Dr. Henry Slade was the world's most famous spiritualist slate-writing medium. He entertained the crowned heads of Europe with his powers in the 19th century, including Napoleon III, who presented him with a 3-carat diamond. Slade came to Albion in 1855, and was well known to those involved in the Spiritualist Movement. He amassed a fortune from his powers, estimated to be almost $1 million, but lost it all and died in poverty. Slade claimed that his dead wife wrote him messages from "the Other Side." His monument in Riverside states, "Henry Slade, renowned throughout the world as the first spiritualist medium for the independent slate writing. Retired to spirit life September 8, 1905 after an earthly visit of 69 years, 5 months and 22 days. With toil now finished, with soul set free, he now enters eternity." Regarding his reputation, Slade was arrested in London and placed on trial and charged with fraud and trickery. He gained his freedom by allowing himself to be searched, handcuffed, etc. and gave a seance while in this condition. Slade was exposed by biologist Edwin Lankester in England in 1876. Charles Darwin congratulated Lankester on exposing Slade.
Dr. Henry Slade was the world's most famous spiritualist slate-writing medium. He entertained the crowned heads of Europe with his powers in the 19th century, including Napoleon III, who presented him with a 3-carat diamond. Slade came to Albion in 1855, and was well known to those involved in the Spiritualist Movement. He amassed a fortune from his powers, estimated to be almost $1 million, but lost it all and died in poverty. Slade claimed that his dead wife wrote him messages from "the Other Side." His monument in Riverside states, "Henry Slade, renowned throughout the world as the first spiritualist medium for the independent slate writing. Retired to spirit life September 8, 1905 after an earthly visit of 69 years, 5 months and 22 days. With toil now finished, with soul set free, he now enters eternity." Regarding his reputation, Slade was arrested in London and placed on trial and charged with fraud and trickery. He gained his freedom by allowing himself to be searched, handcuffed, etc. and gave a seance while in this condition. Slade was exposed by biologist Edwin Lankester in England in 1876. Charles Darwin congratulated Lankester on exposing Slade.
Bio by: Frank Passic, Albion Historian
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