Judge Edmonds was one of the most influential early American Spiritualists. After a great public career, as a member of both branches of the New York State Legislature and, for some time, President of the Senate and Judge of the Supreme Court of New York, he resigned the latter position on account of the outcry raised against his Spiritualistic beliefs and, especially, his support of the Fox sisters. The judge's daughter, Laura, had mediumistic ability. He was considered by Hon. Robert Dale Owen, author of "The Debatable Land" as one of the most knowledgable men of his time on spirit phenomena. He is also the the author of a much longer work with George T. Dexter, M.D. called

"Spiritualism," New York, 1853. New York: