Lurancy Vennum, of Watseka in Illinois, 13, said she was possessed by Mary Roff. Roff died a few years ago and Vennum claimed Roff’s spirit possessed her so she wanted to stay with Mary Roff’s family. This happened in the 1870s and could have been the first documented story of a possession. Vennum described her memories of her past life with the Roff family. Vennum believed she was a reincarnation of Mary Roff.

Mary Roff was born on October 8, 1846 and she died on July 5, 1865. Roff was epileptic and her health was poor. Consequentially, Roff suffered from depression and tried to end her life of misery by committing suicide. Roff was saved. During her recovery, she discovered she had a sort of epiphany where she became transformed. Roff had a second sight that enabled her to see hidden things. Mary Roff died from poor health on July 5, 1865.

For about 15 weeks, Lurancy Vennum was possessed by Mary Roff. After that, Vennum was a changed girl. Vennum lived a normal life thereafter.

The film makers of The Possessed are Christopher Saint Booth and Philip Adrian Booth. Mary Roff was known locally in Watseka as The Watseka Wonder. The Possessed was released on October 8, which was the day of Mary Roff’s birthday.

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This entry was posted on Friday, October 9th, 2009 at 1:02 am and is filed under Gossip.