoll, and John B. Gough. In 1890, he reported a series of Sunday evening lectures on Roman Catholicism by Rev- erend Richard Harcourt at the Howard Street Methodist Church, which were published in book form and illustrated by Thomas Nast. But the work which Mr. Hawes looks back upon with the greatest pleasure and satisfaction, he says, is the reporting he has done under the name of Spiritualism. So far as is known, he is the pioneer reporter in this field on the Coast. His first work appeared in Light For All, October, 18S0. It was a lecture delivered by the eloquent Mrs. E. L. Watson, entitled " Our Treasures in Heaven." He has reported extensively the inspired thoughts and sayings given through this gifted instrument of the spirit world, as well as the utterances of all the noted speakers who have visited San Francisco. He was the regular verbatim reporter for the Carrier Dove and the Golden Gate, and also furnished many lectures for the Spiritual Offering, Reiigio- Philosophical Journal, and Banner of Light; also many reports of important meetings and events. Early in 1884 he published a pamphlet of a series of fifteen discourses by the Guides of Mrs. Cora h. V. Richmond, upon "The Nature of Spiritual Existence and Spiritual Gifts." It found a ready sale, and the edition was soon exhausted. He received from the hand of Mrs. Rich- mond the following approving words: " I am pleased to acknowledge receipt of the beautiful pamphlet of discourses. My husband and myself consider it the l>e>t piece of work, including reporting, editing, and printing, that has ever been • lone in connection with any published discourses of my Guides; and the modest, j el a] preciative preface could only have emanated from a mind thoroughly im- bued with the spirit of what the dis- courses contain, .111. 1 wh.it. lies beyond them in the- realm of soul." In 1888 Mr. J. J. Morse published a work entitled, "Practical Occultism," which was a series of parlor lectures on mediumship and certain phases of life in the spirit world. The reporting of this was also the work of Mr. Hawes. A second edition of this able work has just been published, but under a new title. Mr. Morse says that Mr. Hawes is one of the most skilful reporters he has ever met, and upon his late engagement with the California Psychical Society, he secured the appointment of Mr. Hawes to report the public ministrations given through him from the rostrum. During the existence of the California Spiritualists' Camp Meeting Association, Mr. Hawes was one of its active members, acting as its Corresponding Secretary, and a portion of the time as a member of its Board of Directors. For years he has been identified with some Spiritual society. At the present time, he is a member of the Society of Progressive Spiritualists. He has been urged to accept a position on its Board of Direc- tors, but, owing to the demands upon his time by his profession, has felt compelled to decline. It is his cherished desire to soon turn his energies into spiritual work more fully than he has hitherto been able to do. Mr. Hawes' name has become familiar to the spiritual public, chiefly through his reports of the thoughts of others — a work which has been for him largely "a labor of love." But those who know him best know that he wields a facile pen for recording his own inspirations, with occasional evidences of poetical fire. At one time he was offered the position of assistant editor of one of the prominent spiritual papers in the East. None who have read his tastefully worded intro- duction to the volume above referred to can fail to have been touched by a sense of his rare love of truth, thoughtfulness, and spirituality. Quiet in manner, genial in conversation, with a strong vein of humor which renders him an agreeable companion, and softens the sharp edge of many outward expressions, his clear GEORGE HAZELTON HAWES. 1 6 brain and true heart have endeared him to all who know him. Though not gen- erally known, his most intimate friends are aware that Mr. Hawes possesses some interesting phases of rnediumship, which, when he is permitted to give more time to their manifestation, may prove of interest and value to a wider circle. It has been said that but for war there would be no history. It is equally true that the most external characters occupy the most voluminous biographies. Lives such as that of this spiritually minded man seldom have their due appreciation in their own day and genera- tion. Spiritual forces are silent, but potent; and a virtue goes out from such characters that stamps its impress upon the coming time; but it is an impersonal impression, lifting up the divine qualities of truth and virtue, and overlooking the humble embodiment and example. Mr. Hawes' merits entitle him to a more elaborate tribute; but in view of his own characteristic modesty, it seems fitting to offer only this brief but sincere testimony to the worth of one well entitled to a place among the really spiritual workers upon the Pacific Coast. WILLIAM CLAYTON BOWMAN. William Clayton Bowman, now a resi- dent of Los Angeles, Cal., was born in the year 1833 in Western North Caro- lina, Jacob Bowman, his grandfather, being a pioneer of the mountain region of that State. His father, Joseph Bow- man, as the settlement of the. country advanced, in order to gratify his prefer- ence for life amid Nature's wilds, made repeated moves still further away from "the busy haunts of men." Born to the freedom of rural life, nurtured in the atmosphere of t the highlands, accus- tomed to outlooks from mountain peaks over wide expanses of country, young Bowman imbibed and insensibly incor- porated into his very nature the spirit of freedom which, in later years, enabled him to break away from the thraldom of a narrow religion, to welcome the broader teachings of Universalism, and, finally, to embrace the still more advanced ideas of the Harmonial Philosophy, until now, as the founder and pastor of the " Church of the New Era," he is among the fore- most advocates of religious liberty, and of moral, social, and political reform. An earnest exponent of the philosophy of spiritual unfoldment, a worthy teacher of the art of right living (which is the essence of true Spiritualism), he is de- voted to the emancipation of humanity from all hurtful restraint and from every debasing condition, and the induction of mankind into a higher life on earth — the- fraternal love, freedom, purity, and justice of the new era. .Mr. Bowman's mother, whose maiden name was Sarah I Jarland, was the daugh- ter <>f Elisha Garland, a Methodist preacher, of whom it is said: " He was habitually filled with the Holy Ghost," which, in the Methodism of those days, meant not only the occasional ecstasy of deeply religious feeling, but on all occa- sions great solemnity of manner and awfulness of discourse — an austere bear- ing and words of deep seriousness being at that time considered as specially befitting an ordained preacher, who must never forget that his holy calling, as the repre- sentative of an angry God, required from him a demeanor in the presence of his people that would continually remind them of the terrors of divine wrath. Yet Mr. Bowman writes: " Dreadful as were the visits of my grandfather, I revere his memory because he was sin- cere, and his somber life was in honest keeping with his faith," Sarah Garland Bowman, though a woman of limited education, was liber- ally endowed by nature, intellectually and spiritually. Her secluded life, and the simplicity of the times in which she lived, prevented the full development of her intellectual faculties, yet the earnest- ness and sincerity of her character left a lasting impress on her children. Hav- ing no newspapers and very few books, she became a devoted student of Scripture, especially interested in the prophesies, and a believer in the speedy coming of the end of the world, when " the heavens shall roll up as a scroll, and the elements melt with fervent heat." Having no access to any rational interpretation of the Scriptures, her sensitive spirit was op- pressed with the dread of a coming catastrophe. As the Jehovah of the Jews visited the iniquities of parents upon the children to many generations, so the God of her imagination was a beingof awful majesty and power, whose wrath might at any time be wreaked on the children of men. Death, to her, in- stead of being the decree of nature, was the direct act of God. As a consequence, young Bowman became subject to fears of impending evil and gloomy thoughts of death, which even the beauty and brightness of nature could not at all WILLIAM CLAYTON BOWMAN. WILLIAM CLAYTON BOWMAN' i«S times dispel. In relation to this early experience, he writes: " Religious teachings are fastened upon the minds of children at an age when they are incapable of distinguishing be- tween truth and fiction, and are enforced under the awful name and authority of God, written in a book they are taught to revere as divine and infallible truth. Add to this the fact that religious preju- dices and superstitions are the deepest and most ineradicable of all the preju- dices which enslave mankind, it ceases to be a matter of astonishment that thou- sands of intellects, otherwise clear and cultured, are still in bondage to the myths and fables of the world's child- hood." The Bowman family consisted of eleven children, of whom William C. was the fourth. There were ten boys and one girl. The head of the family, Joseph Bowman, was a moral but not a pious man, therefore there were no family prayers, except when a preacher or other zealous Christian visited them. They lived too far from churches for frequent attendance, and Sunday Schools were then unknown in that part of the country, so the children, in spite of their mother's influence, grew up comparatively free from the early religious bias which priests consider so essential in moulding the minds of the young so as to fit them for future service in the church, From OUnt of his early religious experi- ences written by Mr. Bowman, the fol- lowing is taken: "Tin- little preaching I heard was about equally divided between three Methodist, Baptist; and Tankers or Dnnkers usually called Dnnkards), more properly ' Christian Brethren. 1 The preaching consisted mainly of doctrinal Controversy, alike unprofitable and unin- teresting to those not members of the church. 'Soul-saving' seemed only an incident connected with questions of baptism, the Lord's supper, 'feet-wash- ing,' etc. The Dnnkards differed from the other two BectS not merely in litual forms, but on the subject of conversion, commonly called ■ getting religion.' The Dunkard preachers maintained that the process of 'getting religion' under re- vival excitement was unscriptural. Hav- ing a number of relatives on my father's side who were preachers of that denom- ination, and noticing that their argu- ments seemed more plain and scriptural than those of their opponents, I inclined to their views; yet, when I attended the Methodist revivals, where my mother's people were largely represented, I some- times found my Dunkard principles severely tested by the earnest exhorta- tions of relatives and friends urging me to go to the ' mourner's bench ' and ' seek religion.' While I did not doubt the sincerity of those undergoing these ' religious ' experiences, my doubts as to such being the genuine way of salvation made me stubborn to withstand their en- treaties. Up to the age of nineteen years, young Bowman's facilities for obtaining school training had been slight indeed. In that region, at that time, boys learned to read, write, and spell imperfectly, and some acquired a knowledge of the fundamental rules of arithmetic. Nothing beyond this was thought of in the free schools of that mountain country. Concerning this per- iod of his life, Mr. Bowman writes: " I had never heard an educated person speak. But, attending a Methodist meet- ing one Sunday, I had the pleasure of hearing a preacher named Adams, who had just opened a 'high school,' at the county-seat, twenty miles away. He was a man of culture, and I was so cap- tivated by his manner of speech, and the Btrangely beautiful words he used, that I then and there said in my heart, 'I must go to school to that man.' The n lion of this purpose to my parent a surprise to them, ami mv sudden resolve a mystery they could not under* stand. for aw hile they treated ni\ le- quesf for permission t'> k° ;ls •'< niosl unreasonable proposition, but perceiving that I was determined they final sented, my mother going with me bad never been to the village, i attended i66 WILLIAM CLAYTON BOWMAN. the school three years, paying my way at first by chopping wood, and afterward by teaching, at intervals, in the district schools. " It was while attending this school that I passed through the experience of ' con- version; ' a psychological phenomenon of much interest to the student of mental science, although easily accounted for by the well-known laws governing the action of mind upon mind; it is still held by revivalists to be of supernatural char-, acter due to conviction of sin and faith in Christ as a Divine Savior. It was a reality to me, as it has been to thou- sands. In my subsequent progress of observation and thought, though never doubting for a moment the moral and spiritual change wrought in me by that experience, I have been compelled to adopt a theory of its nature and causes widely different from that of the reviv- alists. My first doubt of the truth of the revivalist theory came very soon after my 'conversion,' long before my general re- volt from orthodoxy. This doubt arose from the want of harmony between the facts of my experience, and the theory of faith in Christ by which the facts had to be explained. I knew there was a change. The transformation was mar- velous. It was darkness changed to light, sorrow to joy, hell to heaven. I knew there was no mistake as to that, yet I also knew that there zvas no preceding faith in Christ on my part. On the con- trary, all had been doubt and utter in- ability to exercise such faith. "The principal of the school at that time was Revererid R. N. Price, a Meth- odist preacher, who had succeeded Rev- erend Mr. Adams, the founder of the school. Por both these men 1 still cher- ish a memory akin to reverence. Under Mr. Price's ministrations a revival was -tatted in the school, the students being required to go on with their school duties as USUal, and attend the revival services at night. Having been, years before, familiar with revival proceedings, and skeptical as to the real character of such experiences, i at first took little interest in the revival further than to attend the meetings, as required, and look on with indifference, while my schoolmates were yielding to the appealing sermons, the earnest prayers, and heart-stirring songs. From what I have since learned of the laws of mind, of the psychological in- fluence exerted by magnetic persons and the effect of long-continued excitement, together with the appeals of friends and my natural desire to yield to their wishes, it seems remarkable that I held out so long, especially as I was not at that time fortified by a knowledge of the natural laws underlying such phenomena. But the process is plain enough now. Persistent concentration of mental and moral effort, with one accord, in one place, and for one purpose, can always be relied upon to produce the desired result, in some degree at least. Such result (depending on laws inherent in the mind itself) will follow independently of the truth or error of the beliefs or theories on which such efforts are put forth — just as the rock is broken by the accumulated blows of the hammer, no matter what the purpose for which the blows are wielded, even though it be under the delusion that the rock is full of gold. "Here seems to be the true explana- tion, not only of the puzzle of real con- versions under the delusions of a fic- titious and absurd theology, but of the entire class of religious phenomena so numerous, and otherwise so unaccount- able, including 'jerks,' ecstasies, and extravaganzas of revival work. Some phases of the trance, also the numerous forms of religious healing, and ' mind cure ' in the various names of Mag- netism, Spiritualism, Mental Science, Christian Science, etc., may be included. In all these phenomena it is evident to the unprejudiced mind that the effect is independent of the theories held by the various schools of religious faith practis- ing these diverse methods of revival and healing. The phenomena are the result of well-understood causes, being plainly due to the operation of natural law under certain conditions, such as mental sug- WILLIAM CLAYTON BOWMAN. '67 gestion, concentration of influence, per- sistent effort, abnormal excitement, intense expectancy, exhaustion, reac- tion, etc. " It may here be pertinently asked: In a case like my own, where there was ?io faith to begin with — in fact, a positive disbelief in the whole business of ' getting religion ' in that manner — how was it possible to even make a start in that direction ? My answer is in one word — hypnotism. I was intently listening to the sermon. It was full of 'holy unction'; it was pleading, inspiring, sympathetic. The speaker, the people, and the very place in which they were assembled had become magnetized with the spirit of the revival work. My atten- tion became absorbed, and I was thus held captive. The eye of my soul was fascinated to one spot, focused to one point — that spot where the preacher stood; that point, the preacher's mind. My personality had become lost in the oversoul of the magnetic man, who over- mastered me. I could think only his thought — could do only his will. I was mesmerized, and, at his bidding, went to the ' mourners' bench ' as helplessly as any subject who obeys the command of the hypnotist. But when I knelt with the other mourners where the magnetic eye of the preacher do longer gazed into my own, and his pleading \ oice no longer Beemed to appeal to me — especially to me — to surrender my will to his- — the spell was broken, and my normal condi- tion of mind, with all its power of reason- ing, was restored. Freed from the influ- ence which had bound me, my doubts wen- as Btrong as ever. What was I to do? Thus openly committed to religiorJ,' m\ self-respect would not per- mit me to turn back. And then- 1 kneeling at the- altar -with no faith in w hat I was apparentl) pi • After a lew moments' thought, I decided to persevere, because failure after per- severance would be less disgraceful than to stultify myself <»n the spot. So, a1 though 1 despised myselffor the part I was playing, 1 remained with the mourners as if, like them, 'under conviction,' and continued to go to the ' anxious seat ' night after night, hoping that I might, by prayer and earnest endeavor, work myself into a different state of mind. After several nights of praying and cry- ing, with no other result than a greater dissatisfaction with myself, an increasing sense of gloom, and, finally, a feeling of utter despair, after a long struggle in my accustomed place at the mourners' bench, I became exhausted, and sank into a state of profound sleep, a condition of entire unconsciousness. Though there was a great noise of singing, praying, and shouting all around me, there was to me a stillness as deep as death — a blank- ness of mind as profound as nonentity. " The intelligent reader will note that this part of niy ' religious experience ' was due to a cause entirely different from that which controlled my will when I first went forward to the mourners' bench. 'J hat was the result of the mes- meric influence of mind over mind: the swooning was the result of mental and physical exhaustion from excessive and long continued excitement and mental agony. The profundity and duration of such syncope are proportionate to the violence and prolongation of the strain which causes it. I have witnessed revival swoons which lasted several hours In my own case, the time was probably an hour. The return to COUSCiousm never be forgotten. To the ear, it was like the gradual awakening from sleep by the music of a midnight serenade, the soft strains lulling the mind to quiet enjoyment while arousing it to happy consciousness; and to the eye the resus- citation was like the slow forming of pictures on the canvas inapanorama of dissolving views. Every sound was mel- ody, every scene beauty, and every thought and leeling lull ol sweetness, harmony, and love. Why was this.' Prom whence came the great ha] piness, the feeling o\ ad joyousness glorifying the vei 5 one whom an hour before all had been dis- cord and wretchedm >? No wondei In i6S WILLIAM CLAYTON BOWMAN. the world's ignorance of the laws of nature such experiences have been deemed supernatural, but in the light of the psychological science of our day, the supernaturalism of modern theology is fading away, as the supernaturalism of ancient mythology disappeared before the advance of physical science hundreds of years ago. 11 But it may be asked, ' If these religious experiences are real, and if they change men's lives for the better, why are they not good for the world, and why attempt to undeceive the mind as to their nature, and thereby dissipate the charm and hinder the good accomplished by it?' The answer is: Truth is better than error; the true interests of mankind are better subserved by knowledge of the truth than by any accidental advantages which may arise from the delusions of error. Besides, a bliss which depends upon ignorance is not enduring in its nature, neither is it worth}' of rational beings. " After my conversion naturally came the ' call to preach.' I say naturally be- cause nothing is more natural for one under the influence of excitement based on a belief in the orthodox hell than to feel a strong impulse to rescue sinners from such awful peril. So I became a student of theology, and at the same time a traveling Methodist preacher, and continued in the business fifteen years, meantime passing through the Civil War, serving a part of the time as a chaplain in the confederate army. I fully be- lieved in the divine right of slavery and the justice, (the necessity even) of seces- sion, for I had been so taught. Our politics and our religion— the result of rarly teachings — are mainly dependent upon locality; so in a sense they may be said to be geographical questions; and later in life, when I began to think about ihe reason of things I doubted whether a God of justice would send people to hell for purely geographical reasons. When I spoke of my doubt to some of my brethren in the ministry, they informed me that the heathen would be saved through ignorance, whereupon my mis- sionary zeal began to cool, for it seemed to me hardly the proper thing to en- lighten the heathen if nine-tenths of them were to be eternally damned in consequence." Near the close of the war, in 1864, came the main turning point of Mr. Bowman's life, his marriage to Sarah A. Colbert, of Virginia, who, like himself, was an early believer in orthodoxy and who, like him also, by fearless questioning of its cor- rectness, has come out of the shadow of that cold and cheerless religion into the warmth and sunlight of rationalistic be- lief. One in spirit and purpose through all the joys and sorrows of more than thirty years, and in spite of the strug- gles and trials that always attend those, who, regardless of material reward, choose the right because it is right, this happy couple have ever kept even step in the march of progress. Happy is the man, who, no matter what wrongs he receives from his fellow men in the strug- gles of life, can, at the close of each day, turn to his own home, knowing that whoever else is false, there is oiie y at least, who is true and whose loving faith in him never fails. Especially does the worker in the field of reform need such a place of refuge, where he can get re- newed faith in human love, renewed con- fidence in human integrity, renewed hope in the ultimate triumph of the right, and consequent renewal of strength for the labor yet to come. Fortunate is the man who is blessed with such a home — doubly fortunate he who appre- ciates his great blessing. Young Bowman's high school educa- tion, though better than, in his early youth, he had hoped ever to receive, was not satisfactory to him. It served only to show the vast fields of inquiry that lay beyond, and wdiich he could not explore unless better prepared by mental disci- pline. He accordingly entered upon a three-years' course in the University of Virginia, which he found of incalculable value in his future career. Besides preach- ing. Professor Bowman devoted himself to WILLIAM CLAYTON BOWMAN. 69 the cause of education in his native State, including two years' service in the Ashe- ville Female College. He was about to establish an educational institution of his own in Bakersville, N. C, to be called "The People's College," when his theological views so changed that he gave up his plan, knowing that he would not be sustained by the people of that ortho- dox community. The following is from a statement recently made by Professor Bowman, concerning his growth out of orthodoxy. He writes: " Reasoning as to the love and the goodness of God in connection with a hell of endless torment, I said: 'Had I foreseen that a certain number of my children would be miserable to all eter- nity, I would not voluntarily have become their father. Had God foreseen such a destiny awaiting any of his crea- tures, would he have brought them into being ? If so, then I am more merciful than God.' For various other reasons, equally conclusive, I was compelled to abandon the doctrine of endless punish- ment. I had been taught that it was wrong to reason about such things, but I could not help it. Believing, as I then did, that such use of reason was an act of enmity to God and a peril to the soul, I prayed earnestly that my tendency to so be taken from me. But my prayer was not answered. I continued to reason. The result was, I found it necessary either to abandon the Bible or to put another interpretation upon its teachings. I chose the latter, and in the light of the 'higher criticism ' I 1 • a Cniversalist. I still held to the Bible as the infallible word of God, but it was redeemed 10 my mind from the horrible meanings given to it by orthodoxy. This was a long stride toward liberation — a great change for the better. The difference between a universe with an orthodox hell in it and one without that foul blot is a din to the benevolent soul.'' But this new things had its drawbacks, soon learned. He was no lonf ered a safe teacher for the young, and no longer was he a well-paid sermonizer, for young or old. He commenced preaching Universalism — working for people who hold fast to the hope that all will be saved. Such never pay as liberally as do those who are striving by aid of the priest to escape the damnation of hell. Professor Bowman therefore was obliged to earn his living by the labor of his hands. He cleared off some wild land, cutting the wood, grubbing up the roots, and preparing the soil, until he had a well cultivated farm, on which he sus- tained his family by hard labor during the week, and on Sunday pointed out to his Universalist brethren the way toward a higher and better life on earth. After five years of such work, he went to Atlanta, Ga., and organized the first Universalist Church of that city. He was successful in his new field, but after a few years, becoming interested in the writings of Andrew Jackson Davis, and having now time for study, he began an investigation of the Harmonial Philos- ophy, and without much aid from the phenomena of Spiritualism, he became convinced of its essential truths. With him to be convinced is to act. He therefore severed his connection with the Universalists, and in 1881 organized a Spiritual society in Atlanta. He also edited a Spiritual magazine called The , and later a weekly publi- cation called /./ .' For Thinkers, which ifterward combined with now i '..