Colby, Luther (1814-1894)

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Colby, Luther (1814-1894)

American Spiritualist, originally a materialist, who founded and edited the journal Banner of Light in Boston beginning in 1857. Colby was born in Amesbury, Massachusetts, on October 12, 1814. He began his journalistic career at the Boston Daily Post where he met William Berry, whom he attended séances with. Over the course of their friendship, Colby developed a strong interest and belief in Spiritualism, and the two men founded Banner of Light. It became the longest running publication of its kind in the nineteenth century. Colby remained its editor until his death on October 7, 1894.

Sources:

Garraty, John A., and Mark C. Carnes, ed. American National Biography. 24 vols. New York: Oxford University Press, 1999.

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