Spiritisme

1888 · 76666 — N.p.: N.p. 1888. Broadside measures 6 x 9 1/2 inches and has an image of Jewett with apparition-like illustrations of Lincoln and George Washington and his wife behind him. In manuscript above and below the image is written "Lincoln and Washington Family come at my earnest call in silent prayer much to my joy in December 1888 at 82. California Solomon Wright Jewett It is also inscribed and initialed by Jewett on the recto- "“Interesting enough to be surrounded in a frame and in a glass only think of calling down our friends from Heaven. JWS 1890" Broadside has three horizontal fold-lines and the middle fold has a one inch separation at the right margin old stain to top of page. A fragile and scarce item of Spiritualist Vermont and California interest. No copies located.Solomon Jewett was one of the most earnest and grandiose of all believers and practitioners of Spiritualism in 19th century America. Born and raised in Vermont he became a wealthy sheep farmer in both Vermont and California. After losing his wife of seven years he became interested in Spiritualism. He also traveled extensively in Europe and other places picking up his further beliefs as he went along. Soon enough he was referring to himself as a “Shepherd of Vermont and California†“Indian Healer†“Doctor of Magnetism†and “Medical Doctor.†He soon began to claim that he could channel Washington and Lincoln among many others. "He also associated with and befriended a spirit artist Wella P. Anderson and his wife Lizzie “Pet†Anderson a medium who worked in New York City and Oakland California. Jewett acquired from them eighteen pencil portraits that depict well-known historical and mythical figures spanning many geographical locations and historical times that apparently “visited†the artist under the influence of Jewett’s presence" Henry Sheldon Museum. He assembled a large collection of Spirit art and photographs and that collection remains extant in The Henry Sheldon Museum of Vermont History. Jewett died in 1905 N.p. unknown