| In mid-19th century America, families
gathered around the fireplace to debate abolition. Women were
beginning to proclaim the right to work in new jobs, to vote within
their churches, to own property, an even to divorce. And new religions,
considered deviant or even satanic by many, attracted thousands,
pitting them against followers of traditional American beliefs.
Western New York was a particularly important hotbed
of political and religious activity, with Rochester as one of
the last Underground Railroad stations before escape to Canada,
as well as home to Frederick R. Douglass, Susan B. Anthony, and
other activists. The area also spawned Mormanism and Spiritualism;
both were looked upon as heresies by orthodox Christians.
Living in this tumultuous region and time were
John D. Fox, a humble blacksmith, and his wife Margaret...
To read the rest of Ray Edinger's
story, see page 16 in the Fall 2005 Heritage Magazine. Subscribe
now!
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