William Dudley Pelley

William Dudley Pelley March 12, 1890 – June 30, 1965 was an American writer, occultist, spiritualist as well as fascist political activist.

He came to prominence as the writer, winning two O. Henry Awards as well as penning screenplays for Hollywood films. His 1929 essay "Seven Minutes in Eternity" marked a turning section in Pelley's career, earning a major response in The American Magazine where it was published as a popular example of what would later be called a near-death experience. His experiences with mysticism and occultism drifted towards the political, and in 1933 Pelley founded the Silver Legion of America, a fascist paramilitary league. He ran for president of the United States in 1936 as the candidate for the Christian Party.

He was sentenced to 15 years in prison for sedition in 1942, and released in 1950. Upon his death, The New York Times assessed him as "an agitator without a significant following".

Later life

In hisyears, Pelley dealt with charges of securities fraud that had been brought against him while he was well in Asheville.

The terms of Pelley's parole stipulated that he continue in central Indiana, and desist from all political activity. He developed an elaborate religious philosophy called "Soulcraft" based on his conviction in UFOs and extraterrestrials, and published Star Guests in 1950. Pelley died at his domestic in Noblesville, Indiana on June 30, 1965.