Excitement at Milo, Ill.
Some of the good people of Milo township have been greatly excited, during the past ten or twelve days, over some alleged “spiritual manifestations.” The scene of these disturbances is in a house occupied by Mr Potter, in the south-west corner of the township. The following account of the “mysteries” has been furnished by neighbours and acquaintances of the Potter family, and is claimed by them as reliably authentic, as well as being generally believed by people in that vicinity.
The first disturbances occurred while Mr Potter was absent from home. It seems that a joint of the stove-pipe fell to the ground without any good cause, but this in itself not being very remarkable, it was put in its place without further note. In a short time it fell again, when it was laid on a shelf or table, but without any visible agency would be thrown unceremoniously to the floor. Brickbats, stones, and dirt were thrown on the floor while the doors and windows were closed.
On the arrival of Mr Potter, an account of the disturbances was related, about which he thought there must be some illusion or a natural cause. The unmistakable manifestations soon, however, convinced Mr Potter that his family had not been mistaken. While eating supper, with the presence of several neighbours, the table was repeatedly covered with showers of dust, seemingly penetrating through the ceiling, yet no apparent disturbance of the ceiling itself could be detected.
Mr Potter has two girls, aged respectively twelve and fourteen, who appear to be the magnets through whom the invisible influence operates. These girls are children of Mr Potter’s first wife. In the absence of one or both of the girls no disturbances occur. The presence of both is needed to produce the manifestations. The most vigilant means have been resorted to, to guard against imposition or intrusion. Persons were stationed at each corner of the house, the doors bolted, and the windows closed, yet, in broad daylight, real, tangible brick bats would be hurled into the room. Several were marked, thrown out, and, strange to say, under these precautions, in a short time they would again appear in the room.
Another remarkable fact, as these folks allege, is that articles of cutlery, marbles, and trinkets, lost for several years, are thrown on the floor. A pair of shoes belonging to one of the girls, were placed on the chamber stairs and the door closed, and in a short time the shoes fell at the feet of the girl. This was in daylight, in the presence of one or more neighbours.
It is stated that Mr Potter has searched every nook of his house and the surrounding premises for some unaccountable cause but all in vain. The ceiling of the room was removed, as the missiles seemed to escape therefrom, but nothing was detected. Mrs Potter has refused to remain in the house. One of the girls was sent away, and since, it is said there have been no disturbances. – Princeton (Ill.) Republican.
Spiritual Times, 18th November 1865.