-■ Light of Truth y Cincin- nati. After speaking for the Spiritual in Atlanta a year, he accepted an invitation to go to Cincinnati, where he remained as speaker for the Spiritual and a half, Coma ruing his growth out of Universalism, Pn BOW man writes: "After eight thought and iing as a Cniversalist minister, not- withstanding the great breadth and brightness of my new faith as compared with the old, 1 found myself again ham- with limitations which had broken. These limitations wire tl yo WILLIAM CLAYTON BOWMAN. Book and One Savior ideas. Although the change from the orthodox to the liberal theology was a very decided change, yet it was still theology — a bind- ing of the mind and conscience to tra- ditional sources of authority, and super- natural revelation. I saw that the theo- logical plane had to be wholly abandoned, and that I must henceforth trust to abso- lute liberty of thought and conscience, un- trammeled by authoritative limitations to any one book, savior, creed, or system of religion. \ Authority must not be accepted as truth, but truth must be made the basis of authority. This second transi- tion (the change from theology to phil- osophy) was made, and I found myself with the universe for my Bible, the soul of the universe ior my God, obedience to its laws for my Savior, and the dictates of conscience, reason, and experience for my authority. I am free to coufess that this surrender of the personal for the impersonal, the definite for the in- definite, the narrow for the boundless, is to launch the barque of an ordinary mor- tal upon a very wide sea. But every sailor knows it is safer on the bosom of the great deep than in the shallows of the shore, though the sailing may be less spirited and the voyagers less boisterous, because the waters are calmer, and the storms less violent, than along the surfy coasts and the narrow channels of dog- matism! " In 1884, Professor Bowman left Cincin- nati with his family and went to New .Mexico, where he expected to join aco- Operative colony (since disintegrated), but on investigation he concluded to not do so, and engaged in other work, first as a laborer, then as clerk, then studied law, practised three years in thecourtsof races, and finding such employ- ment uncongenial, he went to Tucson, where lie became Principal of the High School and c itv Superintendent of Public Schools. In 1890, In- came to California, lectured For a Spiritual society in Los Angeles two years, stumped the State for John P. Weaver in is<,.>, returned to Los Angeles and organized the church of the New Era in 1893, was tne People's Party candidate for Congress in the sixth dis- trict in 1894, and has since resided in Los Angeles, most of the time in charge of the Church of the New Era. Professor Bowman has six daughters and one son — all bright, active, progres- sive young people, Three of the daugh- ters are married, the eldest to James G. Clark, Jr., son of the people's greatest reform poet and singer. As a fitting close to this brief sketch of the reform work of Professor Bowman, the following extract is taken from an account written by him concerning his present position in relation to religion, and the circumstances that led to the organization of his reform church. He writes: " In the transition from the theological to the philosophical plan, I have not abandoned religion. I only view the subject from a different standpoint and treat it in a different manner. Under the philosophic regime, I am free to investi- gate, criticize, and judge in matters of religion as on all other subjects. Under theology, one cannot do this, but must accept and believe — the penalty for fail- ure being eternal death. Theology as- sumes to be identical with religion, but philosophy discriminates between the two. Religion is something essential and permanent in the very nature of man. Theology is but a system of doctrines and theories growing out of religion. Religion is innate in man's spiritual nature; theology is an exotic planted in the mind by education, drawing its life and nourishment from the religious sen- timent, but shaped according to environ- ments. Religion, subjectively, in man, is a constant quantity; objectively, its external expression in theological dog- mas and rituals is a variable quantity, differing according to the ethnic and historic peculiarities of each case. "The abandonment of any particular scheme of theology or form of worship is not the abandonment of religion any more than would the rejection of any particular theory of government, thera- WILLIAM CLAYTON BOWMAN. *7 peutics, or morality be the repudiation of the science of sociology, medicine, or ethics. The so-called liberalists, who make war on religion itself because of the errors and absurdities of theology, are as unreasonable as if they should war against chemistry or astronomy because the ancients held such crude and unscientific views on these subjects. The art of building must not be destroyed because our ancestors built so rudely. The true reformer comes not to destroy, but to fulfil. Religion, iunate in man, has found expression in accord with human development. Modern religion is a branch of civilization, not an unnat- ural excrescence upon it. It should, therefore, be treated as all other branches of civilization are treated — not warred against, but improved upon. The primi- tive gods and primitive religions need civilizing as much as primitive modes of agriculture or navigation. As a spiritual being, man can no more abandon religion than he can, as a physical being, aban- don the atmosphere or the sunshine. 11 So, although I have been compelled to relinquish my faith in the entire sys- tem of theology or ' plan of salvation,' yet I bold on to religion as a nee factor in human life, and to a church as necessary to represent the claims and conserve the interests of religion in the world, believing such to be the highest claims and the most important interests of humanity. But, having rejected the theological foundations on which exist- ing churches stand, it became necessary, before a church could be inaugurated under the nem idea, that a new plan on a new basis should be devised for the new church. This new plan was the out- growth of many years of experience, but more especially of my California experi- ence. After lecturing two years in Los Angeles on Spiritualism, and on religious, social, and political reforms, and becom. ing deeply interested in the great third- party movement, I became convinced that all reforms aiming at the overthrow of wrong and the establishment of justice are, in their deepest meaning, essentially religious, and, as such, should be taken into the church as a part of its practical work, and as a necessary part of true religion. This conviction was followed by the thought: We must have a church of the new era to realize this ideal — a church broad enough and fearless enough to advocate all righteousness and all truth, irrespective of ecclesiastical cus- toms and theological traditions. My thought was communicated to kindred minds, and the result was the organiza- tion of ' The Church of the New Era,' devoted not to the propagation of any creed, but to the advancement of uni- versal truth for the truth's sake, and for the promotion of every human in- terest, social, intellectual, moral, civil, and religious. The Articles of Incorpora- tion provide that in matters of belief and opinion there is to be absolute liberty of mind to accept whatever is proved or seems probable, and to reject whatever is disproved or seems improbable, un- prejudiced in all matters not yet investi- gated — truth alone being the object sought, and the only authority relied upon." MARY DANA SHINDLER Through the kindness of Herman Snow the author is enabled to present the following interesting sketch of the life of an earnest, aspiring woman. The sketch was prepared by Mr. Snow several years ago for publication in the Carrier Do vie: "Mary Dana Shindler was the daugh- ter of Reverend B. M. Palmer, D. D., a leading Presbyterian minister of Charleston, S. C, having been born into this life in the year 1810. Here, at the very center of a conserva- tive and slave -holding oligarchy, she received her earliest impressions, social and religious; yet, starting from such a point in her earthly career, she eventually not only freed herself from the old theological shackles, but with her large intuition and earnest aspiration she advanced onward, first into a liberal Unitarianism, then into Spiritualism, and finally into the position of an earnest worker into the Labor Reform move- ment, oue of her latest literary efforts having been the publication of a book of songs for the working people. " My first knowledge of the subiect of tli is sketch dates back to about the year 1839, when a copy of her 'Southern Harp 3 fell into my hands and at once interested me, particularly from the depth and tenderness of its religious thought and aspiration, The author then bore the- name of Mary S. B. Dana, from her firsl marriage, she being a widow at the time. Tin- main feature of tin- work is tlie adaptation of words of religious significance to music already popularly known and loved. The fol- lowing is a quotation from the introduc- tory lines: There was a time when all to me was light; No shadow stole across my pathway bright. I had a darling sister — but she died. For many years we wandered side by side, And oft these very songs she sung with me; No wonder, then, that they should plain- tive be. I had an only brother, and he died, Away from home and from his lovely bride. And not long after, those I loved too well, Pale — cold — and still — in death's em- braces fell; In two short days on me no more they smiled, My noble husband and my only child! 'Twas sorrow made me write these plain- tive lays, And yet if sad they are, they end in praise. -A- * * X * * X * "The volume contains nearly fifty songs, all written by our friend in her early years, and adapted to music chosen by her. Most of these are of a plaintive character, but occasionally there is one of a cheerful, even of a joyful, strain. " I have thus spoken somewhat full)' of this earl)- work of our friend, under the impression that it is now out of print, and not likely to be seen by my readers; also because it signally illustrates the condition of one of gentle and affection- ate make whilst laboring under the double burden of false religious ideas, and of deep personal sorrow. "But the time was at hand when our friend was to find deliverance from the dark shadows of the old theology. Urged on by her sincere love of the truth, and aided, doubtless, by unseen helpers through her large inspirational capacity, she was enabled successfully to investigate and reject the accepted ortho- doxy with which she was surrounded. She began upon the doctrine of the Trinity, but eventually extended her investigation throughout the entire sys- tem of Calvinism. The result was, that in spite of the powerful adverse influ- MARY DANA SHIXDLER. i73 ences of her social and church surround- ings, she became satisfied of the falsity of the distinctive doctrines of the church in which, as the daughter of its minister, she had been brought up, and became publicly known as a Unitarian. A great commotion this created throughout her widely extended circle of relatives and friends. She was at once beset with opposition in all its varied forms. Let- ters of remonstrance, of rebuke, and of entreaty came in upon her like a flood; but the brave woman stood her ground nobly; she did not suffer herself to be driven or coaxed from her advanced position. She could not, however, an- swer in detail the large influx of letters thus coming to her ; she, therefore, decided to publish a volume embodying the substance of her defense against the attacks of her oppouents generally. This was entitled, ' Letters to Relatives and Friends en the Trinity.' It was written in a good spirit, and with marked ability, so much so that it eventually came to be used quite extensively by Unitarians as a means of extending their faith. "In the year [848, whilst still living in South Carolina, the subject of our sketch was again married, this time to a clergy- man of the Episcopal Church, which event somewhat disturbed her relations with her many Unitarian friends, because it was reported that she had also re- nounced her Unitarianism and joined the Episcopal Church. Her own explanation of this passage of her life, as given in a letter of our subsequent correspondence, follows: I should probably never have married again, nor left the Unitarian ranks, if I bad not been suddenly deprived by what is called death of both my parents, which left me 10 much alone in the world, that when Mr. Shindler and myself were thrown together I was persuaded to unite my earthly lot with his. He married me, knowing that I was an honest Unitarian; DUt his Bishop and the South Carolina clergy, generally, were surprised at his choice, which I believe neither he nor I have ever had occasion to regret. "At the close of the war Mrs. Shindler with her husband removed to Nacog- doches, Texas, where, until his departure for the higher life, they seemed to have lived in the quiet routine of home and parish life. After that event, a son, Rob- ert C. Shindler, was the only near rela- tive left to our friend; and, unhappily for her future peace as a Spiritualist, that son, though otherwise dutiful and prom- ising, proved to be a bitter opponent of the new faith. It was this that consti- tuted the great trial of her later life, sending her often away among Spiritual- ists at the North, when otherwise she might have chosen the quiet of home. "In our successive glances at the life career of our friend, we have now arrived at the period of her positive activity as a Spiritualist. She had diligently investi- gated the claims of her new faith, travel- ing extensively to visit mediums and to compare experiences with others. The results she had published in a book, entitled, 'A Southerner among the Spir- its'; a volume which is still accessible to the public. Having now reached the time of the opening of my correspondence with her, I shall shape this sketch almost into the form of an autobiography, giv- ing my own comments only when needed to keep up the connection. Memphis, Tknn., April 19, 1877. I published my book here at my own expense. I wrote it to give my testimony to what I believe — yes, know — to be the truth, and I want to be heard. . . . 1 am now residing with Mrs. Hawks, a very fine trance lecturer. . . ..She attracts large audiences of the most high-toned and intelligent people of this city. I mention her to you because I want to tell you of a project we have in view, not yet announced tothepublic. Her spirit band .and mine are anxious that we should establish a weekly spiritual paper, to be called Thi Voice of Truth... 1 think that between ns, she with her inspired lips, and also her pen, and I with my pen, we could edit a pretty fair paper; and a weekly is much needed at the South. .. . " it will be remembered that a month- ly magazine had for some time previous been published at Memphis by Dr. Wat- son. Eventually this became merged as a department of the new weekly. 174 MARY DANA SHINDLER " Under the date of May 22, 1877, Mrs. Shindler writes: I am about starting for my Texas home where I shall probably remain till Octo- ber.... My only son is bitterly opposed to Spiritualism, and is very unwilling for me to leave home. It is very sad, and is my " thorn in the flesh." May his spir- itual eyes be opened, is my constant prayer. He is one of the best, most moral young men I ever knew, and is a very affectionate son ; but a wall has risen up between us which is very painful. Nacogdoches, Tex., July 28, 1S77. My Good, Kind Friend and Brother: If you only knew how much good your let- ters do me — how your heart's warm tide flows into mine — you would rejoice that you have it in your power to do so good a work as to comfort the one who is at present living in a benighted region with not one human being near who can understand orappreciate the only subjects of thought in which she is interested. . . . I will tell you all about our projected paper, The Voice of Truth. From first to last I have been led along; and even about the publication of my book I was dubious till the last moment, not being absolutely certain that I was doing right. I spent the last two months in Memphis with Mrs Hawks, an inspirational medi- um of rare powers, and of great purity and spirituality of character. Her guides proposed and urged the project, and were particularly positive in the direction that I should be associated in the editor- ship; and then I had intimations from my spirit band to the same effect; and these intimations came to me so in many ways, sometimes really startling, that I was forced into a conditional consent. . . . I suppose my portion of the work will be to write, write, write ; and select such matter as I think interesting and profitable. Sept. 1 6th . . I have been trying to get to Memphis for the last month, for I am very much needed there to assist in the issue of our first number of The Voice of Truth, but my presence at home seemed almost indispensable. I have not been idle this summer. I have been collecting matter for the paper, both original and selected, and have quite a store of material on hand. Though my brain is not large, it is terri- bly active; if it were not for that I might become mediuniistic enough to receive help through my own organism; but I am never "passive" a moment when awake. Rut let me tell vou something funny. Every night, before retiring, I 'sit with a pencil and paper and write to myself as from my spirit friends; but cannot, for the life of me, tell whether I am not doing it all. Sometimes I can write, and sometimes not. At any rate, reading over these communications is a comfort to me, and that is sdmethiug. "Not long after, Mrs. Shindler found herself regularly harnessed into the edi- torial life at Memphis. She must have been very busy, working hard as leading editor of the new Spiritualist paper, the numbers of which came out regularly for about six months, containing an unusual proportion of editorial matter, written in the free, flowing, and interesting style of the leading editor. I think that the paper was becoming quite extensively popular, and might have continued with some degree of permanence, had it not been for unforeseen adverse condi- tions, soon to be noticed. Owing to this very busy life in which she was engaged, several months elapsed before I received another letter from my friend. But under date of February 28, 1878, after apologizing for the delay, she wrote: I knew I was undertaking an arduous task when I consented, after the earnest solicitations of 1113^ earth — and so far as I can judge, my spirit— friends to engage in the editorship of a weekly journal; but if I can only go on with it, I shall feel thankful for the opportunity of pour- ing my little bucketful on to the tidal- wave which is now sweeping over the earth, bearing away the rubbish of old systems which are tumbling and falling all around us. " The following extracts are taken from a letter dated at Memphis, April 23, 1878: I am receiving cheering letters from many quarters, and feel thankful that my first attempt at editorship has been so favorably received. It is pleasant work for me, only my task is rather too severe. I do not mind writing the articles, that is the pait I love; but the responsibility of filling the paper with a variety of interesting matter, worries me considerably. The proof-reading also is no easy work. You need not be uneasy about my vacating the editorial chair for a while, for I shall continue to write, es- pecially on certain subjects, and send matter to the paper by mail. But my brain has been on the strain too long, and MARY DANA SHIXDLER. i75 I am admonished that I must break away and enjoy the quiet of .home for a season. " Soon after, leaving the immediate management in the hands of her assistant editor, Mrs. Hawks, whose husband was the business manager, and upon whom also rested the pecuniary responsibility of the enterprise, Mrs. Shindler returned to her Texas home, intending to spend the summer there. The passages from her letters which follow will sufficiently indicate the course of succeeding events: June 3, 1S78. I nearly broke myself down before I left Memphis, and ever since I have been at home I have found even the writing of a letter a grievous burden; yet occa- sionally a thought or a series of thoughts comes to me with such power that I am obliged to give them expression in a hastily penned article, which the next day I would not know to be mine, if it had not my signature. What kind of writing do you call tnat ? Inspirational or what? .... My home looks lovely. I have white, pink, and red tea roses in bloom, and many other flowers, which make the garden gay, while the mocking birds keep up a constant serenade. It will be very hard for me to break away when it becomes necessary for me to return to Memphis; but by that time I suppose I shall begin to long for the society of spiritualists. " In her next letter of June 22(1, Mrs. Shindler begins to manifest trouble and alarm at the state of things at Memphis. Mrs. Hawks had been taken dangerously ill. in view of which state of things is found the following anxious inquiry: What is to become of the Voice of 7) nth f In the present wearied condition of my brain I would not again undertake to carry it on alone "However, from the exigency of the case, it was found necessary to suspend the publication for three months. Then came on that terrible prevalence of the yellow- fever, tin- remembrance <»f which is still fresh in the public mind. This put an end to the noble enterprise of onr friends, as it did. for the time being, to almost every enterprise of that devoted city. "Under date of Kovembei 23d Mrs. Shindler thus writes of the final catas- trophe: I have had two or three letters from Mr. Hawks — she is not able to write a line. They are still sick and thoroughly dis- couraged. The whole family had the yellow fever and it has left both Mr. and Mrs. H. in a very nervous condition; and he writes that from financial and other considerations, there is no probability of resuming the publication of the Voice of Truth. It is one of the great disappoint- ments of my life, for I had formed a broad and comprehensive plan of action which was but just begun to be fulfilled; especially was this the case in regard to the topics of "Co-operation" and of " Woman and her Work." But I think I shall still go on writing upon the latter subject; and perhaps, if times grow better and I have a favorable opportunity, I may offer the result to the public in a book form. "Our friend now, for a time, felt that her occupation was gone, and that she w^as doomed to an unwelcome extension of her time of inaction and exile in the uncongeniality of her Texas home. But soon there were indications in her letters that her intensely active mind \\ work on other projects. She writes: I have been writing for the working people. My articles are not so much on the finance question, about which there are such differences of opinion. They are directed more to the hearts of those who can feel for the poor, and who hate monopoly, bribery, wicked legislation, and fraud of all descriptions. Letters are pouring in upon me from working men, thanking me for niv labors in behalf of the laboring classes, snd I feel that a higher power than mine has been my guide in this nnitter. " We soon alter find Mrs. Shindler in New York, where she remained till near the close (>r the year, keeping herself quite busy, especially with the pen, in tin- new work she seemed t<> have before her. Prom letters received during this period, I must limit myself to the ex tracts which follow : Before 1 left home 1 w is * i iting for tin- working people's part) . and 1 also wrote .1 greal many prose articles, which were r\ tensivrl v copied into the labor reform paper*, till now 1 find my- self quite popular with the common 176 MARY DANA SHINDLER. people. . . .1 feel sure that this work has been chosen for me by niy angel friends, who seem to be leading me along, open- ing for me doors of usefulness all the time. . . .1 am at all times conscious that I am watched over and guided by the wise and good who have passed on before me; and I believe that they will preserve me from contamination while leading me into rough paths and to acquaintanceship with strange companions. . .Letters come to me from perfect strangers in all parts of the Union, gratefully thanking me for the sympathy expressed in my writings for suffering humanity, and I cannot help hoping that I am doing a good work; but be this as it may, I cannot choose for myself; I have been obliged to enter this field, and here I must stay until I can get leave of absence .... " Soon after, Mrs. Shindler returned to her home in Texas, and remained about a year; but early in the year 1881, being then past seventy years of age, she made another and a final visit to New York. Upon her final return to her Texas home our correspondence continued until the closing months of her earthly career, when her letters ceased. The announce- ment of her death, in February, 1883, reached me through the columns of a paper, but no particulars of the final hours. But we may safely infer that when the closing crisis came, whatever may have been the uncongeniality of the visible surroundings, there was an abun- dant concert of harmonious blendings close upon the borders of the two worlds where now was transpiring a most joyful transition. "Since her entrance into the unseen world I have had two interviews with her who is now my spirit friend, in the pres- ence of a mediumship of the most excel- lent and reliable character. During the first of these she said : ' I have had in mind continually almost since my pas- sage into this life to come en rapport with you and the medium through whom so many beautiful communications have been given. I thought first of the help it would be to me, and thought, too, of the pleasure. Tears are compensated for in this hour. So much that is grand and beautiful beyond expression opens to my vision! I am filled with the influence, but may not give expression to a tenth part of my feeling. . . .1 am with you now as ever in the wish to benefit others. Whatever I can do to assist in your work, I shall be privileged, I trust, to do A light is shining as far as the spirit eye can reach, and to me it seems that the whole universe must feel its power. Joy unspeakable is mine. I would that the whole world were so blessed.' "At our second interview, after I had nearly completed this article, it was said: 'I am here to-day to speak of self. My earthly career is ended, and yet not ended. I am possessed of clearer per- ceptions of life and its duties than ever before. And, oh! how I long to be able to straighten out all the crookedness of my past! For sometimes I have been blinded by a zeal and enthusiasm not enlightened by wisdom. Yet, on the whole, I am happy to be able to say that I did the best I could. Your attempt to bring before the public a notice of my humble self, would flatter me, did I not know my many imperfections. If I had had more self-confidence, I might have used my powers more forcibly ; so please pass lightly over the past, and say of her of whom you have been writing, that since her entrance into the spirit life, she, like others, has become aware of the posses- sion of powers far beyond her own con- ception of her real self; and would gladly, had she the instruments so to do, devote years of time in humanitarian work ; for her heart still lingers with those she knew on the earth-plane, who were enslaved by circumstances and con- ditions, and in need of powerful helpers on this side of life.' " ANNA D. LOUCKS X The subject of this sketch was one of the pioneer mediums on the Pacific Coast, and did much for the education of both spirits and mortals during the years of her mediumistic work. Mrs. Loucks passed to the higher life from the Kings Daughters' Home in San Francisco, May 21, 1S93. Ofhermedium- ship and its value to the world, there is no one more competent to decide than that veteran Spiritualist, Herman Snow, who was at one time associated with Mrs. Loucks in the capacity of scribe, report- ing her seances, and publishing much valuable and interesting matter given by the spirit friends during her enhance- ment. The author can do no better than make extracts from a sketch written by Mr. Snow, and published in the Carrier DOVE some nine years ago, which will give the reader a clear idea of her noble, unselfish life and work. Mr. Snow says: " Among the many striking phases of our modern Spiritualism are some which go to show that we of this life are by no means the sole recipients of the more important benefits resulting from a clos e mediumistic relation between the two worlds. It is now well understood by the- more experienced in matters of the kind, that there is a mutual exchange of helps between spirits in and out of the earthly body; and many of our most de- voted mediums have given largely of" their capacities in aid of necessitous ones on the spirit Bide of life. Of medium- helpers Of this kind may be ranked— pre-eminently I think — Mrs. Anna Dan forth Loucks, who is well known to many of the earlier and well-established Spiritualists of San Francisco vicinity, Including the present writer, with whom daring a period of about eight years, she was engaged in a series of seances in aid of unfortunate ones upon the borders of the spirit world. This work was under the control and guidance of a band ot beneficent spirit workers, who were con- stantly seeking new methods of advanc- ing their work, and to which Mrs. Loucks had given herself up unreservedly and unselfishly. My own part of the work consisted in acting as the scribe of our seance, and otherwise aiding in their harmony and efficiency; also it belonged to me to publish to the world some of the more striking results. A regular record was kept of our proceedings from which was eventually published our vol- ume, "Visions of the Beyond, by a Seer of To-day " ; and also, afterwards, there was contributed to the different Spiritual- ist papers enough to fill another volume of like size had it been deemed best to publish another. It has been from my journal of the seances that I have gath- ered the materials for this brief sketch of the life work of the medium. ' ' Mrs. Loucks is a native of New Hamp- shire, and in that .State her childhood and youth were passed, her family name being Dauforth. Later, she lived much in Bos- ton, but came to California whilst yet in youthful vigor, and here- she lived many years, mostly in San Francisco. She was married here, and for several years en- joyed a happy home-life, until, during the prevalence of one of our virulent epidemics, her husband was suddenly taken away, leaving her sadly alone and dependent in all the many years since that time, she has given the Btrength of lur life to the specialty of her medium- ship, the demands upon ber beinj exacting a character that she had but little strength for such other purpo might have enabled her to ( - irn fi 1 bei self the means of a comfortable support. Bui having a Btrong, personal disl engaging in anything like a regularly paid mediumship, and being encoui in the same direction by her hand, she i 7 8 ANNA DANFORTH LOUCKS. was induced to depend upon voluntary contributions of friends to support her in her work. These, though at times liberal and sufficient, yet often failed, so that she sometimes suffered privations and want, all of which she was ready to endure rather than shrink from a work of relief to those in the spirit form, which to her seemed so real and important. She once told me that she would rather live on bread and water than give up this work. " Mrs. Loucks was a medium-seer, that is, she could see clearly spirit forms and scenery, and, when conditions were fa- vorable, as was generally the case with us, she could convey to me in clear and compact language, the thoughts of spirits with whom she was en rapport. She could also, at the same time, converse with me in answer to my questions, thus enabling me to exchange thoughts with this con- trolling band, or with the special objects of our relief; and sometimes such spoken words from one in the bodily form, prove to be of great importance as a starting point of relief. Important symbolic in- structions were also sometimes conveyed through this medium, as may be seen in the volume already alluded to. This mediumistic gift seems to have been a native endowment, though something was done for a further development in later life. On two occasions, as a part of seance proceedings, while Mrs. Loucks was still partially in her abnormal condition, the following concerning her earlier medium- istic experiences, given in her own lan- guage, will, I think, be found of special interest to the reader, although much abridged through lack of space. She says: I did not see much of special interest until I was about eight years of age. There, I see myself extremely restless and unsatisfied, especially with my want of opportunities for gaining the' mere rudiments of a common school education. Hut I now see that this deficiency in my early training was not, perhaps, a loss, for in proportion to the want of external advantages, so were my inward capacities of an intuitive character deepened. At times, a perfect Hood of jov would fill my being, and yet I knew not why nor whence it came. Then the tide of mv life would flow back to the other extreme of a restless dissatisfaction. I can now see that all this was of an educationary character, stimulating and enlarging my inward growth, and preparing me for the kind of work I had to do, far better than a store of general education, the want of which I was accustomed so deeply to deplore, would have done. The first remembered use of my vision- seeing was not far from the time of the death of my mother, I being then about twelve yeais of age. I clearly foresaw her death, even to the very position in which she was afterwards placed in the coffin, the infant child whose birth was her death being laid upon one arm at her side. About a month after, when most of the family were away, she came and partly showed herself to me, but the effect upon me was such that, as I have since been told, she withdrew herself from my vision. The earthly members of our family were greatly troubled when I told them of what had taken place, and said they should not again leave me so nearly alone. With my present illumination, I can look back and trace the wisdom-hand that has led me all the ways, being now recognized as the wa}S of wisdom and love, though at the time much has come to me in dark and doubtful forms. My father, who is now near me in his spirit form, says that in such cases we are " the blind led, but not by the blind." All along m}* life-course I have had this especial annoyance: I would seem to have a vivid consciousness of the active, inner state of those with whom I come into near relations, and so large a part of such inward life being of an evil or perverted character, I have often been impelled into apparent harsh judgments of those around me, although 1 have tried hard to curb myself in this tendency. Many a severe reproach have I thus in- curred when, as I now see it, I was no more blame-worthy than I am when, with the external eye, I see bodily deformities directly before me. Another tendency has greatly troubled me: All great sufferings and sorrows have been so far forshadowed that I have been made to tremble, and sometimes to cry out in an agony of apprehension, al- though the exact rature of the corning calamity could not be seen by me. This was especially the case at the time of my husband's transition which came sud- denly upon me. Even in that case the great suffering was whilst 1 was under a cloud of apprehension foreshadowing the calamity. When it was actually at hand, I was comparatively calm and sustained. ANNA DANFORTH LOUCKS. "At a later period, while in her normal conversational condition, Mrs. Loucks gave me some of the more interesting particulars of this departure. It seems that she herself took the almost exclusive care of her husband, and was entirely alone with him when the final crisis was reached. As she stood by the bedside, she clearly saw the process of the separa- tion of the spirit from the material body; and when it was fairly over, her dear one beamed upon her a genial and loving smile, playfully waving his hand toward her, but did not leave her near presence until he had advised her somewhat in regard to the disposal of the body, and other matters of immediate interest. " Before closing, some effort should be made more clearly to define the peculiari- ties of this mediumistic work of Mrs. Loucks. It was, I think, different in at least one important respect , from what had been generally known, even among ad- vanced Spiritualists. All such, from an early date, have been familiar with aiding ignorant and vicious spirits through medi- ums. But our work was by no means confined to aiding this class, for often individuals of advanced intelligence were made participants in the wise helping influence of our band. In such cases, the efforts were largely of an experi- mental character, aimed at once to a better understanding of the condition of a natural and easy transition from the earthly to the spirit life, and to a Qe< a-sist others, seeking by every means to educate them, and in bis humblesphere to do all tlu- good, alleviate all the suffer- ing, and give all tbe assistance in bis pOW( r. At times his inspiration has been prophetic, and tin- clouds lowering in the horizon cast ominous shadows upon the sensitive dial of his soul as he foietold their significance. bike all others who have dared t«> step out of the old and beaten paths of' ac- cepted theological error, Mr. Pratt was destined to meet with opposition and de- rision among those Of biSOWU household, l'.ut nothing could chill tlu- ardor of" his purpose or shake- his determination to stand by the truth as revealed to his mi- 182 AARON W. PRATT. derstanding, as it was based upon, and in harmonious accord with, universal law as demonstrated in nature. Mr. Pratt is not a medium for physical phenomena, and can convey to others but a small fraction of what he receives interiorly; yet a silent, potent influence or power attends him, which is felt by all with whom he comes in contact, that is sufficient to cope with all opposition. This power seems to command for him a large blessing, as he constantly strives for the highest and best attainable, and receives, therefore, spiritual gifts and illumination as the gentle dews descend from Heaven and are absorbed into the bosom of the thirsty, expectant earth. Mr. Pratt resides in Edgar, Nebraska, where he maintains himself by labor on his farm, although now past his seventy- sixth year. He is still in perfect physical health, as elastic as in youth, and the perfect expression of a harmonious life in accord with the teachings of the divinity within his own soul, and as revealed from the higher shores of life and the realm of causation. He is truly an embodiment of the principles of the spiritual philosophy, and one of the few surviving pioneers who dared to brave the sneers and scorn of the world for its vindication. ■i MRS. S. COWELL. MRS. S. COWELL. Among the many mediums who have come to the front in Spiritualism on the Pacific Coast during the past few years, no one stands more conspicuous in the work than does the subject of this sketch. Since her first appearance upon the Spiritual rostrum, seven years ago, she has been kept constantly engaged, both in public and private, and her work has received the highest indorse- ments from societies and individuals who have been the recipients of her min- istrations. Mrs. Cowell made her first appearance as a platform test medium in the City of Oakland, where she has re- sided many years, and where she has a beautiful home, and a large circle of true and devoted friends. It was no won- der that the Spiritual gifts which had been hers from earliest childhood, al- though not understood or comprehended by herself or her parents until they had been the source of much suffering, both :a1 and mental, should at last, un- der the pleasant surroundings and har- monious influences of her married life, blossom forth into the beautiful fruition of a grand and holy mediumship, that was destined to fill all her mature years with a joy and peace unspeakable, and bring comfort and happiness to thousands of earth's weary and benighted ones, ii was but a just and fitting compensation for all that she had suffered as a child on account of being possessed with powers not in Common with other children, but belonging to the class of superphysical senses, which enabled her to Bee clair- vovantlv, and hear < lairaudient 1 \ , when too young to understand the mean- ing of the Bights and Bounds coming to her from the spirit side of life. These strange experiences wen- the cause of frequent punishments and reproof from those who, as ignorant as herself ol their true source, attributed them to Satanic influence, and as such to be condemned and "cast out" if possible. Notwith- standing the trials and hardships of her young life, still the angel teachers did not abandon their favored instrument, but patiently waited until the time should come when they could unfold and use her wonderful powers for the good of humanity and her own highest develop- ment. Mrs. Cowell is well known throughout the State of California, having received calls to lecture and give platform tests from all the leading societies in the prin- cipal cities from San Diego to San Fran- cisco. She has been the recipient of many valuable testimonials from individ- uals who have received remarkable tests, both public and private, and has been highly indorsed by societies wherever she has appeared. The leading societies of Los Angeles, San Jose, and Oakland keep her almost constantly engaged upon their respective platforms, with but short intervals of rest between en- gagements. She has also had a number of calls from Sacramento, and filled the engagements with great satisfaction to all concerned. During the various camp-meet ings held in Oakland, Mis. Cowell was alw conspicuous worker, and whatever of is has attended such efforts of late years has been largely owingtoher in- domitable energy and perseverance. She was one of the most prominent of the leading upeakersand mediums at the first camp-meeting held by the Spiritual] Southern California at their Convention at Santa Monica during the Bummer of and, at the close of that meeting, lira, Cowell united her hues with "iher prominent mediums, and held a Spirit- ual Congress in Music Hall, Lob Angeles, which attracted large audiences, ;m ,i aroused a public interest in Spiritualism 184 MRS. S. COWELL. never before known in that City of Priests and Masses. After the Congress closed its sessions, Mrs. Cowell, Doctor Schles- inger and Mrs. Frietag formed a me- diunaistic combine, and, with the as- sistance of Mr. S. D. Dye and Mrs. Schlesinger, they engaged the Los An- geles Theater and commenced a series of most successful meetings, which continued seven weeks, and resulted in the organization of The Harmonial Spiritualists' Association, which retained the Theater, and held very large and popular meetings, with the best talent available on the platform, after the pro- jectors of the movement had been obliged to return to their respective homes to fill other engagements. That Society is now the leading one of Southern Cali- fornia. Since its organization both Doc- tor Schlesinger and Mrs. Cowell have been recalled to occupy its platform, and others long prominent in the work have been engaged for the near future. Mrs. Cowell's tests regarding business matters are remarkable for their clear- ness of detail and accuracy. Many testi- monials of a private nature, and other- wise, are in the possession of the writer from grateful souls who have been helped materially, as well as spiritually, through the advice they have received from spirit friends through this grand medium. One instance of this kind occurred in Oakland, where parties were told con- cerning matters of business pertaining to an inheritance due them in England, which resulted in a trip to the Mother Country by the gentleman interested, and of his coming into possession of his property amounting to twenty thousand dollars. In this instance Mrs. Cowell's guides managed the entire matter, and gave explicit directions as to the proper course to be pursued by the parties in- terested, in order to obtain their rights. Dining the camp-meeting at Santa Monica, Cal., Airs. Cowell, while giving tests from tin- platform, said to a young in in in the audience that his father, who Lived in England, had recently passed to spirit life. The young man admitted that his father was in England, but that he believed him to be alive and well. A few days later the gentleman sought an interview with Mrs. Cowell at the close of an evening meeting and stated that he had just received news from home say- ing that his father had died, the time of his death corresponding exactly with the date fixed by Mrs. Cowell at the time she gave the test. The Herald of Light, of San Diego, speaks of Mrs. Cowell's visit to that city as follows: Mrs. R. Cowell and her genial hus- band made a host of friends during their three weeks' visit to San Diego, and it was with regret that we bid them fare- well. During her brief sojourn here, Mrs. Cowell's clairvoyant eyes have brought to light hidden documents of much value to the owners, and in some cases, keeping them out of the courts; they have unraveled mysteries and brought peace and comfort to sorrowing souls. The jMedua//, of Los Angeles, speaks of her first appearance before a Spiritual Society in that city in a pleasing para- graph. It says: Mrs. R. Cowell of Oakland occupied the platform of the First Spiritual So- ciety last Sunday afternoon and evening, and made a fine impression upon all. The lady is a powerful medium and a pleasing, eloquent speaker, both while under control and in her normal state. Her discourses are given under control and she never knows beforehand what the subject is to be. Her tests, to which she devotes most of the time, are given with great rapidity and wonderful accu- racy. She will remain with the Society during this mouth, and those who miss the opportunity of hearing her will surely regret it. In the same paper, a few months later, Mrs. Amanda Wiggin, a pioneer medium and speaker, pays a just and fitting trib- ute to genuine mediumship in the follow- ing words: Editor Medium — I believe honest, gen- uine mediumship should be recognized, and such mediums be known to all Spiritualists. This is why I pen these lines. Our sister, and medium, Mrs. S. Cow- ell, who has just closed her engagement MRS. S. COWEI.L. >8 5 in Los Angeles and has returned to her home in Oakland, Cal., is a fine medium and a good woman; any one may be proud of her friendship, and we need not be ashamed to introduce her to our friends and receive her into our homes. We feel the angels' blessing while so doing for she is a faithful worker, who leaves a clean, wholesome feeling wherever she goes. Any body of Spiritualists needing such a medium can, with confidence, ap- ply to her and feel secure in hiring her. At a circle of over forty persons I heard her give more messages than any other medium I ever listened to. I commenced the investigation of Spiritualism in 1862, and have bad great experience with me- diums, but I never met one whose works leave a better or more lasting infiueuce than Mrs. Cowell's. The following is a brief synopsis of an address delivered by Mrs. Cowell during a recent engagement in San Jose, Cal. The subject was, "Spiritualism; What Is It? and What Has It Done?" As usual, the lecture was so filled with the poetic fire of the spheres of light that it would be impossible to do it justice in a summarized report. However, we will endeavor to give a few of the thoughts conveyed in this lecture, robbing them of their poetic robes and the beautiful pictures surrounding them. " Spiritualism," her control said, "has' opened the flood-gates of wisdom to woman, and made her equal to man in every respect. It has raised the banner of light on the hills of the morning, and sent forth glory-crowned angels of light with glad tidings of great joy to the darkened world. " It brings out the better part of man- hood, and has lifted many a mortal from the mire and placed him upon the rock of truth, justice, and all that is noble in man. "Thoughts are things — as mortals think, so will be the spirit band they attract to their aid — legions of light or demons of darkness. " Your Bible is nothing but a record of miracles from cover to cover. But in reference to bringing back the dead, there are no dead to return; they have laid down the garments of life material and passed to the higher spheres of life immortal." An orthodox death scene was given, and the prayer of the departing one was " O, pray for me, for I go to a land I know not where !" " Alas for his creed- darkened soul ! But he knezu when the morning came." Then comes the scene of a good old Spiritualist who is about to pass out. He says, " I fear not the sea that rolls between me and my loved ones; I have the chart and compass, and dread not the voyage." "But you say, 'The old man was in his dotage.' But how do you account for the little child with golden locks who, in passing out, says, ' Good-by, but here comes father from the beautiful country to take me to the crystal streams of life immortal.' " The chair of science in your colleges will yet bring forth a science that will make yonder church tremble from its foundation." In reference to frauds and imposters who were duping the public, the control asked: "Did you ever see a truth with- out a counterfeit? " The injunction was then given, " Be not believers but knowers and doers." In concluding, the speaker said: When the voices come back to all through the misty scenes of life material, sorrowing will be no more; knowledge, joy, and peace will ' fill the world as the waters cover the sea.' " May you all be true Spiritualists, BO that you may be able to ' read your titles clear to mansions in the skies '—to homes of light and truth. '' J. S. LOVELAND. Professor J. S. Loveland was born in the Town of Stoddard, State of New Hamp- shire, on the twenty-first day of March, 1S18. He is the seventh generation from Thomas Loveland of Glastonbury, Conn., from whom all the Lovelands in the United States have descended. The family came from England, and landed at Boston, Mass., prior to 1635, as during that year, in company with others, they made their way through the wilderness and settled in what is now Glastonbury, Conn. Some seventy members of the family were soldiers in the Revolu- tionary War, and Lovelands have been found on nearly, or quite, all the battle- fields of all our wars. The Professor's father was in the famous bayonet charge at Luudy's Lane, in the war of 1812; and also under Colonel Miller, who captured a British battery in the same campaign. A Doctor Dickerson, at a family reunion in Brighton, Ills., said of the Loveland family: " No enterprise is too difficult for their energy; no difficulties are insur- mountable, and no heights are too lofty for their aspiration. As a family they are equal to any, and surpassed by none." The father of the Professor was a poor man, and from his early boyhood he was compelled to grapple with hard work. His educational advantages were a few months each year in the common school, where only the rudiments of education were taught. Reading, writing, arithme- tic, grammar, and geography, with a little sprinkling of history was the extent of his studies up to his eighteenth year, when lie commenced teaching himself, but con- tinued it but for one winter. His family, like most of the prominent people in his native town, were freethinkers, and he grew up without the blight of a religions training; never attended a Sunday School, and for several years never went to any religious meetings whatever. But in his nineteenth year he worked for a farmer in the Town of Gilsum, who was a church member, and as several .of the young people went to church, he attended with them. The result was that, at a Meth- odist meeting, he was converted, and became a member of that organization, when about 19 years of age. And for sixteen years he continued a member of the M. E. Church. Within a few months after his conver- sion he had a "call to preach." This was a turning point in his history. Un- educated, poor, and bashful to the last degree, he struggled with the '! call," but when, at last, he consulted the older brethren and the preacher who had con- verted him, he found they had all been expecting such a "call." It is barely possible that their thought and expecta- tion had not a little to do with the "call," though it is not at all improbable that special Spirit influence is largely con- cerned in giving the "call to preach." At all events, soon after passing his twentieth year, he was on a "circuit" in Vermont as a Methodist preacher. He continued preaching some fourteen years, and when he withdrew could have had the best appointments in New England. During these years he managed to attend several terms in seminaries of learning, and also the first Methodist Theological School, so that, when he withdrew' from the church and ministry, he could read the Bible in Hebrew, Greek, Latin, and English, and had been appointed Profes- sor of Mental and Moral Philosophy in an academy in Northern Ohio, but other calls and duties prevented his engaging in that work. It would readily be inferred that the early modes of thought and active intel- lectuality of the family would tend to produce serious questionings as to many of the tenets of Orthodox theology. And J. S. LOVELAND. 