John Murray Spear facts for kids

John Murray Spear (born September 16, 1804 – died October 5, 1887) was an American minister. He was a follower of Spiritualism, a belief system focused on communicating with spirits. Spear is best known for his unusual project: he tried to build a special machine he called the "New Motive Power." He believed this machine would be like a new leader or "Messiah" for the world, powered by electricity.

Early Life and Social Change

Spear was born in Boston in 1804. From a young age, he was a member of the Universalist Church of America. He studied religion under a pastor named Hosea Ballou. In 1830, Spear became a minister himself in Barnstable. He later worked closely with other important figures like Theodore Parker and William Lloyd Garrison.

In the 1840s, Spear became very active in working for social improvements. He supported women's rights and wanted better conditions for workers. He also worked to end the death penalty. Spear was a strong abolitionist, meaning he worked to end slavery. He helped organize the first Universalist meeting against slavery. He also helped manage the Underground Railroad in Boston. This was a secret network that helped enslaved people escape to freedom.

Building the "New Motive Power"

In 1852, John Murray Spear left the Universalist church. He then focused completely on Spiritualism. He claimed he was in touch with a group of spirits called "The Association of Electrizers." This group supposedly included famous historical figures like Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson. Spear believed these spirits wanted to share new technology with people. He thought this technology would bring more personal and spiritual freedom.

The next year, Spear and some followers went to a small wooden shed in Lynn, Massachusetts. There, they began building the "New Motive Power." This was a mechanical machine they hoped would start a new era of Utopia, a perfect world. The machine was made from copper, zinc, and magnets. It also included parts of a dining room table. After nine months, Spear and a woman he called the "New Mary" performed a special ceremony. They tried to "birth" the machine, hoping to give it life. However, the machine did not come to life as they had hoped. It was later taken apart.

Later Life and Legacy

Spiritualism continued to be a big part of Spear's life. His business card showed his beliefs. It said he could help people with health issues. He also claimed he could describe people's personalities and predict their future. He offered to talk about Spiritualism and give lectures.

In 1872, Spear said he received a message from the "Association of Electrizers." This message told him to stop being a minister. He died in October 1887 in Philadelphia. He was buried in the Mount Moriah Cemetery.

See also

• Frankenstein
• Giovanni Aldini
• Johann Konrad Dippel