International Association for the Preservation of Spiritualist and Occult Periodicals
Periodical:The Sunbeam
The Sunbeam: cover of an issue
Summary:
Summary by:
Pat Deveney
Title:
Sunbeam, The.
Subtitle:
Truth is Light.
Motto:
The Light Shineth in Darkness; and the Darkness Comprehended it not. St. John 1:5
Published:
1858-1860?
Frequency:
Weekly
Location:
Buffalo, then Batavia, NY; Cleveland, OH.
Language:
English.
Editor(s):
Dr. C.D. Griswold.
Publisher(s):
A.P. Dunlap & Co. (Buffalo, NY).
Description:

1/1, November 13, 1858-1860(?)

4 pp., $1.00-$1.50 a year for 52 issues ($1.00 in 1859 Spiritualists' Register).

Judge Edmonds, in his letters to the New York Tribune, notes a cure (of palsy) performed by Griswold. Griswold (1819--1865) claimed that "the Revelations of Modern Spiritualism are as true and as sacred as the Bible," but hedged his bet by continuing, "If we are wrong in disseminating such a doctrine we are not doing much evil." The journal contained serialized fiction ("A Harmonious Family," etc.), transcribed communications received by local mediums (Mrs. S.C. Waters, Mrs. J. Swain, et al.), notes on coming lectures by notable mediums, excerpts from other journals, and contributions by Bayard Taylor, Charles Partridge, and others, and advertisements for J.R. Buchanan's Eclectic College of Medicine in Cincinnati, opportunities for writing mediums, Mrs. H.F.M. Brown's "Clairvoyant Medicines," and for H. Daniels' "Hair Restorative and Curling Liquid." Lyman C. Howe, in lamenting the passing of the old guard of spiritualists, mentions this journal among those he unsuccessfully sought to obtain. "Passing Away. The Early Pioneers Rapidly Rising out of Mortal Sight. Who Shall Testify?" Banner of Light 90/20 (January 11, 1902): 2.

Other Sources:American Antiquarian Society.
Issues:Sunbeam V1 N18 Mar 12 1859
Sunbeam V2 N51 Mar 10 1860