187 this inference became, in time, an ap- palling fact. The very foundations of his theology would crumble to pieces in the crucible of his intellect. Its glaring inconsistencies would stand out in as bold relief in the field of his conscious- ness as the granite mountains of his native state in the field of outer vision. How could he continue to preach ? There was always one complete answer to all the turmoil of an exacting reason. It was his experience. Had he not been ar- rested like Saul of Tarsus? Had he not been revolutionized in a day from con- firmed Atheism into a knowledge of Im- mortality ? Had he not the "Witness of the Spirit"? Did he not realize the overpowering ecstasies of his spiritual union with God? Did not the "Divine Power" attend and seal his preaching? Did not people fall as dead, and, in their entrancement, have wondrous visions of the spiritual world, and this under the preaching of the very doctrines which his reason rejected ? Here was the great difficulty: He did not, could not, for a long time, see but what the experiences were naturally and logically the outcome of the theological tenets of the creeds and articles of religion. Hence, he was held in what seemed an inextricable thrall. But during all these years of study, reasoning, and work, he was demon- strating principles, but could not fit them into a unitary System. linked, it was not till he bad become somewhat familiar with Spiritualism that a unitary system of thought became apparent in bis con- sciousness. Then all the seemingly iso- lated principles dropped into their proper place— they were all Bystemized of them- selves. Professor Loveland did not commence his investigations of Modern Spiritual- ism as do many, who need evidence Of the fad that decarnate spirits can mani- fest themselves to those still in the form. In the .Methodist Church he had seen cases of trance, win re spirits mani- fested themselves as clearly as he has ever seen in spiritual circles. The his tory of Methodism abounded with in- stances of the return and manifestation of spirits. Indeed, so satisfactory were these instances, that he has never been any more convinced than when a minis- ter of the M. E. Church. He commenced his investigation simply to see whether it was a reality or a fraud. It required but little to show the genuineness of the phenomena; and, hence, to command his assent to the fact. He had, however, little anticipated the bitter hostility with which the manifestations would be as- sailed by the church; and it was, no doubt, these implacable hostilities which largely tended to still farther open his eyes to the falsities of theology, and lead him to an utter renunciation of the en- tire system of superuaturalism. But the final step would seem to many ex- tremely hard, and would be thought a great sacrifice. Consider, he had entered the ministry of that powerful church when a boy. He worked up from a country-circuit preacher to the metropolis of New England. The best appoint- ments were before him. He was loved, honored, and desired. He was still poor; not worth a dollar, with a family, and not possessing even furniture for housekeeping, as that was furnished by the societies. He had no trade, no occu- pation, and no acquaintances outside of that church. Lecturing among Spirit- ualists had not been thought of. But he could no longer honestly preach the doc- trines of Orthodoxy, and calmly walked out ofthe church by withdrawing from the New England Conference, of which be was a member, it is (rue, he was giving up the fruits of many toilsome, self-denying years of work and effort— it was abandon- ing the sure prospect of honor and emolu- ment for the future years, but be never thought he was sacrificing, or doing any very meritorious thing; it fact, it was to him plain, common sense duty, which he performed without regret or the slightest anxiety as to the results. The future was a blank, except that he thought he might leave the fit \ . in the Country, and rent a piece of land and make a living. i88 J. S. LOVELAND. But the Providence of the " Circle of the Higher Harmonies" had other plans for his future. Some months after this event, a Spiritualistic friend by the name of Johnson, said to him, "Brother Love- land I wish you would give us a lecture on Spiritualism." Impressed by the repe- tition of the request at different times, he consented, thinking he could talk an hour on that topic. A hall was secured, notice given, and on a Sunday afternoon he went to the hall, found it full, also the ante-rooms and hallways. After the lec- ture the people demanded another and a larger hall. It was secured, and the one lecture lengthened out to some three years, with an audience frequently reach- ing up to six and seven hundred. This was the first Spiritualistic meeting ever established in this country, and if this lecture was not the first ever given upon Spiritualism, it was the first ever heard of in New England; and one thing is certain, Professor Loveland was the first lecturer to start a regular Sunday meeting and continue it for any length of time; and he believes he was the first person to be entitled a regular lecturer on the Spiritual philosophy, He was the first person to dedicate himself exclu- sively to that work. He is not anxious for any glory on that accouut, but sim- ply wishes the real facts of history to be understood. The first lecture was given in Charles- town, Mass., and for the first season he would lecture in Charlestown in the afternoon, and in Boston in the evening, though the audiences were partly the same, Charlestown being a suburb of Boston. His labors were not confined to the city, but on week-day evenings he lectured in the outlying cities and towns, extending his work into the adjoining States. There is no portion of the country where Spiritualism has obtained so strong and extensive influence as in Boston and the contiguous territory. The Professor has lectured in all the large cities of the North, except Cincin- nati, but only in St. Louis of the former Slave States, and in most of the second- class cities, besides a large number of smaller cities and towns. Unlike most speakers, he has never made a practise of soliciting engagements, but has gone only where he has been called. In 1883, the Professor was called from California to Clinton, Iowa, to dedicate the grounds of Mt. Pleasant Park for a camp-meeting resort for the "Iowa Con- ference of Spiritualists." The name of the organization was afterwards changed to the "Mississippi Valley Association of Spiritualists." In 1887 he was elected President of that Association, and pre- sided at each camp-meeting till la grippe assailed him and prevented his attend- dance in 1894. The first year of his Pres- idency he found the financial affairs of the Association in a very unsatisfactory condition. There were two legal organi- zations concerned in the ownership and management of the Park, the Associa- tion above-named, and an auxiliary body called the "Mt. Pleasant Park Stock Company." This auxiliary body had assumed almost entire control of grounds and meetings, and apparently part of the directors had determined to close the camp-meetings, sell the grounds, and divide the proceeds. The Professor at once moved to checkmate this effort, and succeeded, with the effi- cient efforts of faithful members, in pay- ing off the debt on the grounds, purchas- ing some six hundred dollars worth of tents, securing the transfer of the title to the Park to the Association. One of the Park stockholders brought suit to force the sale of the grounds, but was beaten in the District Court, the decree of which was confirmed by the Supreme Court of the State. So now the Association owns the beautiful Park, worth some fifteen to twenty thousand dollars, has a fine hotel and several other buildings, and the Professor has the satisfaction that he con- tributed something to that result. Many of his friends feel that but for his efforts the grounds would have been lost, and the Camp broken up. 1. S. LOVELAND. 189 Professor Lovelaud has not been a bookmaker to any extent. With the ex- ception of several pamphlets, he has pub- lished but one book, consisting of seven lectures on Mediumship. The first edi- tion of one thousand volumes, with the exception of a few copies, was exhausted some three years ago. But la grippe, and a grip on his finances, through the failure of a friend, have prevented print- ing another edition. He is at present writ- ing another work on Mediumship and also one on Immortality, which he hopes to publish soon. He has one or two more works in contemplation, if time permits. Of mediumship he has had various phases, from the tipping of tables to what he terms the Higher Mediumship. Though always hospitable to all forms of special or test mediumship, he has never reverenced it as a fetich, or ran after it as a gratification of a blind credulity. On the contrary, it has addressed itself to him as a purely scientific process, on the part of spirit personalities, to prove 1 their identity, and (2) to voice impor- tant messages to man on the earth. And, though commiserating the actors, he has a profound contempt and detestation of reading, jack-knives, rings, etc., and tell- ing fortunes, and calling it Spiritualism. Psychometric readings are most interest- ing and instructive at the proper time and place, but to present them as the manifestations of spirits is a crime against truth. He has sought to discover the philosophy of mediumship, and is satis- fied that be has been successful in his researches. He baa discovered what he terms the dual unity ol man; that lie has a dual mentality — a conscious and a sub- conscious selfhood. The latter is the seat of the mediumistic capacity— it has the great synipathct ic nerve system, or in other words, the Dei ves of organic life for its brain center. It is automatic or controlled in its actions. He holds that a proper understanding of the subconscious self will unlock and explain all the mys- teries of mediumship; show the way to perfect health and happiness; furnish tin- methods for a more perfect education; as well as opening the way for the evolution of that higher mediumship, which will bring, all attaining it, into a felt and comprehended fellowship with the infinite life of the cosmos. He is hoping to stay on this side of life long enough to write out a full elucidation of the rela- tions, the interworkings of the conscious and subconscious — the volitional and automatic factors of our wonderful life. He has always been a persistent advo- cate for the organization of Spiritualists into a strong working body, for the pur- pose of instituting prcper measures for revolutionizing the selfish system of com- petitive cannibalism, which is miscalled civilization. As Spiritualism is a new evolution of humanitary thought, he cannot see how it can be other than a potential agent in superseding the antago- nisms created and fostered by the old religions, and building up in practical conduct the principles of universal bro- therhood. He has been amazed, and almost disheartened, by the standstill conservatism and, what is worse, violent opposition on the part of professed Spir- itualists to all the progressive movements of the age. To him this new dispensation has been inaugurated, very largely by the fathers of the country, for the express purpose of saving this country from the terrible fate of all past nations, which have disregarded justice, and enthroned selfishness as the- law of the land. He claims that Spiritualism should be our religion, morality, politics, and social life; that it includes every principle of personal and civic life, and cannot be laid oil' anywhere, and the old garment of religious sellism put OU. The literary woik of the Professor, in addition to the book ami pamphlets be- fore mentioned, has been in the news- paper line, he having been contributor to nearly all the Spiritualist papers, and has pel formed quite a share of editorial woi k on several of them. And, in this con- nection, may be also mentioned 1 1 1 > many discussions which he has held in 9° J. S. LOVELAND. defense of Spiritualism. In conclusion, it is well to say that he stands to-day the very last of the oldest workers in the Spiritualistic field. But the Professor, though nearly an octogenarian, has still his armor on, and, with intellectual eye undimmed, is hard at work in the Spir- itual field, which he does not intend to abandon till translated to the higher fields of eternal life. DR. W. M. FORSTER. DR. W. M. FORSTER. " Lives of great men all remind us We can make our lives sublime, And departing leave behind us Footprints on the sands of time." The history of Modern Spiritualism is full of the good deeds and actions of those who have sacrificed profit to prin- ciple: men and women who were willing to suffer the world's obloquy, that their ideas regarding the happiness of their fellow-mortals should be promulgated. This volume contains many instances of such like characters; among them we take much pleasure in placing the subject of this sketch. Born and raised in "blue" Presbyter- ianism, he nevertheless had the courage of his opinions, and at the early age of fifteen years seceded to the Methodist denomination, of which he was a lay preacher and propagandist at the age of eighteen years. His desires and tenden- cies being toward the medical course, he was apprenticed to a firm of apothecaries in Ireland, and after graduating in the various schools necessary for the practise of his adopted profession, commenced a tour of the world, which a lew years ago ended, for the time being, in San h'ran- cisco, Cab Here his success has been phenomenal. J)r. burster, sonu- fifteen \eai (although from an early age aware of his occult powers), became convinced of the reality of "physical phenomena" through the mediumship of his infant son and his own powers; latent powers were developed, and automatic writing, independent slate writing, ievitation ol heavy bodies,8pirit lights, etherealization, and that much-disputed j •base of spiritual phenomena— spirit photography— were developed. 01 late years Dr. Forster has confined bis mediumship to that phase known as "medical clairvoyance"; the utility of this will be seen when it is re- membered that he has been a very exten- sive traveler, a keen observer of men and things, and an educated gentleman, one whose first thoughts and aspirations were for the benefit of humanity. It is rarely we meet so many good things combined. Dr. Forster is a descendant of an illus- trious English family, whose name is contemporaneous with advanced politics in the middle and later portions of the nineteenth century. We have much pleasure in saying, however, that al- though his paternal ancestry was derived from the eastern side of St. George's Channel, his maternal ancestry were raised and bred on the green sod of "old Ireland" — a combination which should go to make an ideal American citizen. Dr. Forster, in spite of his early relig- ious training, has a keen sense of the ridiculous, even in such matters as the phenomena of Spiritualism; as an exam- ple of this, we cannot do better than quote his own words, published in the Light of Tru th, March i i , i v 9 5 : " While investigating the phenomena of modern Spiritualism a few years ago, it occurred to me to ask a Spirit friend if such a thing as ' Spirit photography ' was possible. The reply being in the affirm- ative, an appointment was made with my unseen guest for an experimental 'sa- ting,' with a vu w of testing our ability — aided by friends on the other sidl producing Bncfa ph< nomena. " For the fust experiment, and a num- ber of Eubs< qu< m ones, a camei dry-plates were obtained, and after duly d finding tin □ FeCt, I U CUS4 d a lamp 0U the table, and, extinguishing all the lights in the made : at band in contact with the camera , "in Spirit h \i 1 d tinu d tlu- vai hi. • . s by raps; the exposures lasted Prom four Is i<> as many minutes. The fust 192 DR. VV. M. FORSTER. experiment revealed nothing, the plate after development being perfectly trans- parent. On developing the plate taken at our second experiment — a few days later — a very few small spots became visible. At the third and fourth experi- ments, larger and yet larger spots were developed, and on developing the fifth plate, the pretty form of a child, appar- ently about seven years of age, appeared. I thought it was about time, then, to let the matter become known — as no one but members of my own family had been present at our sittings — and, accordingly, informed a professional photographer of my experiments. To my chagrin, I was laughed at for my pains, but on my proposition to allow my friend to bring his own camera and plates for an experi- ment (provided I was allowed to see that his plates were genuine and had not been tampered with) my skeptical friend willingly consented to make a trial. The result tickles my risible faculties to this day. When the plate was developed the headless body of a man became clearly visible, and my friend, with trem- bling hands, laid down the plate and declared it was the ' devil.' "Since then, I imagine his religious scruples have led him to eschew such unholy places as Spirit seance- rooms." One peculiarity of this Medium is that at various times almost every phase of mediumship has been developed through his organism, and though he has never posed as a "professional" physical me- dium, there are hundreds (particularly in Australia) who have had the privilege and opportunity of witnessing the weird phenomena exhibited through this psy- chic in the privacy of his home; of late years, as has been said before, he has discontinued these experiments, confin- ing himself to the diagnosis and cure of disease. " It is a beautiful belief That ever 'round our head Are hovering on viewless wings The spirits of our dead." Doctor Forster has added to his faith, Knowledge; that Knowledge which so many millions in past ages have hungered for and were only satisfied when they ex- perienced the change called " death." How many, even now, in the ranks of Spiritualism see only as "through a glass, darkly," hindered by their environ- ments and inherited prejudices, from be- holding the glorious sun of Spiritual Truth. We again quote the Doctor in an article written for the Pacific Coast Spiritualist: " What a wondrous thing is the pres- ence of, and desire of our Spirit friends to communicate with those left behind, we have here a discovery more fruitful of results on the lives and conduct of future generations, than anything yet made known to man. We are all spirits clothed in the mortal, and living, each and every one, in spirit-land. How necessary, therefore, to understand the laws essential for communication with those in other spheres of existence! We have here expressed a great truth, viz.: the necessity of a knowledge of the laws governing spiritual intercourse; at pres- ent, however, our knowledge in this respect Is limited, but the angels are working steadily and persistently for our enlightenment. During the past fifty years, great advancement has been made in this direction, new phases of medium- ship are being developed, and multitudes of mediums in private life are convincing their friends that there is in existence, a postal and telegraphic system between this sphere of life and the one peopled by those they have loved, but who "have gone before." Dr. Forster has been wonderfully suc- cessful as a clairvoyant physician. His patients are scattered all over the United States and his daily correspondence is very great. Locally, he holds an envia- ble position and ranks first in his profes- sion. The good one individual can do whose life is consecrated to humanitarian work is incalculable; and such is the life-work of our friend. J. J. MORSE. J. J. MORSE. Among the many called upon to take part in the great spiritual upheaval of the present century, but few have risen to such eminent notice either in his native land, England, or in the United States, as the justly distinguished gentleman whose name heads this sketch, and who first excited notice in London, England, in the year 1868, and whose subsequent labors as a platform-worker have abun- dantly justified his selection for that ser- vice by the invisible directors of the work in Great Britain. The early life of this Apostle of spir- itual and progressive thought was tinged with some little romance, while, like the lives of so many of the world's most use- ful workers, it bore the bars sinister of misfortune and reverse upon its field; indeed, it was so distressful and unprom- ising at one period as to be utterly devoid of all likelihood of that use to the world it ultimately has become. Of good family, numbering among its members servants of the English Estab- lished Church, officers in the nation's civil service, having a branch devoted to the farming interest, located in the beau- tiful County of Surrey; and singularly enough including in its connections a Captain Denton, though whether a rela- tion of William Denton, the < Geologist and Spiritualist, is undetermined, — however, that may be, the family, in itself and its connections, was eminently respectable, and of some social position, thereby en- suring early associations of a 111 inner and social consideration for the subject of this memoir. The family traces its ancestry back- to the time of the Charles', originating in the pastoral Cmmtv of Berkshire, and it is on record that several <>f the ances- tors of Mr. Morse bore anus in the C rom« wellian armies, which may possibly explain, by the laws of descent, tin- strain of sturdy independence running through Mr. Morse's character. The family were in possession of a crest and a motto, a raised hand holding a drip- ping dagger, tho motto being Mors ja una vitae, "Death, the gate of life," which, considering Mr. Morse's life and labors, may almost be considered as having pro- phetic value. The subject of our sketch, whose full name is James Johnson Morse, was born on the first day of October, in the year 1848, and at that time the family consisted of the parents and two other children, Charles Edward and Louise Sara and James, the youngest born, all residing in the Parish of St. Clements Danes, the Strand, London, the head of the household following the profession of a wholesale and retail spirit merchant and vintner. From his birth up to some nine years of age, Mr. Morse's health was exceedingly precarious, delicate in body, and a source of great anxiety to his family, who feared he would never reach maturity. In consequence of his weakness, the first few years of his life were passed on the farmstead of the great-grandfather, in the pretty little village Of Hook, near KingStOn-On-the- Thamcs, when- he greatly benefited by the fresh air which swept across farmer Johnson's lands. When Mr. M one was live years of age his father retired from active business life, but in the Bummerof the succeeding year, the large-hearted and loving mother fell a victim to the then prevailing cholera epidemic. The father, deeply pained and almost disconsolate at the I088 of BO loving and devoted a companion, found the Bolitude oi a retired life t«><> hard to bear, conse quently within a few months oi his be- reavement he determined to reenter commercial life. Laudable his intention to him, it was, 1 94 J. J. MORSE. theless, as after events unfolded, fraught with dire disaster to the entire family. At this length of time, though, it looks as if the misfortunes of those years were stepping-stones placed in the river of life by a wiser providence than ours, stepping-stones over which the youngest member of the family must go to reach his work upon the opposite bank. All that needs be recorded here is the fact that the new ventures proved unsuccessful, and that a final difficulty in which the father became involved, through his over-trustfulness, absorbed his estate, virtually breaking his heart, and, in effect, sending him to the Higher Life some five years after the departure of his life's associate. Then commenced a trying period for the youngest born, of some nine years' duration, and in the early days of which the three orphans were dependent entire- ly upon the kindness of the paternal uncle. Ultimately a disposition of the children was made, by which Charles, the eldest, was despatched to Ottawa, Canada, in 1859; Louise, the next in age, was placed in suitable circumstances in the old cathedral town of Norwich, in Norfolk; and James Johnson, the youngest, was placed in the care of a boarding-school keeper, in Green- wich, some five miles from London, which was about as injudicious and injurious a disposition of him as could have well been made, for the school- mistress was a victim to dipsomania in its grossest and most aggravated form. During the time James remained in her care, poor and insufficient food, liberal chastisement, and an utter neglect of all educational matters were the current of events, until, out of the desperation born of sheer misery, he fled, and much to the consternation of the servants of the avuncular mansion presented himself thereat, tired, dusty, footsore ; and wobe- gone beyond words to express! Subse- quent inquiries verified the correctness of his complaints, and he was then trans- ferred to the care of an amiable lady named Croucher, residing in the before- mentioned town, and it is a proof of the efficacy of kindly firmness and broad moral teaching, that the trial-tried boy of that period ever remembers, with affectionate gratitude, the loving care bestowed upon him by the above-named valued friend of his boyhood days. A couple of years thus passed pleasantly, when family considerations compelled the uncle to arrange a final disposition of the remaining charge of his departed brother's family, and it was decided that the English mercantile marine would afford the proper opportunity for the future medium-speaker to make a start in life. It was, therefore, decided that he should be entered as a midshipman on board an East Indiaman, but a rascally agent broke his contract, and shipped the youngster on an English coaster, on which he was to be bound as an ap- prentice. Quite unfit for such a career, one of the roughest and hardest, and meeting a severe accident, the youthful mariner was discharged at the port of South Shields, and with a trifling sum sent adrift to find his way back to London, some three hundred miles away, as best he could. He arrived in the metropolis exhausted, ill, penniless, and but to find himself confronted with a grave family injustice, the nature of which at once put a peaceful solution out of all ques- tion; the indignation aroused in his breast then ended all intercourse with the family, and he has permitted the lapse of years to annul all association therewith. The ensuing years, from 1863 to 1868, find the self-exiled member of his family making vigorous efforts to sustain him- self in various subordinate positions, until he fancied he saw an opportunity of advancing his fortunes by accepting an offer of employment in an about-to-be formed News and Publishers' office. Alas, further trials awaited him, for the principal of the affair was one of those specious and professing rascals, whose cunning, rather than aught else, keep them from the clutches of the law. The J. J. MORSE. x 95 embryo publishing house was never formed, and the to be junior member thereof lost the hard wen savings of several years helping to maintain his future principal, which individual ulti- mately discreetly disappeared from view, leavirg his dupe penniless after enduring much privation while waiting for the con- summation of his expectations. It was during the above-described dis- tressful period that the subject of this brief chronicle encountered two matters that have exercised an important influ- ence upon his life, and which proved to be the pivots upon which great changes were to turn. The first of these events was his contact with modern Spiritual- ism, the second his meeting with the lady who subsequently became his wife. The first event occurred in the autumn of 1868 when he was introduced to Mrs. Hopps, the mother of the Reverend John Page Hopps, one of, if not the most able and cultured exponent of English Uni- tarianism, and a confirmed Spiritualist, often writing and speaking upon the subject, and as the subject of Spiritualism was exciting attention in the public mind, it came up in