On March 31, 1848, in the small cottage residence of John and Margaret Fox, of Hydesville, New York, a remarkable event happened. The family had been hearing strange knocking noises for about two weeks. Instead of being scared, 14-year old Margaret snapped her fingers, and immediately there were knocks mimicking Margaret’s snaps. Then Katie fox, 11-years old directly addressed the knock and asked them to mimic her snaps. The knocks complied.

It was then that Spirit communication in the Modern era was established. Eventually a system was worked out where someone would say the alphabet, and a knock would occur to spell out a message. It was learned that a peddler had been murdered in that house, and eventually they found his psychical remains buried in the walls of the basement.

Margaret and Katie Fox became the first mediums of Modern Spiritualism. They eventually toured and gave public demonstrations of Spirit communication began holding séances for Charles F. Livermore, a wealthy 31-year-old banker whose wife had died. For 5 years she gave 400 sittings, and detailed records of these séances were kept. Many types of phenomena occurred: from loud raps to the levitation of a heavy table. During the 43rd session materialization occurred, where Livermore’s wife, Estelle, once again spoke to her husband.

Katie went on to live in England for several years, and was studied by the Nobel winning physicist, and psychical researcher Sir William Crookes.

For those of use or who are developing mediumistic abilities, we learn certain techniques, and follow certain rules in presenting the information we receive from Spirit. Many of these techniques were discovered by trial and error, or specific instruction from Spirit, though the early mediums such as the Fox Sisters, and the Davenport Brothers.

Both Margaret and Katie lived unique lives for the time, because it was highly unusual, in their day, for single women to be earning money independent from a husband. They became very much in demand, and became rather wealthy. Their fame made them 21st century celebrities in the late 1800’s. However, fame came with a price, and both sisters became alcoholics.

Sadly, they died penniless and were buried in Cypress Hill cemetery in Brooklyn, NY.

After posting this webpage, I received information about Leah Fox Underwood's grave. She is buried in the large Underhill Family Plot in Greenwood Cemetery, which is not far from Cypress Hills Cemetery.

It is a very large four sided tombstone with the name of Daniel Fox on the front. Leah Underhill, wife of Daniel is recognized on the left side of the stone. Her mother, Margaret Fox, wife of John Fox, is recognized on the right side.

Leah Fox Underwood