There were two brothers who claimed to be Psychic Mediums in the 19th century – Erastus (September 17, 1839-1911) and William Henry (February 1, 1841-July 1877) – also popularly known as the Davenport brothers. They were popular for summoning entities and spirits from the beyond. People did claim them to be psychic mediums, who were great at presenting illusions of the other worldly kind.
A Look at the History of the Davenport Brothers
In 1854, Spiritualism has started becoming popular in the United States. This was the same time the two brothers began working. Their father managed their work, while many people became their followers, and speculators. Another man joined them in their lives, someone by the name of William Fay. Eventually, their performances were introduced by Dr. J.B. Ferguson, a former minister, and a follower of Spiritualism. He genuinely believed in the psychic, and spiritual powers of the two brothers.
The Davenport brothers did countless acts in their lifetime, but the most popular of all was the “box illusions”. Here, the box contained musical instruments. The two brothers had themselves tied up, to make sure that they won’t be able to move, after they get inside the box. Afterward, the box was closed, in time for the musical instruments to be heard making some sounds. When the box got opened, witnesses saw that the two brothers couldn’t have made that sound, because they were still tied to their original position. People then believed that the two psychic mediums were able to summon spirits, to assist them in making those sounds.
For a decade, the two brothers enjoyed a fruitful career. They toured the United States, while showcasing their abilities. And then they were investigated by an organization called the Ghost Club, composed of people who were non-believers of their abilities. They dared the two brothers to communicate with Spirits. But the findings of the club forced them to concede, and believe, that the brothers’ abilities were real.
Posted under Psychics
This post was written by The Online Psychic on April 2, 2010