the course of conversation at the above-named meeting: It may not be out of place here to say a little upon his state of mind at this time upon religious matters in general, for being now twenty years of age he was Capable of entertaining some definite opinions. On several occasions he bad honestly endeavored to get exercised upon religion, but so far he had utterly failed, either to experience conviction or eonversit n, and, as a consequence of this failure, bad earnestly debated within himself whether or not he was helplessly bad and hopelessly irreclaimable. Re- flection showed li i in the painful truth that the sorrows in- bad endured had been caused by certain unworthy lowers of their professed Mash 1, and, wisely or unwisely, be felt that it was exceedingly difficult to harmonize prac- tise and profession, and, being ol a frank and open nature, In- was sadly perplexed by a discovery that so many of us are compelled to make. The result was that religious services became distasteful and religious literature absurd. Alternations of despondency and defiance dominated his mind, until much of its chaos was organized and its gloom dispelled by a friend placing in his hand a copy of Paine's immortal '"Age of Reason," in the pages of which he founel food he had long hungered for without fully under- standing the nature of his wants. Yes, he must be an infidel. This life was hard enough; why ask for another? Miracles were myths, resurrections but rhetoric, while spirits were too silly to think of in any way but as fancies. At this period, it will be seen he was mentally far away from our faith, and a most seeming un- likely recruit for our ranks. Presently this attitude of hostility was to be changed, and in a singularly striking manner; though deep down in his breast, he admits, there was a faint hope that after death there might be some sort of a life where rest and happiness might be, after all. The result of the meeting with Mrs. Hopps, previously referred to, was that the soon to be neophyte obtained from her the loan of two books, "Six Months' Experience at Home in Spirit-Commun- ion," from the pen of the Reverend J. P. Hopps, the minister already menti< embodying that gentleman's own expcii- ences, and another work, "Experiences with the Davenports," by Robert Cooper, the contents of which books astounded their reader, showing him that as honest men said ■ ' Yes," knowingly, and in good faith, it was presumption lor him to say "No," unknowingly, for evidently there was more in the matter than be first SU8- pected. The nun- perusal of literature was, however, insufficient, the mind bav ing become stimulated now asked for proofs, facts, evidence, and with all the anxiety of an ardent nature started on a new inquiry; the eager question was put, " When- can I go i" see and kno myself?" Aimed with an introduction from the before-mentioned Mis. Hopps, he at last approached the mystic portals 196 J. J. MORSE. of the seance room, being received by Mr. R. Cogman, who was the host and manager of the assembly, who admitted the half fearful applicant, and welcomed him to the seance. The house was that of a comfortable middle-class family, a house of some notoriety in its immediate neighborhood by reason of the "Spirit rappings " car- ried on there. The circle room, a large apartment on the level with the street, and lighted by two large windows. Chairs about the room, the center occu- pied with a large oblong deal-topped table, the floor carpeted. The room presently lighted by a lamp, the shade curtains being drawn, some fifteen per- sons present, exclusive of the host, his wife, and daughter. Nothing " uncanny " or out of the ordinary course of things observable. No wires under the table, no electric buttons upon the floor, so far as foot or hand could discover. An air of orderly quiet, sober earnestness, and propriety pervading all. The seance begins; each is seated at the table. The host, as president, opens a well-worn Bible, reading passages there- from; he offers a prayer; a simple hymn is sung. The lamp and book are then removed, and all, with hands now rest- ing on the table, resign themselves to a meditative quietness. A tall, pale-faced, black-haired young man sighs heavily, the muscles of his face twitch with nerv- ous spasms, and his eyes close. He arises paler than before, and convulsively at first, then with facility, he talks some ten or fifteen minutes. It is a "con- trol," but the visitor makes a mental note, and says the other name for it is hysteria! A brief pause, then it is a female that is affected. This time the eyes are left wide open with a ghastly and stony stare. Her words are soft and low, the utterances full of love, truth, flowers, angels, earth, children, and so on. The visitor wonders: is she mad? what does it mean ? Has he got into a company of lunatics? for others were shaking and gurgling by this time; he began to feel sorry for coming, and was heartily wishing himself well out of it, when he exclaimed: "Oh! gracious, what's that? " The bolt had fallen, the call had gone forth, the portals of future work and des- tiny were about to be unbarred! To the neophyte it seemed as if a hand, large, warm, heavy, had suddenl)-, with force, descended upon his head, a sensation then following as if the brain had been cleft in twain, while into the cavity thus formed, sand, hot and in quantity, had been poured, trickling down over head, face, bust, person, down to finger ends and toe tips. Every sense of motion was paralyzed. Eyes were firmly closed, every limb w T as helpless Then a swelling of lungs and throat, as though life's tides were battling franti- cally to keep their accustomed courses, and ali the while a fearful dread circling within the mind of the startled subject of these peculiar experiences. Presently an impulse to stand, then up, upon his feet, erect, next an uncontrollable desire to shout with might and main, which overcoming all resistance, resulted in an ear-piercing whoop that almost froze your blood. Then for nearly an hour a series of wild and grotesque gesticula- tions, a current of exclamations, incoher- ent, gross, and profane, a general exhibi- tion of noisy disturbance produced by the wretched victim — who, thoroughly conscious of his deeds, but incapable of resisting the influence upon him — con- tinued to manifest the results of the first, and necessarily imperfect control exer- cised upon him. Filially the paroxysm ceased, and the now startled inquirer, ashamed of his misbehavior, but unable to account for it, commenced to apologize to his vener- able host, whom he had frequently addressed in the most opprobrious terms. Apologies were courteously deemed un- necessary, as the host intimated he fully understood such exhibition was beyond the control of the subject thereof, there- fore no offence was takeu. After some sympathy, and a little needful rest, the perturbed inquirer wended his way I T. MORSE. '97 homewards. The remainder of the night was spent in a condition of mental amazement and perplexity, which effec- tually banished sleep for hours, until the tired body at last succumbed from sheer exhaustion. With the next day came the reaction from the previous evening's excitement, and the inquirer found himself inclined to slip back again to his previous sceptic- ism, inventing sundry plausible reasons for rejecting his experiences as being in any way attributable to "spirits," formu- lating the opinion that he was hysterical, and if he pursued the matter would, no doubt, become crazy! What avails our fancies when arrayed against the poten- cies of the higher life ? Truly, but little! So the new medium found, for, presently, indications of the nearness and presence of this power began to manifest them- selves. Hot, burning pains, tracing their courses from brain to shoulder, down the arm 10 hand and fingers — with a sensa- tion like wires, redhot — came over him, and the index finger of the dexter hand traced out words before him leading to the following questions and answers: " Is this a Spirit ?" "Yes," in a great scrawl by the out- stretched finger. " Is it any one that I know?" " Your mother, "again wrote the finger. The startled querist not wishing to be thus disturbed, said, " If I get pencil and paper this afternoon, will you then come and write again ? " " Yes," again scrawled the obedient finger. The influence subsided, and the medium was again painfully perplexed — was it a " Spirit," was it his mother, what did it all mean ? Provided with the requisite materials later in the Bame day, the experiment of obtaining writing was undertaken, the following communication being received : "Yes, my dear son, we are ever watch- ing over you. Peat not, but trust in the Lord, for lie is a shield wherein all may trust; He is a bulwark in whom all can rest their hopes; He is a terror to evil- doers, and in time will make all tin- nations of the earth believe in Him. Those who disbelieve now shall believe by-and-by, and shall welcome spirit- communion as a thing to besought after, and by encouraging it you will get a foretaste of the joy to be had hereafter. 0/i t my son! follow it, for yon -will become a great medium; you will yet do great good in the -world. I am glad to see you so ear- nest in your desire for spirit-communion, for rest assured great good will result from it, not only to you, but for all; and when you leave earth you will be con- scious of having employed the gift that is within you profitably. Be not afraid of mockers and scoffers, for those that now mock will soon believe. Your dear father is with you as well as I. He is smiling at your efforts, and tries to help you but finds it very hard. He was with you on Sunday. You must not be afraid, you will not be so tormented again Your ever affectionate par- ents, Mary and Thomas Morse." Here was food for thought, indeed! In some lights it looked wild absurdity, for fortune was just then smiling upon the much tried youth, and future prospects were brightening. Also, he queried, how could he "do great good in the world" upon a matter he was not a believer in ? He was not at all inclined to embark as an advocate, or a worker in this Btrange matter. Then it struck him as peculiar, almost degrading, that his parents should have heaven, or whatever the next life was like, to come back and write such a mes- Bage. lint, argue as he might, there W88 still a feeling that there was some truth in it all, yet on calming down In- did his best to dismiss the matter from his mind, taking refuge in the opinion that the subject was dangerous, and in- would have nothing further to do with it under any circumstances. However, it was destined he should not escape the duty before him, BO 1 f the time his next opportunity to attend Mr. Cogman's cir- cle came round. h<- was seized with an uncontrollable desire to attend, to which he yielded, vowing to hinisi It toresisl all " influences. M observe, note, and sit still. 198 J. J. MORSE. It needs no prophecy to say that such resolves were likely to prove futile; some twenty minutes terminated their inten- tions and effects, by the end of which space of time the medium was again under strong control, which, this time, caused him to open the before-mentioned Bible, at Romans xiv. 1, upon which he delivered a sermon, or address, which occupied some forty minutes in its de- livery. The manifestation afforded the utmost satisfaction and delight to the members of the circle, but it was the source of the utmost astonishment and mystification to the vehicle, who had never exhibited the slightest talent in such a direction previously, and who had never made the remotest attempt hitherto at the consecutive treatment of any sub- ject whatsoever. More food was thus supplied for wonderment and reflection, and out of it came a determination to persevere in the inquiry to the end, and to obtain certainty, as to whether the entire question of spirit-return and spirit- power was either fact or fraud. Shortly after the above-narrated events the publisher's scheme, previously no- ticed, was broached, the effect of which was that the newly developing medium was removed from the sphere of duty he had previously been in, and. through the failure of the enterprise to become a re- ality, he was unoccupied for nearly eight months, which afforded him the needed leisure in which to attend circles and prosecute his development, which matter was finally accomplished at the house of a Mrs. Main, a person of large sympa- thies and liberal views, who, with her daughter, a Mrs. Fielden, were very earnest workers at that time in London^ By the " tests " obtained through the last named lady, and others through Mrs. Gender, Mr. Frank Heme, Mr. Davis, and other notable mediums of that pe- riod, the inquirer was converted into a believer, and the mental quietude result- ing was materially valuable in assisting the development of the mcdiumship which was soon to come into world-wide notice. In the autumn of 1869, the me- dium, now somewhat widely known among private circles, was brought under the notice of Mr. James Burns, now deceased, but who was then the rep- resentative of the central Depot of Spirit- ual Literature and Information in Great Britain, and on Friday, October 15th, of the above year, a series of weekly meet- ings was established at the above head- quarters of spiritual work, from which fortunate circumstance the medium no doubt was put into that position of pub- licity which ultimately resulted in that extended popularity which has carried his name around the world. The distinctly private part of the narrative may be said to close here, as the subject thereof now passes to the front in a public capacity, taking his position as a professional worker, and maintaining his place as such, down to the present period, his entrance to such work dating from October, 1869. In the following year he married Miss Marion Lewis, an event foretold to the lady by the spirits some months prior to her ever having seen Mr. Morse. She is a lady of good Welsh descent, and one child, a daughter, Florence, has been the sole issue of the union. The purpose of the higher powers was gradually unfolding itself, and the public interest in the weekly seances rapidly in- creased, so much so, that the spacious reception rooms of the Spiritual Institu- tion were crowded from week to week. Mr. Burns acted as the faithful chairman and considerate friend of the advancing medium, who presently became associated with Mr. Burns in the publishing business conducted at the Institution, and assist- ing in the issuing of the first number of what was then England's leading spir- itual weekly, the Medium and Daybreak % but which was discontinued some time since. Undoubtedly the connection was one of mutual advantage, and was only sundered by the claims upon the time and strength of the medium, precluding him from giving that share of his resources to business that was justly due thereto. Up to the period above referred to, Mr. J. J. MORSE. 199 Morse had not, it seems, appeared upon the public platform for the purpose of a sustained address being given through him. The spirits were bui awaiting the arrival of the suitable occasion, which was afforded them on Thursday evening, April 21, 1870, in the hall of the St. John's Associates, Clerkenwell, London. The first public address, at a regular Sunday Service of Spiritualists, was given at the Cavendish Rooms, London, on Sunday, July 24th of the same year, and the first effort in the provinces was at Northampton, on Sunday, September 9th, also in the above-stated year, — this latter event being iu association with our ascendtd brother and most remarkable healer, Dr. J. R. Newton. The new medium was now fairly at work as an inspired advocate of our cause, and has been in active work ever since. Except- ing illness and needful rest, it is computed he has not been absent from the platform more than two Sundays in each year during his term of service which at this time is now in its twenty-seventh year. As soon as the ability of the controls had made itself known, the now developed instrument was overwhelmed with calls to visit the various societies in England, Wales, and Scotland, and, as a result, he has been a frequent visit- ant, in his capacity as a speaker, to all the prominent cities and many smaller towns in various sections of Great Britain. In many places his work has materially contributed to the tide of activity and prosperity in our Cause that now prevails, and in not a f< -w instances acting as a St.Jobn the Baptist, clearing the ground for others. After some five years Of labor the intimation came that be must cross the ocean, leave home, family, and friends, and visit the Birthplace of Modern Spiritualism; con- sequent thereon in the year 1 G 7 | .Mr. Morse paid his first visit to this country, landing in the City of" New York on the twenty-sixth day of October. I Ms fame had preceded his coming, and be wis immediately overwhelmed with invita- tions to lecture in various cities; his first engagement being in Baltimore, Md., which matter had been arranged for him by his old time friend, Dr. J. M. Feebles. During his year's stay he filled engagements in New York City, New Haven, Conn., Greenfield, Mass., Phila- delphia, Pa., Bangor, Me., Boston, Mass., and various smaller cities and towns. In many cases so great was the favor with which his labors were received that he had to pay return visits. The numer- ous reports of his labors, and the ab- stracts of his lectures, which were published in the Banner of Light, dis- closed a depth of thought, a beauty of treatment, and a logical arrangement of ideas, which at once placed Mr. M< rse in the front rank of our foremost orators. In the delivery of the lectures there was a mingled pathos, irony, imagery, and eloquence, which, combined with the speaker's magnetic personality, compelled the attention and respect of even the most fastidious critic, besides charming and exciting the admiration of the friendly disposed. Mr. Morse left our shores sincerely regretted by all with whom he had come into contact, and upon his arrival in London he was ac- corded a magnificent reception by the British National Association of Spiritual- ists, tlun the hading organization in (neat Britain. Some ten years after the above period Mr. Morse made his first appearance On the Pacific Coast. The circumstances that ensured his pres- ence in this State was the holding of the Third Annual Meeting of" the "California Spiritualists' Camp-met ting Association,'' in 1887, the Board of Directors retaining Mr. Morse bs the leading speaker <>f the season. Mr. Morse's arrival on this Co-ist was warmly welcomed by the Spiritualists of the City of S in Francisco and St:tte. the Spiritualist press, tier Dovt and t!;< the former journal especially, very heartily sup- porting the new arrival's labors. The City ] orded him gi • notice, and frequently reported him at very considerable length. At lh< of his engagement with tin- Camp-meet- 200 J. J. MORSE. ing Association be commenced a year's engagement with the then existing "Gold- en Gate Religious and Philosophical Society," holding its meetings in Metro- politan Temple. Mr. Morse, in accepting the engagement, came to occupy the rostrum that Mrs. E. L. Watson had filled for several years, and whose untiring labors in connection therewith had at that time rendered it necessary that she should take a considerable vacation. It was with a serious sense of responsibility that Mr. Morse entered upon his duties, for following so distinguished a speaker as Mrs. Watson was for the stranger to challenge comparison with one whose talents and abilities have endeared her to the people to whom she had so faithfully miuistered. However, Mrs. Watson and her friends accorded the new-comer their loyal support and generous co-operation, and the success already achieved was abundantly continued, and the lectures did an incalculable amount of good. The philosophy of Spiritualism was pre- sented free from crudities and redundan- cies, and various frank, but always kindly, criticisms were directed against many of the fads and fancies that threatened to attach themselves to the movement. Scarcely any speaker who has visited this Coast has made so deep an impres- sion upon the minds of Spiritualists and the students of spiritual things as has Mr. Morse, and the splendid record he left behind him at the termination of his visit, publicly, personally, and socially is the best evidence of how endeared he became alike to those who attended his ministrations in public, and enjoyed the privilege of his friendship in private. He was accompanied by his wife, and daughter Florence, and their genial presence and kindly tact proved invalu- able adjuncts to the labors of our visitor. Since then, Miss Florence, who was the recipient of innumerable kindly atten- tions during her residence in San Fran- cisco, has become quite an active worker in the Spiritual cause. She has taken a deep interest in the work of the Children's Progressive Lyceum, and has been for several years associated with her father in the editorship of the English Lyceum Banner , the only paper in the world devoted exclusively to Lyceum work. She has also used her pen in other directions with credit to herself and use- fulness to the cause, and as a sweet singer her voice has lent a charm to innumerable meetings. During Mr. Morse's stay in California the Carrier Dove contained numerous verbatim reports of the lectures delivered by Mr. Morse at the Temple, which were reported by Mr. G. H. Hawes, who is ?o well known in this direction by the Spiritualists of the Pacific Coast. Prior to leaving California, Mr. Morse also gave two lectures in Tulare, which were very cordially received, several lectures in San Jose, with equal success, and for two months he conducted a series of independent meetings in San Fran- cisco, part of the time having the co-op- eration of the well-known test medium, Mrs. Ada Foye. Mr. Morse left the State in November of 1888, proceeding East to take up engagements for the fall and winter, and returned to England in Au- gust of the ensuing year. A period of little over seven years now elapses, which Mr. Morse spent in his own country, little expecting that his feet would ever turn toward the New World again, and least of all toward the State of California, which State, he says, he likes the best in the Union. But so it was to be. In the midsummer of 1895 he received a communication from a former friend, Mr. J. Dalzell Brown, asking if he would be interested in accepting a year's engagement from a new society about to be formed in San Francisco, accompanied by many flattering expressions of the value or his former labors, and assur- ances that his previous successes would be repeated. So earnest was the request that a response by cable was desired. After due consideration the engagement was accepted, and Mr. Morse's services were retained at the highest fee ever paid to a speaker on Spiritual and Psychic subjects, namely, #3000 for his year's J. J. MORSE. 20I labor, and first-class traveling expenses 'from London to San Francisco. Mr. Morse arrived in this city at the end of November, 1S95, and commenced his labors by a preliminary lecture in Golden Gate Hall, Sutter Street, on Friday even- ing, December 6th, at which a very large audience assembled, the daily papers giv- ing most favorable reports the following morning. Two days later he commenced his regular Sunday evening meetings at Beethoven Hall, which proved adequate to containing about one-half the people who desired to attend. The lectures were subsequently removed to Odd Fellows' Hall, and again to Armory Hall, where they were conducted with the greatest success. Apart from his activity upon the plat- form Mr. Morse has always taken an active part in promoting the cause in private life, as also in various ways affect- ing the general policy of the public work in his own country. He has been a warm advocate for practical organization, and took an active part in such matters as the formation of the "British National Association of Spiritualists," in Liver- pool, in 1872, serving upon its council until it was re-organized as the "Central i ition of Spiritualists," and so con- tinuing until that body was reconstituted, and re-named "The London Spiritualists Alliance,'' in which latter body he is an honored member. He engaged in the ad importation of American litera- ture, trading as the " Progressive Litera- aud which he still con- tinues. He has also been an active pondent to all the English jour- of which latter named journal he was one of the original ] kholders, and acted as subeditor thereto under his ever valued friend, its Original and cut editor, Mr. I.. Dawson Rogers, while our own papers have frequently contained contributions from his pen, ' ieal Journal x The Light of Truth, and the Banner of Light especially, to which last named paper he has been the accredited English correspondent for many years. In salient outline, this is substantially the career of this earnest and indefat- igable worker, whose life for nearly twenty-seven years past has unreservedly and unstintedly been devoted to the cause of human enlightenment. He has ever been desirous of being guided by the inward light developed within him by the unseen powers he has so faithfully served. A life that has been marvelously illustrative of what the spirit world can accomplish under favorable and orderly conditions and an intelligent co-opera- tion; and all the more noticeable when it is remembered that when this spiritual worker was called to his work he had for years been enduring vicissitudes and trials that quite put the opportunity or possibility of culture, philosophical re- search, literary excellence, or the develop- ment of dialectical ability entirely out of his reach, yet in these respects the char- acter of the work done through him has been excelled in but few instances, and seldom equaled. The secular press has given many reports of lectures through him, which for length, appreciati and commendation left nothing t<> be desired; while our own journal; have ever been foremost in printing the ^ utterances of his controls, to the edifica- tion and pleasure of their read various parts of the world. liter in the leading English Spiritualist 1 d to Mr. Morse in the ing commendatory terms, in an "interview" subsequently reported in that journal in August, 1894. H< "Mr. Morse is a])].! (.aching tin pletion of hi-- twenty-fifth \ ear oi as a public medium, his silver wedding to the cause of Spiritual living man, 1 should - tely, and for so long a period, given hi- mind and heart and BOul to the ad of the cause; no man probabl so much by, and at tin- -.one time him- ■ much t<». Spiritual That it hafl been the making of 202 J. J. MORSE. him — in a different sense, a higher sense, than the meaning usually attached to the phrase — he admits cheerfully and with gratitude; and in the making of the position which Spiritualism occupies in this country to-day Mr. Morse has had a substantial share. His a earance is an index to the character f the man. Bright, alert, clear-eyed, he gives the impression of en oying excellent health, notwithstand- ing the harrassing strain that his public work continuously imposes. He is a little below the medium stature and might later on. with less physical activ- ity, develop a tendency to portliness; just now he is sufficiently compact to maintain a pleasing presence. "The Morses occupy a commodious house about two minutes from Regent's Park. It is a private hotel for Spiritual- ists, the only establishment of the kind, I believe I am right