In the mid-19th century, amid the rapid social and technological changes of America’s antebellum era, a peculiar phenomenon emerged that would spark the modern Spiritualist movement: mysterious “rappings” attributed to communications from the dead. Centered around two young sisters, Margaret and Kate Fox, in rural New York, these events captivated the public imagination, blending folklore, science, and religion. What began as unsettling noises in a modest family home escalated into public séances, investigations, and near-riots, laying the groundwork for a belief system that influenced millions. This 1897 newspaper article from the Rock Island Argus revisits the story on the cusp of the movement’s 50th anniversary, offering a contemporaneous glimpse into the excitement, skepticism, and cultural impact of the Fox sisters’ experiences.

https://humblymybrain.substack.com/p/the-fox-sisters-and-the-birth-of

Did you know that in 1835, the early Latter-day Saint church officially canonized a strong revelation declaring monogamy as the divine standard for marriage—directly pushing back against shocking rumors of polygamy and "spiritual wifery" swirling at the time? This forgotten section from the original Doctrine and Covenants emphatically taught that marriage is between one man and one woman, rooted in scripture, and condemned any perversions. Dive into this intriguing piece of LDS history that raises big questions about the church's early stance on marriage—mind-blowing stuff!

Full article: https://humblymybrain.substack.com/p/monogamys-mandate-the-1835-revelation

In the early 20th century, as newspapers delved into tales of historical intrigue to captivate readers, the Bismarck Daily Tribune published this fascinating account of the Count of St. Germain—a figure shrouded in myth and deception. Emerging in the opulent court of Louis XV, he captivated Europe’s elite with claims of immortality, alchemical wonders, and timeless wisdom. This 1912 article, blending skepticism with wonder, paints him as one of history’s greatest charlatans, whose origins and fate remain unsolved puzzles.

https://humblymybrain.substack.com/p/the-mysterious-count-of-st-germain