A. Leah (Ann Leah) Underhill
The Missing Link in Modern Spiritualism
"The Missing Link in Modern Spiritualism" by A. Leah Underhill is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This work documents the origins of Modern Spiritualism, beginning with the peculiar manifestations experienced by the Fox family in Hydesville, New York, in 1848. It explores the family's interactions with unseen forces, unveiling their struggles and experiences as they navigate the unsettling occurrences that lead to a burgeoning spiritual movement. The opening of the text introduces readers to the remarkable events that transpired in the Fox household, where mysterious sounds and rapping noises are described in detail through testimonies from family members and neighbors. Margaret Fox, the matriarch, recounts the initial disturbances and the gradual realization that they are communicating with a spirit. These occurrences escalate to the point where the family, along with the community, begins to investigate a possible murder linked to the house, significantly shaping the early days of Spiritualism. The meticulous recollections set the stage for Underhill's personal journey and the rise of a movement that would transform spiritual beliefs and practices across the globe.