in saying, in exist- ence — at any rate on this side of the Atlantic. There are Spiritualists who keep hotels, but none of these are neces- sarily hotels for Spiritualists more than for other people. In addition to the hotel Mr. Morse conducts an Institution for Spiritualists, which is doing excellent work. The visitor, entering the spacious and lofty room devoted to this branch of the effort, is struck first by the excel- lent library, consisting of some five hun- dred books connected with all phases of the subject, many of them exceedingly rare and practically unobtainable at the present time. On the reading-table one notices most of the Spiritualist period- icals, America and Australia being both well represented, and prominent among home publications being copies of Light and The Two Worlds. Mr. Morse possesses a complete file of these journals, from No. i to the current issue. A large col- lection of portraits of mediums, speakers, and writers, whose names are household words in the movement, furnish the walls. " Quite a number of illuminated ad- dresses, presented from time to time to Mr. Morse, intersperse the portraits, noticeable among them being those from the Glasgow, the Keighley, and the North Shields societies. Over the libra- rian's desk is a fine enlargement by per- manent carbon process, of the portrait of Mr. Morse himself, a present from Mr. Sadler, the well-known physical medium and photographer of Cardiff. Miss Flor- ence Morse, a pleasant and attractive young lady, has charge of this depart- ment, and appears to be very popular with the guests, whilst Mrs. Morse superintends the general arrangements of the hotel." This brief chronicle is but a fragment of the life it refers to, and is but intended as a condensed record of the earlier ex- periences of one whose name is now a household word wherever Spiritualism is known, or its literature may be found. May he long be spared to labor with us, and continue as an ever faithful advocate and exponent, by voice, pen, and life of the teachings of that Higher Gospel which is destined to establish on the firm foundation of demonstrated facts, that man's conscious soul continues to exist as a rational and personal entity, when his little day on earth is done. ^>&*VS>^ AMANDA D. WIGGIN. AMANDA D- WIGGIN. The subject of this sketch was born in the year 1830, in Guilford, N. H., and is one of the early workers in the spiritual vineyard in California, being widely known and beloved as an hon- est, conscientious medium, to whom truth was above all other considera- tions and more to be sought after and desired than was riches, place or pow er. The spirit friends who controlled her spiritual work were of a high order of intelligences and freely imparted to others the angel-lore they had gathered in higher fields of thought and experi- ence. Many were comforted and blest through her gentle ministrations in seasons of affliction and mourning; at the bedside of the dying, and at the graves of loved ones, she has spoken words of cheer and consolation ; upon the rostrum, in the seance room, and in the private walks of life Bhe has been sustained and enabled to give the spirit, message, imparl instruction or lessons f counsel and warning. In whatever place or position her services were required, Bhe cheerfully and will- ingly obeyed the call giving ever the best thai Bhe received. Thus Bhe labor- ed earnestly and faithfully \'<>\- many years, Bowing seeds of righteousness which shall continue to bear fragrant blossoms and beautiful fruitage long after the willing sower shall have passed to the shores of immortal life, Mrs. Wiggin's early life was one of bereavement and vicissitude, yet cheer- ed and made blessed through the min- istrations of an angel mother. Natur- ally clairvoyant, Bhe -aw &cen< b others did not see, and elairaudienl ly beard voices others did not hear. When less than -even yean of aL r «- she saw and described an accident that was to befall a neighbor, which took place just as described. Later she saw a fire and a boy burning to death, and begged to have him saved, calling the name of the lad. This also occurred as described, although the scene of the fire was two miles distant. When she was twelve years old her mother passed away leaving her alone and friendless. Three months afterwards she was pun- ished severely by an orthodox Chris- tian with whom she was living. That night her mother appeared to her, and standing by the bedside took a corner of the sheet and wiped the tears from her cheeks, bidding her always tell the truth as she had done that day, and promising to take care of her. Then the great, sorrow and longing which the loss of her mother had caused was taken away, ami sweet sleep came bringing comfort and rest to her aching heart. On another occasion when about eighteen years of age, her mother gave her a warning concerning a ride she, in company with a number of other young people, were going to take on the PoUrtfa of July. She heeded the warning and declined to go. The young lady who took her place W8S killed. This made a la-ting Impressiou upon her. Religion took no deep hold upon her mind for she felt intuitively the injus- tice of the doctrine of eternal punish- ment, and con id never subscribe to any oreed or doot rine of t be church, i d he w as married i<» Wilson I 'base and to them were horn tWO children a -on and daughter, i [er deep affec- tionate nature h< iv found ample BCOpe. 204 AMANDA D. WIGGIN A loving husband, a stepdaughter and her own two children brought out all the sweet maternal tenderness of her soul ; and while the new duties and responsibilities rilled her daily life, her heart was filled with hope and happi- ness. In 1862, when the dark war cloud enshrouded our fair land, her husband being a loyal man, enlisted in the army and gave his life in defense of the old flag he loved so well. In the meantime, through the influ- ence of a friend, she had been induced to visit a medium and her spirit friends were there to greet her. She listened to their words of advice and began to sit for her own development. At the third sitting she was entranced and rapidly developed into a mental medi- um. She could visit battle-fields, find lost friends, tell who was wounded or taken prisoner, and it would prove true. At that time she was suffering with lung trouble and an Indian spirit came and told her he would cure her if she would give herself up to his con- trol. His advice was followed, and a cure effected. Her faithful guide also apprised her of the death of her hus- band and the very hour of his burial, and she received the news two hours after its occurrence. In a few months the spirit husband came to her and told her to go to California ; the guide also outlined the trip and said it was well to go. The voyage from New York to San Francisco via Cape Horn con- sumed four months, but at last Golden Gate was reached and the landing made in April, 1806. After residing here about eighteen months she began hermediumistic work which continued for about eight years. On Sept. 6th, 1868, she was married to Mr. Harry Wiggin,the ceremony being performed by Mrs. Laura Cuppy in Maguire's Opera House on Washington St. This was the first marriage service in Cali- fornia at which a woman and a medium was the officiating clergyman ; and it evoked some newspaper comments. But Mrs. Cuppy was a legally ordain- ed Spiritualist Minister, and therefore entitled to all the rights and privileges accorded clergymen of other religious denominations. Mrs. Wiggin was the next to be ordained and licensed to marry people, officiate at funerals and receive her fee the same as any minis- ter. The death of her only daughter was followed three years later by the pass- ing away of her only son ; and these bereavements caused her mother heart anguish that years have not obliter- ated. Her knowledge of an immortal life was the rock to which she clung through these trying ordeals, and the only source of comfort and consolation. Her spirit friends spoke peace to her troubled soul, and she found her sweet- est joys in ministering to those afflicted like herself, helping them to see the beauty of the spiritual philosophy and realize the blessedness of angel com- munion. In the year 1875 the spirit friends told her husband that they were going to leave her and she was to have a good long rest. Their words were verified. Bitter tears had fallen on the cold, si- lent faces of her loved ones, but none more bitter or plentiful than liowed when she realized that the spiritual powers were gone. The promise was given, however, that at some time her mediumship would be restored; and she has faith in its fulfillment, as all other promises from the spirit side have been faithfully kept. When that time comes Mrs. Wiggin will gladly take her place once more among the work- ers in truth's vineyard. During all these twenty-seven years of work her husband has been her faithful helper and co-worker in the spiritual cause, and their lives How together in the sweetest harmony and perfect accord, exemplifying the happiness thatsprings from the marriage relation when two souls are perfectly blended as one. S. J. WOOUvEY S. J. WOOLLEY. The subject of this sketch may justly be called the busy bee philanthropist and author. But lew persons may be found with such a combination ot temperaments and mental characteristics, having a del- icate constitution and highly attuned organism, with more of his mother's nature than his father's. Mr. Woolley possesses firmness and stability, with persevering qualities sel- dom found in one man. Born with a love of nature in all her diversified forms, he has written of himself : "My life began in the country, and shall end mid nature's harmonies. In no critical spirit, how- ever, do I say that (iod made the country and man the town. I freely acknowledge my gratitude for the circumstances and surroundings of my early career, lor the innocent and unalloyed freedom of rural life; and rejoice that unsuited as I am to the motley life of the city, my cradle was 1 in the- shadow of forests, and my earliest memories go back to the beau- tiful hills and valleys with their rocks and . rippling streams and picturesque landscapes." The 5Ubje< t of our sketch was born near Zanesville, Muskingum Co., Ohio, on the [2th day of January, [82 that tinp- and m th.it place money was almost a curiosity, and wealth was un- dreamed of; and yet when speaking of those stim i he once said, "I wis bom in the midsl ot wealth; I count the first radiant gleam ol love tlir anxious and tender gaze ol my moth- er, of more value than mines ol gold, and the remembrance ol h< 1 love has beenasweel and blessed memory through life." When but sixteen years of age Mr. Woolley achieved a notable business and industrial success. Through bad man- agement his father's finances became involved, and he was compelled to bor- row four hundred dollars at ten percent, interest, giving a mortgage upon his farm by way of security. A year rolled speed- ily around and nothing was realized to the extinguishment of the debt. It was considered in the neighborhood inevit- able that the mortgagee would get the place by foreclosure. At this crisis Sol- omon came to the rescue and proposed that while his father should continue at his trade for the support of his family, he would undertake the sole charge of the farm of one hundred and sixty acres, in a Vigorous eflort to make enough to lift the mortgage. It was agreed to, and within eighteen month the full sum must be raised. Solomon saw th.u with the best of management it was only possible to efie t this by sowing most of the land to wheat, and that then, with a good har- vest and fair price, SUCCi itain. He had not only the entire responsibility but almost the entire labor to do, since his adult hall-brothets had all gone from home, and hi-- younger brothers were too small to be of mill h Sei\ ice. He went fearlessly and bravelj to his task. Beginning his days' labor at four o'clock, he worked three hours 1 breakfa >t, and Ihen with brief inl sions for dinner and supper, he kept on until dark, and on moonlight nights until far into the evening. His faithful toil, though it brought him many hOUl and somewhat impaired his health, met \\ ith reward. It tui ned out 206 S. J. WOOLLEY to be a good wheat year, and Solomon's good crop of well-filled grain of a supe- rior quality, was the finest in that region. Wheat, too, was higher than usual, and he sold for a good price. Consequently, when the mortgage fell due, he had the proud satisfaction of releasing it in full, and presenting it to his lately burdened and anxious, but now overjoyed and grateful parents. His mother was of Holland descent, and her ancestors including her father and grandfather had been people of con- siderable business ability. In Amster- dam they carried on a large manufactory of silk, linens, etc. But his mother, whose name was Elizabeth Askins, was born in this country. Mr. Woolley's an- cestors on his father's side were English, but came to this country before the Rev- olutionary War and were among the first settlers ot New Jersey. With such combined elements as he inherited from his ancestors it is no won- der that he is a lover of liberty. Sur- rounded as he was in childhood mid the wilds of a new country, his spirit would naturally leap the boundary of common rules, and demand its independece. He once expressed himself in this man- ner: "Slavery is intolerable to a man who has once felt the grandeur and sublimity of natural scenery. Let no man own your soul. Let no creed cramp your spirit. Let no doctrine chain your mind. Let no party, church or school become proprietors of your fetterless thoughts. This is the teaching of this magnificent world, with its towering mountains, its extended plains, vast oceans and beauti- ful starry firmament above." We next find our subject in a new en- terprise; although only a youth of seven- teen years, he thought he had discovered that which might make his fortune in the blossom of iron ore on his father's farm, and he set to work manufacturing paint for the entire world. Charmed by its strange and beautiful color, he sought its possibilities ;is a source of wealth; but all this proved a failure, except to arouse his mechanical skill. He made a mill to grind his paint and when ready to com- mence grinding, the people for miles around came to laugh at the boy's en- terprise; but as Fulton's steamboat mov- ed up the Hudson river, so did the mill go, and the boy's hopes were higher than ever, and we find him next in the great city of Cincinnati trying to find a market for his paints, and taking a few object lessons. His next dream was of New York City, so he hired to a man who was about to take a drove of horses across the mountains. Here he had many ad- veutures both ludicrous and dangerous. But the trip to New York was enjoyable, and to this young and adventurous spirit was an intense pleasure. The horses were sold and his part of the money was invested in forty brass clocks and a pile of books. And now we find him on the steamer Empire, headed for Albany, N. Y. The steamer met with a terrible accident and many lost their lives. Just as the Empire was about to sink Mr. Woolley leaped for life, like a wild deer, from her deck and landed on the schooner that had sunk her. After a hard struggle with fate we find the subject of this sketch at home again, his clocks and books all sold, and now he is ready for some new enterprise. This time he undertakes the daguerreotype business, and meets with indifferent re- sults. We have entered into the details of Mr. Woolley's early life with the hope that his example of perseverence and energy may be of value in its influence for the encouragement of the young. So we will pass on by saying that his whole life of nearly sixty-seven years has been full of marked events. Agriculture and horticulture have been his leading pursuits, and his most successful occupa- tion. One must visit his great tile fact- ory where the best products in that line air made, and one must visit his model farm home called, Apple Dale Devon Stock Farm in order to appreciate his success in that line of business. Mr. Woollev always sought to brine: S. T. WOOLLEY 207 himself in rapport with the leading men of his time; prominent among them may be mentioned Horace Greeley, Dr. Chapin, Henry Ward Beecher, Dr. R. T. Trail and many others; by being associ- ated with such minds has enabled him to keep abreast with the advance thought of the age. But there is another side to S. J. Woolley's life. Like all men who have achieved great success there is a power other than their own assisting them. Mr. Woolley claims that he is concious of some power or inspiration from his earliest experience. Having been a medium, or a sensitive from childhood, few people have really understood him. At the dawn of modern Spiritualism his impressive nature grasped the hopes of demonstrated immortality, and at his earliest opportunity he sought to give Spiritualism a thorough investigation. In this, as in all of his undertakings, he was determined to know the truth to a certainty that should dispel all doubt. He visited a materializing medium who lived at that time in Terre Haute, Indi- ana. So eager was he to settle the ques- tion of spirit materialization that he en- gaged the medium for ten consecutive sittings at $5 per seance, and allowed no one present except the members of her own family and her manager; in this way he manifested more wisdom than is usu- ally displayed by investigators. While Dr. King was acting as Chairman al Woolley's Summerland Beach in the season ol I 1 -'- 1 . Mr. Woolley was called upon to give his experience with the spirits at the time and place mentioned above. His graphic description in full of interest thai the large assembly was held spellbound. While knowing that the claims of Spir- itualism were tl lie, and that only time- was needed t<> give the people an oppor- tunity to investigate, he has contributed largelj to assist in the upbuilding of the cause from tin)-- to time. After three years of trials and struggles <>n the part of 1 )r. King and othi tablish the National Spiritual and Religiou Camp Association, Central Ohio department, at Ashley, Ohio, Mr. Woolley came to the rescue. It was necessary to raise money to purchase land, and in order to secure a grove of twenty-eight acres Bro. Wool- ley contributed one thousand dollars, and the park was named "Woolley Park" in honor of him. Others contributed read- ily when they had such encouragement, and to-day the society owns its place for holding camps and is out of debt and successful. But Mr. Woolley's restless and intuitive spirit could not stop here; so he started out to find a place that had all the neces- sary conveniences, and natural advan- tages for what he most desired; and after several days of diligent searching he found his ideal — his earthly spirit home. He makes it his own, has planted trees, and is building a large and commodious hotel and sanitarium, cottages and other buildings. One season of camp work has come and gone, and now with all the energy and ambition of youth he is pre- paring for a large concourse of people next season, commencing on July [St, and continuing six weeks, with first class instruction from opening until close. The location of this place is twenty six miles due east from Columbus, ( >. A network of railroad lines surround it, making it easy of access from all direc- tions. It is a healthy situation being I on the south and west end ol Buckeye Lake. This lake is a beautiful of water some ten miles long and is bordered with an immense quantity ol Egytian Lotus lillies which form a garland <»t loveliness that is really en- chanting to the beholder. The great objei I and purpose ol Mr. Woolley in this movement is to establish .1 spiritual and religlOU »logy and Ti to build up a brotherhood and • hood by bringing tog< ther such p< and co-workers as will fraternize, make homei diums and 1 and give them proper « ondii ulture and pro'e. tioii. Mr. W< >oll< that this is a 1 nd, of 208 S. J. WOOLLEY course, cannot hope to see his plans per- fected while he remains here; but if it is like nearly all his other movements suc- cess is certain in the end. There are fifty five acres of choice land laid out into lots; about twenty acres will be set aside for the park and pleasure grounds; the remainder will ready for sale to those who wish to associate them- selves with the movement. Let it be remembered that Mr. W. has spent thousands of dollars to promote the cause of pure Spiritualism, but this is the crowning work of all, and will be the greatest achievement of his busy life. He desires to have established in connection with the camp a public library and museum. Any one having old relics, books or even papers and feel like con- tributing something toward the cause can send them to his address and they will be carefully used and credited. His Sanitarium will be of far reaching benefit to humanity. All curable dis' eases are cured by his corps of mediums. Magnetic healing and other forces that exist which are not known to the ordi- nary practitioner will be used to the full- est extent in this Institution. His Speci- alist for the cure of cancers eradicates every vestige of this loathsome disease without the knife, and without causing the patient suffering. The Hotel and sanitarium is located at the south west side of the Ohio State Park, in a retired nook, by the beautiful Buckeye Lake. The atmosphere about this lake is very invigorating, bracing and health giving. Persons have been cured of hay fever, asthma, and other diseases who came here to spend a few weeks recuperating, and fishing. All communications should be ad- dressed to S. J. Woolley, Pres. Milo,. P. O. in the City of Columbus, Ohio.- WALTER HOWEIX. W ALTER HOWELL. The main incidents in this sketch of the early life of Mr. Howell are taken from Th< Medium of London, England; additional notes of the later work of Mr. Howell during the past ten years having been compiled from data at hand, and the author's own personal acquaintance with the subject of the sketch. The name of Walter Howell is famil- iar to nearly all English and American Spiritualists, and therefore sonic partic- ulars concerning his career may be of considerable interest to on r readers. He was of bumble parentage, and was born in the city of Bath. Unfor- tunately for his material prospects he was blind at his birth. During infancy he underwent several surgical opera- tions, iimler the >killful treatment of Dr. Doll and Dr. Boden, of Batb ; but these operations were only partially successful, and therefore it was impos- sible for him to obtain an ordinary edu- cation ; and he had nol even the ad- vantage of a blind tutorage. At a very early age Walter was taken from Bath by his parents to the l<»\sn of Warmin- ster, Wiltshire, w here be remained until after the removal of bis mother to tic higher life. While in War min- uter he was Bent, as a matter of form, to the British School. 1 n the infant class, where he was allowed to go up close to t he alphabet-board, he learned the A. B. ( ' ; but he waa quite uuable to proceed heyond that BtagC, becaUBC bis sight did not permit him to read ordinary type. Owing to the affliction of his mother with paralysis, he was presently obliged to leave school, when still under nine years of age, to help to earn his own livelihood. After the lapse of about four years, his mother passed away ; then Howeh left home and commenced to fight the battle of life alone. Under such circumstances as these it can easily be understood that Walter Howell's life has not been one of ease and luxury. With the material vicis- situdes of his career we have less con- cern than with those portions ^( his history which ailed his development as a Spiritualist, and which afford con- vincing proof of the unseen guiding In- fluence which has followed him and remained with him all through his career, and has formed and extended those spiritual powers which distin- guish him. In this connection i! may not he uninteresting to trace Mr, How- ell's Spiritualism to a hereditary Bource. Walter Howell's mother was a de- vout Christian, aud from childhood had Im.ii a member of Ihe Weslej an body. iii her early life Bhe had no great educational advantages : Bhe was, how ever, a person of a refined and ex tremi ly BeilBitive nature, and was, no doubt, ver\ intuitional. Bhe most sy m pal hetic bouI, and alu ministering imidsl bc row. I [er earn< Bl pi a} i r ascended to heaven daily that her boya two in number might gro* up to be I and noble men When it Is stated that 2IO WALTER HOWELL her husband was a continual source of anxiety to her on account of his intem- perate habits, that she fully realized that her youngest son, Walter, was by virtue of his defect of vision, wholly incapable of doing battle with the world, and that her life was a contin- ual struggle for mere existence, it is not surprising that in early life she broke down, and passed on to a world where angel hands wipe tears from all faces. Truly the world knows not one half of its heroines and heroes. Many a brave heart combats in secret silence difficulties as great as any which are blazoned to the world, and performs actions braver than those for which the battle-field affords opportunity. But though the poets of earth have not sung its praises, heavenly bards pro- claim the epic of its heroism. In the sensitiveness, sympathy, conscientious- ness and spirituality of Mr. Howell's mother we see the involved medium- ship of her sou. Mothers, indeed, rock the crad'es of the nations, and all men of note in whatever sphere of life, owe their greatness largely, if not entirely, to their mother's teaching, or to the gentle refinement inherited from the maternal parent. Mr. Howell became connected with the Methodist Church at as early a period of his life as was possible. There are, perhaps, few better places for bringing out latent ability than the class-meeting, the cottage services, and other institutions of that kind in the Methodist Church. Of course we do not mean to say that there is much freedom of thought there. Far from it ; but there is an opportunity of ex- pressing such thought as is permissible in that body. Mr. Howell was ten years of age when he first met in class to express his desire to " flee from the wrath to come." This is, as all Metho- dists know, the simple condition of membership. There never was a time siuce the beginning of his religious im- pressibility when it was not Howell's earnest wish to live as far as was pos- sible, in accordance with his conception of right. And being extremely sensi- tive, he was during early childhood subjected to the most painful experi- ences, owing to the manner in which religious thought was expressed. Some- times in the middle of the night he was thrown into convulsions ot fear, as a consequence of his meditation up- on some sermon which he had heard. His mother, imagining that the visita- tion was simply the workings of God's Holy Spirit, felt more gratified than alarmed, and in her pious hope and be- lief, distinctly encouraged the influ- ence. When we remember what dear little children have had to listen to, in the form of orthodox theology, and knowing as w T e do the sensitiveness of their natures, ought we not to see that, as far as possible, these influences shall henceforth harm none over whom we are placed in the positions of parents or guardians? For two years Howell met in class, giving no evidences of a change of heart. The doctrines of the church were by no means understood by him ; and his greatest difficulty was to be- lieve that he did believe. In his child- ish heart he often wished there was no God ; for instead of having a desire to know God, his only purpose was not to call down upon himself " the divine wrath." The God of theology was to his mind a monster. For the time the soul seemed imprisoned in a theologi- cal dungeon, where the highest hopes and aspirations were fettered. How often, like the winged bird, the aspir- ing spirit beats itself against the bars of a churchianic cage in utter an- guish ! When about twelve years of age— our pilgrim having up to that time made but little progress " in the divine life" — there came a marked change, which has been described by him in the fol- lowing manner: Me was traveling along a country road, suffering as he had done for years, from depression of spirits. The thought occurred to him WALTER HOWELL 211 that he would try Jacob's plan and " wrestle with God." He entered a field, knelt down, and said, " Now, Lord, J will never let Thee go, until Thou dost bless me." Here the child remained for houis "pleading with God." When evening's shadows began to mantle the earth and stais, the sen- tinels of night, came out to watch over the slumbering orb, a light from realms supernal broke upon the horizon of his soul, and he arose transported witli ecstasy. The opaque earth now became transparent, and the air was full of music Involuntarily the words fell from his lips : " My God is reconciled ; His pardoning voice I hear, He owns me for His child; I can no longer fear." All Methodists can well picture the scene at the class-meeting on the fol- lowing Sunday. He was the first to speak, and his joy filled the class. Even the sleeping echoes in the walls responded in joyful strain. From this time forward he was a missionary spir- it. The experience just spoken of did not destroy his child-likeness. He w;is by no means a consistent child, in the popular sense of the word. At the same time he was most consistent with his own nature. In illustration of this point it may be mentioned that lie would in bll sincerity pray with some of his boy companions one hour, and arrange a piece of mischief with them the next Anything ho en ten d into he did with all his soul. Whilst be was by do means cruel, he was brimful of fun. To -<»iii<- mind-, t lo- statement just mad.- will appear paradoxical to an assertion made earlier in t bis narra- tive, that Mr. Howell suffered from early childhood from depression of spirits. Those who are familiar with temperaments Buch as his, however, know that the sensitiveness that occa- sions keeu< si Badness, also Is subjected to Btates of hilarity. It would have been amusing toour readers to have seen the boy walking into some neighbor's house, and in- forming the inmates "that he had come to preach to them." To satisfy the eccentricity of the lad they used to stand him upon a chair, and on more than one occasion he came to con- sciousness and found his hearers weep- ing. It is very easy to trace his rnedi- umship from a very early age. Although Walter was unable to read, he was recognized as an advanced scholar in the Sunday-school. More than one of the teachers found in him a critic of no mean order. They there- fore removed him, before his age war- ranted it, to the Young Men's Bible Class. Here, too. he was found by the comparatively ignorant teacher, a troublesome element. This fact will explain what follows. One Sunday afternoon the superin- tendent came into the Bible Class in search of a teacher for a class of boys. Mr. T embraced this opportunity of getting rid of his most troubles,, mo scholar, and the position was taken by our friend. After listening to (he read- ing of the lesson by the boys, Walter proceeded to otter some remarks, and became s«, absorbed that be did not perceive that two other classes with their teachers came and joined the company to listen to bis observations. When bo came to himself be discover- ed the enlargement, and asked them why they bad united the classes? Whereupon he was informed that his conversation bad caused those unruly DOJ - w hom no oio' could conlr 1, to bend their heads and listen, Slid their companions thought there musl be something worth listening i<>. and bo they came t" Bee. \i the nexl teach- ers' mi eting - ur frit ud was appointed :i s the teacher of that class. The boys often made mistatu • lii reading i" try if tiny could cheal Walter, but be a] >vaj - made Iheni :■•■ ov< r I b< Ir again; and w ben In- was asked bow be knew \\ inn t bey made mil replied, " Bomel bing inside sec ms t" 212 WALTER HOWELL tell me." This evidences remarkable intuition, to say the least. During the time he remained as teacher he was occasionally called upon to address the scholars. This offered him still further opportunity for developing his powers as a speaker. It was his exceptional ability which caused his name to be mentioned at the quarterly meeting, when he was scarcely seventeen years of age. It was a matter of great surprise to him one evening on entering his lodg- ings, to find the minister awaiting him. " Walter," said the minister, "your name has been brought before the quarterly meeting, and you are down for three Sundays next plan, on trial, or as an exhorter." "But," pro- tested Walter, " I cannot preach." To this the minister replied, " I am told if you only speak to the people as you do to the children in the Sunday-school it will please any congregation." The minister found considerable difficulty in persuading Howell that he was fit to undertake the task, but quoted well- timed passages of Scripture which were calculated to afford him comfort and strength to take upon himself the new undertaking, and left him in earn- est meditation. Howell, having deter- mined that he would attempt the task, was at first in a state of perplexity as to how he should manage about the reading of hymns and appointed chap- ters of Scripture. Pie, however, suc- ceeded in obtaining the help of a friend who was greatly desirous of introduc- tion to the service of God, and who un- dertook to act as reader for him, and take his place as preacher if he should fail and break down. It can with truth be said that their first ascent into the pulpit was with fear and trembling. Howell's assistant commenced the service by giving out, in thoroughly Methodistieal style, the hymn, " Oh, for a thousand tongues to sing." Howell then offered prayer, and the rest of the preliminary service was conducted by his friend. During the singing of the hymn immediately preceding the sermon, Howell had a strange and indescribable feeling. Everything around him seemed to dance; he felt himself moved to rise,, and then he heard himself speak. What he said he never knew, but he went on and on, and could not stop until he finally regained conscious- ness. When Howell descended the pulpit stairs an old man met him, grasped both his hands, and said, "God bless you, my lad; I never heard such a sermon in my life; " and a member of the congregation assured him that they had had a perfect treat. The debut was at the morning service, and at the evening service of the same day the chapel was over-crowded. After that wherever he went the congregations were large, for country places, and he was regarded as a kind of prodigy. It was often remarked that "the Holy Ghost helped him." Be this as it may, it was not long before some defenders of the faith found in his utterances a heterodox spirit, and at the end of about three-quarters, he was brought before the local preachers' meeting to answer charges of heresy. In some of his sermons the doctrines of eternal punishment, trinity, and plenary inspiration of the Bible had been assailed. Whilst standing before the churchianic judge and jury, he was not the subject of any inspiration- al influence, and when these charges were made against him, he could an- swer nothing. At last he burst into tears, and sobbed out, " I did not want to preach, but you compelled me. I said I could not study my sermons and you said God's Holy Spirit would help my infirmities. If it is God's Holy Spirit that has helped me and you could prove that the Holy Ghost was not a Methodist, you would turn him out, wouldn't you." Tne judge and jury needed no more evidence. They had heard the blasphemy for themselves, His name was taken off the plan, and for fear he should taint WAL'IER HOWELL 2I 3 the youthful mind, he ^ras not allowed to reoccupy hi3 former position as a teacher of the class of boy-. At this period he had not even so much as heard of Spiritualism. He was now an object of comment every- where in the circuit. He was preached at from the pulpit, prayed at in the prayer meetings, and exhorted to re- turn to the Lord in the class meeting, and altogether looked upon as some- thing exceedingly dangerous. About this time he took a ticket of removal, and did not deposit it in any other cir- cuit. Some two years afterwards, Modern Spiritualism came under bis notice. At first he did not know what to make of it. There was nothing to attract him in it, for as yet he knew nothing really of it. When in South London he commenced t'> investigate physical phenomena, and sometime afterwards - invited to go to Liberty Hall, Church Street, Islington, on a Sunday evening. Mi-. Bullock came on the platform and Baid, " We've been disap- pointed of our speaker this evening, but the spirits have told us they are bringing a speaker, and we await the fulfillment of their promise." The audience was then asked to sing. Whilst the singing g on, Waller was controlled and took the platform. Alter he had addressed the audience, his inspire 1*8 told the audi- ence they bad used his organism for and bad at last found t be sphere where their though - could bud more I expression. The Influence was . me u t bat felt in t be pulpit, only tb«- control was deeper. ia1 time Mr. I lnwvii u. in business, at King for sittings at the <>f business, and tic beads of the firm and employees united in investigat- ing, i of the truth of Spiritualism. Friends ilso invited, and many oi them be- came Spiritualists; and tor more than two years the principals oi the .firm held communion with their departed friends through Mr. Howell's mediumship. Dur- ing this time, it was often observed that the medium would have to take the plat- form. Mr. Howell, however, seems to have had an objection to so doing, and it was sometime before his scruples could be overcome. Eventually our friend lelt London and went traveling in the Provinces. While on a journey he had a misfortune with his glasses, and continued his journey without them. The cold east wind struck his unprotected eyes, and inflammation set in. He was blind for more than six months. When his sight returned to its former state he was obliged to seek a sit- uation. He went to Liverpool in search of employment, but failed to obtain any- thing to his advantage. Having a kind of agency, he went to Manchester, where he afterwards commenced to speak pub- licly in behalf of Spiritualism. A gentle- man wrote to Mr. Fitton, the chairman of the Manchester Society of Spiritual- ists, stating that Walter Howell was a medium of promise, and if he could get him on the platform, it might be a boon to the Cause. Mr. Litton invited Mr. II to his house, asked him to accom- pany him to the hall, and then introduced him to the Manchester audience. The Manchester friends were so much pi with him that tiny invited him their platform often. Mr. Howell's rep. utation soon spread all over the country, and he was solicited to spi where. The work of tins laborer must for itself in the hearts and minds of his auditors. In th<- year [882 Ml I lowell i i tie- Atlanta . His work in Aniei ic.i has (I tie- lit'- n ! n .n ol ' 111" of the most cultured mind . ["hose who have >\ to the I can bear testimony to theii •< ientifi philosophical < h have had tie- opportunity oi ' hoosii g their md b.i\ «■ lie. ii 1. 1 1 theii apprei iation ol tin- inspiring intelligence. In Septeml tin ned to his native land, to visit hi 2I 4 WALTER HOWELL friends. Mr. Howell acknowledges his entire in- debtedness to his spirit friends for his ed- ucation. Surely, such an instance as this is a striking example of spirit guidance. Mr. Howell's life is consecrated to the work of the spiritual world, and his un- tiring labors evidence that, "Life's more than breath, or the quick round of blood; It's a great spirit and a busy heart. He lives most who thinks most, feels the noblest, And acts the best." Mr. Howell does not pride himself up- on having had no educational advantages in his youth, as might possibly be imag- ined. He deeply regrets not having had the opportunity of being thoroughly cul- tured, fully realizing that the more cul- tured the mind of the medium, the more intellectual will be the spiritual surround- ings. It is deeply to be deplored that so many Spiritualists glory in the ignorance ot the medium, if the controls be only somewhat more advanced. It should be the aim of every medium to cultivate his or her mind so that the influence may find a clearer method of expression. Mr. Howell is of opinion that those mediums who so desire, can, in a great measure, appropiate the knowledge which passes through them. The brain — being the organ through which thought manifests itself, whether abnormally or normally expressed — retains an impres- sion of that which is transmitted. If, therefore, the medium is in sympathy with the highest thought thus expressed, Mr. Howell says there may be a devel- opment therefrom, like developed im- pressions received upon a sensitized photographer's plate. In this way, he be- lieves, mediums are helped in an educa- tional manner by spirits. Mr. Howellowes much to his guides for their educational influence. Those who know him but imperfectly would not regard him as an uneducated man, but thos'«3 who know him well do not doubt the accuracy of his statements. The records found in Bath Eye Infirm- ary show that Walter Howell was born blind. They also give a full account of the state of the eyes after the operations had been performed. The books con- taining medical testimony prove that his sight must be, and must always have been, too imperfect to enable him to study. Those who live in the neighbor- hood where he was brought up, can also testify to the fact that he received no blind education. If, therefore, we find a man who is capable of delivering dis- courses on any subjects chosen by the audience, and calling forth complimen- tary criticism from avowed non-Spiritual- ists, we are surely bound to acknowledge an avenue for acquiring wisdom, other than that of the senses. During the fall of 1887 Walter Howell labored in Willouby, O., and lectured in Bond's Hall. During the month of De- cember that year he visited Buffalo, N. Y., and from thence went to Cincinnati, where large audiences greeted him for two months. Later on his engagements were in Cleveland, Erie, Titusville, and many other places in Northwestern Penn- sylvania, Western New York and Ohio. For two years our speaker lectured every Sunday in Titusville; and, within a radi- us of two hundred miles he preached the gospel of Spiritualism through the week. In the summer of 1888, in company with friends, he again visited England, and on this occasion crossed the Chan- nel, making a trip to Paris, Basale, sev- eral places in Germany, and through Switzerland, and back to Calais by way of Boulogne, and thence to London once more. For the next two or three years his work was done in Pennsylvania mostly, and in the fall of 1890, he again returned to England, where for about ten months his Sundays and week-even- ings were fully engaged in lecturing in all parts of Great Britain. After returning to America, in 1891. his health was such that it became advisable for him not to travel too much, and to be where his physician could be called at any time: hence he confined his labors to New York City, Brooklyn, and other WALTER HOWELL 215 cities on the New York side of the Hud- son near New York. In the Autumn of 1894 Walter Howell received a call to minister to "The Soci- ety of Progressive Spiritualists," of San Francisco, Cal., and here his discourses were appreciated by large audiences in Golden Gate Hall. During Mr. Howell's soiourn in San Francisco, he endeared himself to a large circle of friends through his genial social qualities, which made him a welcome guest everywhere. He worked for the harmonization of all societies and individ- uals, feeling that only through unity of purpose and harmony of action could the best results be obtained in the ad- vancement of the interests of Spiritual- ism. His public services extended over a period of eight months, and when his engagement was ended he left a void in the hearts of his people not easily filled. His return to San Francisco as the set- tled pastor of a spiritual society is looked forward to as one of the desirable possi- bilities of the not distant future by many of the devoted friends whose acquaint- ance with Mr. Howell during his stay amongst them deepened into a warm and lasting friendship. After leaving San Francisco Mr. How- ell returned to New York and soon received a call to Boston. The Spiritual Temple of that city was his next sphere of usefulness in October and November of 1895. He was in New York in De- cember, and the New Year of 1896 finds him in St. Paul, Minnesota, ministering to excellent audiences; and in that city he remains until June, when he contem- plates a trip to England again. EUDORA B. MARCEN How much environment, heredity and unseen psychic influence help to mold and develop the character of the individual it is difficult to determine. That they are an important factor, every progressive thinker is ready to admit. So with the subject of this sketch, Eudora B. Marcen: there were many influences, both physical and psychical, connected with the time and place of her birth that wrought them- selves into the fabric of her being and made her the sensitive that she is. She is a native of California. Both her father and mother were born in New York; but they represent a cosmopolitan ancestry drawn from the sturdy Anglo Saxon and the more volatile Latin nations. The time of her birth was in those troublesome days just preceding the opening of the late war, when the mental and moral at- mosphere of our country was in a state of great agitation; when the very air was pregnant with grand ideas for the ad- vancement ?md elevation of mankind. The place of her birth was a cottage home among broad fields of waving grain, near what is now the city of San Jose, Cal., at that time just emerging from an old mission town. Born in this golden land of romance and religion, just after the unhealthy ex- citement of our early mining days, and just before the grand social upheaval of the rebellion, any one intimately acquain- ted with Mrs. Marcen can trace the in- fluence of the times in her character. Combined with a somewhat delicate physical organization, she has a highly wrought nervous system and fine mental powers; in short she is a true sensitive. She is naturally religious in the broad- est .ind best acceptation of the term, with a keen sense of right and justice and a strong desire to aid the oppressed in whatever condition of life. Her natural inclination leads her to mental and moral work, and she is always ready to join hands with those who are striving to ad- vance the welfare of poor humanity. Her childhood was passed in the quiet of rural life, where she early developed a strong love forall animate nature, making pets of all the farm animals, even climb- ing into the barn-loft to inspect and talk to the pigeons, which, she declared, as well as the other animals, understood and talked with her. Roaming over the fields or lying on the roofs chattering to (he birds she much preferred to the usual pastimes of little girls. She early developed a talent for story telling, conversing with herself for hours, smiling and weeping in turn over the joys and sorrows of her imaginary characters. In the light of present developments, how much of this was imagination and hovi much unseen influence has often been questioned by her family. As the years of her girlhood passed by she acquired ;i food education, attending the public Fchools, the Pacific University, and finally- graduating from the State Normal School. She is also a graduate of the C. L. S. C, having read the course after her marriage. She likewise completed a course of Elocution at the California School of Oratory. But being of a quaint and re- tiring disposition, all her acquired gifts would never have brought her before the public had it not been for the natural gift of inspirational speaking that came to her in October 1SS3. For the four years previous she had been living 1 quiet domestic life in San Francisco, with her first husband. She was an active member of the Howard St. Presbyterian church, and the gift of mediumship came to her unasked and unsought, with a power that was irre- sistible. First one phase and then another was developed, as if the invisibles were trying to find the gift for which she was best adapted. Finally inspirational speaking seemed to take the precedence, EUDOR \ B. MARCEN. EUDORA B. MARCEN though some of the early gifts still remain with her, and others have since been developed. Notwithstanding her powerful medium- ship, she steadily combatted every effort of the invisibles to place her before the public until thrown upon her own re- sources. Having tried teaching school and elocution, she was finally induced, through the influence of her seen and unseen friends, to take the platform. She began her public work at San Jose in Febuary,iS87, where she filled a year's engagement with the Psychic Society of that place, to the pleasure and advance- ment of all, her controls giving some of the purest and best spiritual truths. Most of her work has been done as the engaged speaker of various Spiritual societies throughout the State. How- ever, she has done much good work in parlor circles near her native town, where a number of congenial ft iends have been in the habit of gathering Sunday after- noons from house to house and holding home circles. At th<-se circles all pos- sessing mediumistic powers ^ave of their best, and Irom the harmony of the circles, much that was given was superior to public work. She was also one of the speakers of tin- State camp meeting held in San Fran- cisco in 1889, and of the Summerland camp meeting oi 1891. During the spring ol [890 she was assistant editor ot the Dove, giving tin- overworked editor of that excellenl periodical a mu h need ed resl The u inter of the penl in Massachusetts, where she did some quiet work for the cause ol Spiritualism, and formed some lasting friendships with fellow workers at the East. In l ) •< ember, (891 , she m u 1 ied her ! ut husband, but did not in COnse- quern e n tire from public life. She has tpoken in various puts of the State, though most "i h-i time has been ^ivn 10 labors with her pen, contributing to a number of Spiritual periodicals and also to the secular press. She occasionally gives some beautiful inspirational poems, and, when in com- pany with her sister, has been able to give a few of them to the public, her sister writing almost as rapidly as the inspired words are uttered. One of her present gifts is psychometrv, she often giving character readings from letters, with advice as to business, health etc. Another gift that renders her public work very interesting is symbol- reading from the platform. After a discourse, some of her guides will give fifteen or twenty symbols and explanations in as many minutes to the entire satisfaction of those receiving them. Besides her Spiritual work she has spoken for the Grange, the Alliance, the Woman Suffrage movement, and as a speaker for the People's Tarty, which is aiming at a higher civilization, the intel- lectual and spiritual advancement of the laboring classes, and the enfranchise- ment of woman — their motto being, "equal rights to all; special privileges to none." Mrs. Marcen is a petite blonde, with dark golden hair, and expressive blue sparkling with intelligence. To unacquainted with this little woman it is a surprise to see her holding an rice with all tii' ce and elo- quence of a magnetic masculine orator. inally surprising to those acquainted With her quiet retiring disposition, and who know how difficult it is foi her 1.. Appear in public . To them it is but another prool <>i the powei <>i the im is- ibles. Those who are a< quainted w ttti des, guards and tea* hei . know what powerful force 1- upholding . a medium for the unfolding I spiritual truths and the ad ai, ni of .1 refined spiritual life upon the -arthlv plane. DR. FRANCES C. TREAD WELL. Dr. Frances C. Treadwell, nee Hinck- ley, formerly of Philadelphia, now at the Murphy Building on Market street, was born at Walworth, Wayne County, New York. Her father, who was a captain in the war of 1812, was a farmer near Wal- worth. Her grandfather was a colonel in the Revolutionary War and fought for the independence of the American Colonies. His granddaughter, a hun- dred years later, fought for the recog- nition of ladies in the profession of dentistry. H^r maternal ancestors were French; her paternal ancestors English. Her mother died when sbe was eight years old. Her father having married again, she went to her grandparents. Her grandmother dying she was left alone with her grandfather, but he, too, having married again at the age of seventy, she determined to start out for herself. The idea struck her at noon one day while she was at school. She had al- ways been inclined toward the practice of medicine, and she now resolved to see what she could do for herself. She left school and procured a situation as a dressmaker. This business she fol- lowed for two years in her native country. She then went to Cleveland, Ohio, where she had a brother. Here she secured a position in a large dress- making establishment as an assistant fore lady. It was her fixed purpose to obtain money enough to enable her to study medicine. While employed here, one of the girls who worked in the house was taken with toothache. Miss Hinckley took her to a dentist who, in extracting the tooth, treated the girl with so much roughness and careless- ness that the subject of our sketch forthwith determined to turn her at- tention from medicine to dentistry. She applied to all the dental schools, such as they were in those days, but was every where laughed and sneered at. Finally, however, she secured em- ployment as office girl in one of these dental schools where, it may be said, she learned to fill and extract teeth almost surreptitiously. After remaining at this school about a year and a half and using up all her money, she was obliged to begin to practice. Here her troubles began in earnest. She had to have a certificate. After much quarreling among the pro- fessors of her school, she was awarded one. But a general hue and cry was raised among the dentists of Cleveland against the admission of ladies to the profession. Indeed, their dignity was so much offended, that Miss Hinckley did not dare to commence operations in that city. So she procured an out- fit, which was not an easy task for one in her circumstances, especially when we consider that the dealers in dental supplies did not care much about stock- ing a lady dentist, borrowed a dollar, and started for the interior. In a week she returned to Cleveland, paid for her outfit which had cost fif- teen dollars, and had eight or nine dollars left. These trips were repeated until she got on a good financial footing. But during this time she was constantly railed at, execrated, called a "she" DR. PRANCES TRKADWELL DR. FRANCES C. TREADWEEL 219 dentist, threatened with arrest, and admonished by ministers of the gospel. In 18o7 she was married to a portrait artist, and in company with her hus- band, traveled for a year, but her hus- band's health and business failing, she stopped at Smyrna, Delaware, and again resumed the practice of her pro- fession. She next went to Delaware City, where she remained until 1868 ; from there she moved to Norristown. Her husband died in 1875. She next removed to Philadelphia, where she built up a large practice. It was owing chiefly to her efforts that female stu- dents were admitted to all the dental colleges of that city. She had one son who received a thorough commercial education, and is now traveling salesman for one of the largest bouses on the Coast. One of her brothers came to ( 'aliforuia in early times. Her son was also in California, and in 1874 slie 3ame to San Francisco on a visit. In l vS - Bhe came to ( 'ali- foruia a Becond lime, principally on account of her health, and in two months returned much improved ; but her health failing again, she was obliged to go abroad, and so came to San Francisco again. She may well be called the Pioneer Lady Dentist of the United States. She also took a course in medicine at a medical college in Philadelphia, and is a learned M. D. as well as a skillful dentist. Her career has been one of discovery in afield hitherto unexplored by women. She has fought her way inch by inch over this ground, and through all she his been as tender, compassionate ami charitable as she has been independent ami courageous. She has labored earn- estly to prove to the world the ability of women, trusting the day will soon dawn when each woman ami man can be weighed in the great scale of human justice and not be found wanting. Mis. Tread well is an avowed Spiritualist and liberal progressive woman. JOHN C. BUNDY. The following sketch of the life and eminent services in behalf of Spiritual- ism of Mr. Bundy was prepared by Sara A. Underwood and published in the Religio Phieosophical Journal ot August 20th, 1892. It was afterward re-produced in the Carrier Dove with a portrait, under the date of Jan. 1893. John Curtis Bundy, late editor and pub- isher of The Religio Philosophical Jour- nal, was born at St. Charles, Kane Co., 111., about thirty five miles from the city of which he, a native son of Illinois, was ever loyally proud, and whence on the 6th of August he was born into the higher life. He was ushered into earth life on the 16th of Feburary, 1841, the eldest son of Asahel and Betsey Bundy. As a youth he, though genial tempered, was quite serious minded and of studious habits. After leaving the common school of St. Charles he was sent at thirteen years of age for belter instruction to the Brimmer school in Boston, Mass. Later he at- tended Phillips Academy at Andover, Mass., to prepare to enter Yale College, but his health gave way, and he returned to his Western home. It was while at Andover that he formed an acquaint- ance with the eminent writer of psychical stories, Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward, for whom he ever cherished an ardent ad- miration. Although at the breaking out of the war of the rebellion but a youth barely twenty years of age, yet filled with a pat- riotic ardor he at once offered his ser- vices in behalf of the Union. Soon after his enlistment he was given the rank ol Second Lieutenant in Dod- son's Independent Cavalry Company. Later he was promoted to a Lieutenant Colonelship. His military ardor,however, was greater than his physical strength, and in 1863 he was forced to leave the army in order to recuperate his health. It was while he was yet in the service, on August 19, 1862, that his marriage to Miss Mary E. Jones of St. Charles occur- red. From childhood they had been friends and neighbors> and though both were comparatively young for wedlock, yet the marriage was from first to last a true union of hands, hearts, pursuits and interests. Two bright and lovely children were born to them, a son and daughter, of whom only the latter, Miss Gertrude Bundy, remains in earth life, the son, George, a fine and beautiful boy, having been called to the higher lite at the age of seven. Soon after his retirement from army- lite Mr. Bundy took up the study of law, which he gave up to assist his wife's father, Mr. S. S. Jones, the founder of The Religio-Philosophical Journal, in the conduct of his paper. Mr. Bundv was brought up in the Methodist faith, but desirous always ol rinding the truth and with mind open to conviction, lie began very early that life of investigation and probing for facts for which he was conspicuous, and his search after proof of continued existence was rewarded bv evidences which were to his mind indubitable that personality sur- vives the dissolution of the physical form, and that which men name death is but a re-birth into a higher phase of exist- ence. Among the most convincing proofs of this he considered some that were given to him soon after the transition of his only and idolized son, but these JOHN' C. BUNDV 22 I were too sacred to be often spoken of. In 1S77, when by the death of his father-in-law, Mr. Bund\', assisted by Mrs. Bundy, was called upon to take charge of Thejonrnai, he was well fitted both by conviction and experience to carry on the work of spiritual enlightenment and scientific investigation demonstrative of psychic truths, to which he was thus called, and as Prof. Coues says, to him it is mainly due that here in America, at the World's Columbian Exposition, there will be presented, through the Psychical Con- gress, of which Mr. Bundy was chairman, a dignified presentation of the scientific proofs for belief in immortal life by cul- tured and scholarly scientific Spiritual- ists aided by the investigators of the Societies for Psychical Research. This in itself is something worthy of being born into this life for. Of the good work done lor Spiritualism by Mr. Bundy since he took charge of the paper the files of The Journal give ample evidence, and we leave these to speak for liim in any future history of Spiritualism in this and in all countries, and refer readers of this number to the respect in which he was held by the secular pr ss of this city as evidence of the worth of his honest work. When Mr. Bundy returned from the National Editorial Convention held in San Francisco in May, where he had •nt as a delegate from the Chicago Press club, he was far from well, hut he kept about until seven weeks b< fore hi-. transition, when he entered his of] the last time Saturday, I tine 18th, sa>m, be was going to ';t. Charles with Mrs Bundy for a little vi it, but would 1. back on M nday. A week or two latei Mr. and Mrs Bundy were anticipating si trip to Ann Aibor. Mi< h., to be pi at the graduation of their daughter from the Mi< higan 1 fniversity. After that event it had been arranged that they all should take a brief trip to ]•; irope to give theii daughter a taste of the woi Id's pleasure titer her years of study. Bui alas I even bright anticipation was doomed to non Fulfillment. ( rathe sam • evening thai h< •vent to St. Charles, Mr. Bundy was taken "uddenly ill with pleurisj Alter t< 1 of illness at St. Charles, it was deemed best to bring him to his own home in Chicago where he could be attended by his long-time friend and trusted family physician, Dr. T. R. Boynton. Every- thing that skill and love could suggest was done to save him, but the fiat had gone forth, and seven weeks to a day from the first attack of decided pain he passed away from earthly cares. The daughter, who had hoped to give him pleasure in witnessing her graduation honors, took little comfort in those honors and came home as soon as she could gel away to take her place by the side of her beloved father, assisting faithfully in every duty necessary until the last sad hour; and his last conscious thought was of her and her mother, and his last effort was to smile bravely at them both to ease their fears as they bent over him ministering to his needs. At an early stage of Mr. Bandy's illness which was ordained to be the pathway to his release from eartly cares, a fore- warning of that release, it is believed by those nearest to him, was vouchsafed. " O!" he said to his wife at that time, "If I only had strength to tell you of the wonderful psychical experiences! hav< had since my sickness!— and they are nol hallucinations either!" Trusting that he would eventually recover, and tearing that any detailed recital of any thing wh would unduly excite and further weaken him, he w 1 ■ ad\ is id to a * ail n relating his expei ience, but as h< spoke of them in a tone of delighted sur- prise, it is pleasant now to think that his pathway was brightened by glimp the immortal lite. At the timeof Mr. Bundy's approach to the other side of life's veil, his 1 sister, Mrs I ran< es Bundy Phillipp in ( '<>!' irado, u hither she had gone ing health and strength. Though aware ot her brothei '• protrai •• d illn< 1 ;he did not knOW hoil OUS that illnrss was, lmt on the night he passed away she iiad two singular psychh al expei i< All th<- evenii 1 a remarkable sadness and depression •<' 1 mu< h s<> that bei loin a 222 JOHN C. BUNDY party of her friends at the hotel, who asked her to share in some social pastime going on among them. She went to bed at her usual hour and dreamed that Mr. Bundy had passed away and that she was present at his funeral, many of the particulars of which her dream foretold correctly; for instance, in her dream she heard sung distinctly one of the musical selections rendered by Miss McDonald at the ser- vices of St. Charles, viz, "Lead, Kind]} Light." When she arose next morning she glanced at the clock in her room for the time, and discovered that it had stopped. She examined it to find the reason for its stopping, but could find none. This fact and her dream so wor- ried her that, though she had promised and intended to accompany a party into the mountains for a pleasure trip that morning, she felt so sure that a telegram with bad news was coming for her that she declined going, and remained at the hotel waiting for the news which came before noon. The telegram gave the hour when her brother departed, and the time at which the clock stopped was the same hour, allowing for the difference between Colorado and Chicago time. Another interesting incident occurred in The Journal office a few days previous to Mr. Bundy's change. Early in the day, when the office boy threw open the windows near the desk which for so long had been occupied by the editor of The Journal, a sparrow flew in from out of doors and perched itself calmly on the desk of the sick man and hopped about contentedly, apparently oblivious of the boy's presence. And when, an hour or two later, the acting editor accompanied by a lady came into the room, the sparrow still hopped about the desk, peering into this pigeon hole and that, with a strange disregard for their presence, though eluding their touch whenever they at- tempted to catch it. To the lady's mind was recalled a superstition of her de- parted mother that the coming of a bird like that tamely into any room or house was the portent of a death, and she re- membered an instance which had fixed the superstition in her mind when the portent came true, though no one was ill at the time of the bird's coming. Or course it was all nonsense, still she would rather the bird would go out. But though once or twice it flzw from the desk to the ledge of the open window, it kept its perch preferably on Mr. Bundy's desk, finally crawling away into the furtherest recess of one of the pigeon holes, where it remained most of the day out of sight, but at intervals startling the visitors, who called to inquire as to Mr. Bundy's con- dition, by a loud and wholly unexpected chirp. When the office boy closed the rooms in the evening, fearing tl e bird might come to some harm if left ail night, he caught it and attempted to put it outside the window, but twice it flew back, and it was only by quickly closing the window that at last he succeeded in getting rid 01 it. It never returned. Another sister, who was in New York at the time her brother passed away, writes that on that night she dreamed that Mrs. Bundy came to her, and told her "John's sufferings are over." His mother, who was at the time ill, also had a strange psychical experience that same night concerning her son. THE FUNERAL. The arrangements for the funeral of Mr. Bundy were planned and carried out by Mrs. Bundy in beautiful harmony with the higher spiritual philosophy in which they both fully believed. Death, as pop- ularly thought of, had not occured, but only the natural evolution of a soul in one of the phases of progress toward higher planes of existence. So mourning em- blems could not be in place, and instead of the usual "crape at the door," a beau- tiful spray of white flowers held together by knots of white ribbon spoke of the departure of the soul to spheres of purer life and light. Mis. Bundy gratefully declined to ac- cede to the expressed wishes of many friends for some public manifestation ot the general sorrow over her husband's departure, and made the funeral as pi i- JOHN C. BUNDY vate as possible under the circumstances. But, as was befitting, a few personal friends and representatives of the leading newspapers of Chicago attended the ser- vices at his home on the morning of Mon- day August 8th Although, in the published notice ot Mr. Bundy's departure, Mrs Bundy had requested that no flowers be sent, yet that could not wholly prevent some of their friends from expressing by such gifts a tender tribute of their great regard for him, and in every room, both at his own home in Chicago and at that home in St. Charles - whence his body was borne to its last resting place, vases, filled with fragrant, many-hued Mowers, everywhere sent forth greetings of cheer and hope to all present. The Loyal Legion, of which Mr. Bundy was an honored member, sent a pillow of flowers with its emblematic rosette in the centre, and at the particular request of that association its mortuary flag was draped about the casket. The Chicago Press club sent a beautiful floral piece — an open book. A spray of- fifty- one roses, presented by Mrs. Bundy's sister, Mrs. R. B. Farson, ofSt. Charles, and arranged by Miss Gertrude Bundy, lay upon the casket representing the years of his earth life. The roses were bedewed with the tears which silently stole from the daughter's eyes as she arranged this tribute to a parent deeply beloved, but they were not tear^ ol hope- less sorrow, fcr she said, as she looked at the unresponsive passive features from which the light of love had fled, "Oh, indeed, I cannot feel in the least that that is papa! I feel that he is safe and happy in some other form in which he can still communicate with us!" On this assur- ance she did not clothe herself in gar- ments of mourning, but wore a dress of pure white such as her father would prefer to see her arrayed in. Indeed none of the sorrowing friends, who believed that their dear one had only passed through one of life's portals to gain stronger pow- ers, donned the dismal garments of crepe such as are usually associated with funeral rites, and those who took part in the ex- ercises of the ocassion were relatives and friends whom he would at any time have been glad to welcome to his home. Miss Bessie McDonald the sweet singer, who paid the tributes of song to her friend, was the daughter of an old-time friend and neighbor of Mr. Bundy's boyhood. Before noon, accompanied by relatives and friends, the body was carried to the train and taken to St. Charles, where, in the home in which Mrs. Bundy was born, in which her marriage occured, and where ) is last illness came upon him, another service was held in behalf of Mr. Bundy's aged parents and Mrs. Bun- dy's mother, Mrs. Jones, to whom he was as de ii' as it" he were her own son. Many other relatives were present, among them his sister ami brother-in law, .Mr. and Mis. Phillipps, of Bloomington. III. E. D. BABBITT. Dr, Babbitt was born in Hamden, New York, February i, 182S. His father was the Rev. Samuel T. Babbitt; his grand-father, Rev. Abner Smith, grad- uated at Harvard University in 1770. On his mother's side he was descended from the first Earl of iShaftsbury, the Lord High Chancellor of England. For many years of his earlier life he was engaged as a teacher in private seminaries or in colleges. For a quarter of a century he was an earnest worker in the church and battled against the claims of Spiritualism. Twenty-five years ago he was induced to visit Mrs. Staats of New York, a favorite medium of Judge Edmonds and received an overwhelming array of tests and proofs of communion with loved one gone before. This constituted a new era in his life, a period on the one hand of great joy and realization that the dear ones still lived and loved, and that light from the diviner world rould at last be receiv- ed direct, while on the other hand it was a period of agony to feel that so many precious religious hopes and associations and idols had to be shattered. He soon came out into clear light, however, and felt that he had been spiritually starving all his life for want of a knowledge of the higher world and the sublime truths of immortality. A joy unspeak able came to him as he found his mediumistic nature could be developed so that he was able to see the glories of the interior uni- verse, and learn the mysteries of being from grandly illuminated souls. In 1874, the doctor published his Health Guide, several editions of which have been sold in this and other coun- tries. In 1875-6, when General Pleasonton's work on "Blue and White Light." was producing a sensation, the doctor, per- ceiving its many loose statements and its lack of scientific occuracy, felt thai there should be a work on light and color founded on absolute principles; but the whole scientific v\orld was ignorant of basic principles — could not tell what light really is, or heat or electricity or magnetism or chemical force or force of any kind and were in the habit of remark- ing that these matters were "doubtless beyond human power ever to under- stand." Then it was, that under the in- fluence of a wonderfully advanced spirit who was able to see actual atoms both large and small, he was made to reason out their very form and working, to see just how the great underlying forces of the world are developed and to open up into clear light a multitude of myster- ies. Among other things, the processes of chemical affinity were clearly ascer- tained, and as this is the great formula- ting principle of the universe, he deems it the most important of all laws, and de- clares that by its aid vision, smell, taste, respiration, pulsation and even mental and psychic forces are made possible, while in the whole material world it is the harmonizing and potentizing principle. He discovered also that color is the measure of the style of force in every de- partment of the world and that the chem- ical and therapeutical character of not only the rays of sunlight but of all other objects may be determined by their color. Not only by a great number of experi- ments with colored rays of light but by the color potency of drugs as shown by the spectroscope and proved by medical practice has he established this fact. 1 lis large work, "Principles of Light and Color," published in 1878, explains the DR. B. D. BABBITT E. D. BABBITT 2 5 laws of all fine forces, establishes the new science of Chromopathy, and by a series of handsome colored plates shows the terrestrial color forces as seen by the clairvoyant eye, also the invisible radia- tions from the human head which give the very soul of character, and demon- strate the fact that even mental and psychic forces work on the principle of chemical affinity, another proof that unitv of laws rules in both the visible and in- visible world. A philosophical journal of France speaks of this work as follows: "This extraordinary work commends itself to the attention of all who are in- terested in science and philosophy It recalls the celebrated discourse where Clausius has been able to deduce from the relationship of light and electricity, the unity of force in the universe. The Principles of Light should, then, be for savants a key which enables them to pen- etrate to the very secrets of substance. It is indeed that which commends this book, compared with which the bold efforts of the savant, Crookes, seem but as brilliant first steps We give all gratitude to Mr. Babbitt, for having con- secrated with so much success his high science, who outdoes the genius even of a Pascal, inasmuch as that does not re- veal the sublime harmonies taught in this book, and we greatly desire that a French translation may soon spread before us these amazing i% Principles of Light "in/ ( blor." It may be stated that Mme. I'-maitre ofFran< e is now translating this work. The Rev. Walter W. Mantel!, ;i medi- cal scientist as well as a clergyman, of Melbourne, Australia, speaks as follows: "I have been tor some time a careful and enthusiastic student of the system of therapeutics ol whi< h you are the dis cov- erer. I have proved its immense value iu the cure of disease, I firmly be- lieve your discoveries are th<- most im- portant ever mad--." Dr. Babbitt's "Philosophy of Cure' 1 has been received with equal favor with the "Principles of Light and ( lolor." An- other work called ''Religion" i--, in the words of Dr. O. O. Stoddard, of Phila- delphia, "a most beautiful and glorious gospel. If all could be led to believe in such a gospel, the world would be almost infinitely better than it is now." His last work called "Health and Power" is a little pocket affair; gives natural methods for the cure of several diseases which have usually been consid- ered incurable. The doctor has for some time had the manuscript of a work on hand on "Mar- riage, Stirpiculture, Social Upbuilding," etc., which some philanthropic soul should be glad to help him issue. We learn that it covers some new and won- derful ground including the very philoso- phy of life itself, the mysteries of sexual development, the ante-natal and post- natal ennoblement of the race. etc. The cost of an edition will be about $800. Before closing this article we must speak of Dr. Babbitt's Institution for the inculcation of this higher science of life and a more refined system of therapeu- tics, including chromopathy, or healing by light and color, electricity, vital mag- netism, massage, mind cure, the curative use of water, air, earth, etc., the outlines of anatomy, physiology and pathology to gethei with basic principles. For many years the institution has borne the name of the New York College of Magnetics and has had a charter granted under the laws of New York State; but a late lev, enacted under the inachi- na'ions and money of some rich old in- stitutions that have wished to monopolize matters, forbids the confering of i 1 I » 1; ibbitl .1 life- 226 E. I). BABBITT time. He has made most important sci- entific discoveries. As soon as these truths become known every college in the land will gladly claim a department in which these discoveries may be ex- plained." Another of the trustees, Mr. J. W. Currier, went to Albany, and stirred the regents with his eloquence in behalf of the institution. He showed them that the College of Magnetics was making a new era in curative knowledge and be- coming internatioral, having had stu- dents in four continents, England, France, Germany, Spain, India, Australia, etc., as well as the United States being enthu- siastically represented by them. "If you shall vote against this institution," said he, "and make money rather than science the test of a college, it will be the shame ol the State." The regents spoke well of the college but as the law was absolutely definite in the matter they had no power to vote in its favor. Dr. Babbitt then got a full charter un- der the laws of New Jersey officered with a very superior Board of Trustees, changed the name of his institution to College of Fine Forces and removed it and his family to the beautiful suburban city of East Orange, New Jersey, his ad- dress being 5 Pulaski Street, East Orange, which is ten miles from New York. He continues to confer the de- gree of D. M. or Doctor of Magnetics, upon his graduates. By aid of a series of printed questions covering the whole course of study and the proper books, students who cannot leave their homes can take the full course and degree by correspondence. F. A. DAVIS. FRANKLIN A. DAVIS The subject of this briet sketch was born in the town of Milton, eight miles south of Boston, Mass. When about twenty-one years of age lie left his native State to seek his fortune in Australia. At this time wonderful accounts of the mar- velous wealth of that country, and the easy road to fortune it offered to the man of enterprise and adventure, had spread over the country, and many were induced to try its realities. After spending two years in Australia. Mr. Davis sailed for San Francisco, where he arrived in 1 86 1 . He soon engaged in the business of wool buying, in which he was very suc- cessful. As prosperity smiled upon him he shared her smiles with others. No appeal for help was passed by unheeded; and many comforts found their way into homes of poverty and distress, where they had hitherto been strangers. Mr. Davis is not one of those pharisaical specimens of humanity who "give gifts in public that they may be seen of men " or proclaim their charities through the public press in order to obtain the praise and adulation of the people. On the contrary, he is quiet, reticent and retir- ing, preferring to follow the injunction of Scripture, " Let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth." He i^ a Staunch Spiritualist, a great reader and thinker. Mr. Davis has o ten been heard to remark that he would go much farther to see a sermon practiced than he would to hear one preached; that there is too much talking and too little acting among those professing to walk in the light ol Truth. How much might be accomplished for humanity could those who have an abundance <>t this world's goods be induced to follow the noble example of this man whose life is dedicated to such sacreU service; refus- ing thanks, but always thanking his beloved spirit friends for rendering him serviceable, and for sustaining him in his efforts to practically demonstrate the true Christ principle. We cannot more fitly close this meager sketch than by giving a poem from the pen of " Lupa," the sweet singer whose plaintive notes have many times awak- ened responsive echoes from the sad hearts she has comforted. friendship's offering TO K. A. DAVIS. Where the waves of the wild Atlantic Ever beat against the shore, On the coast where the Pilgrims landed, In a century gone before, Where the blue hills guard the ocean And the men who sail in ships, While they see their steadfast summits, Hold thanksgiving on their lips — There were subtle forces gathering From the powers in air and earth, There were circling bands angelic, And at last a human birth. It was only the same old story, Ever new and wondrous strange, How the body caught the spnit, With the years of earth to change. All the faith of the Pilgrim Mothers, All their hope of a better lite, All the bravery ( .f tin- Fathers, Through those 'mi i en yeai - "t Bti All the long-sustained resistance That has made this natii »n li All the soul*entran< ing beauty ( >i Wu England flower and tree, Tin- aspiring, snow -< app< d mountain And mystei ious forest w ild, \\'