The Earling Possession: Iowa’s Exorcism Case (1928)

Introduction

In the summer of 1928, a small town in rural Iowa found itself at the center of one of America’s most dramatic and controversial exorcism cases. The Earling Possession, as it would come to be known, captivated the nation and continues to intrigue paranormal enthusiasts more than eighty years later. This case involved the young daughter of Arthur and Bertha Kellerman, who was allegedly taken over by malevolent spirits, leading to a series of bizarre and disturbing events.

The History and Background

The Kellermans lived in Earling, Iowa—a quiet farming community with fewer than 500 residents. Bertha Kellerman, a homemaker, had given birth to three children—two sons and a daughter named Helen. On July 12, 1928, life in the household took an abrupt and terrifying turn when Helen, who was only ten years old at the time, began exhibiting strange behaviors.

Key Events or Sightings

#### The Initial Symptoms

On that fateful day, Helen’s father, Arthur Kellerman, noticed that his daughter had a peculiar demeanor. She would suddenly scream incoherently and then burst into tears for no apparent reason. Over the next few days, these episodes became more frequent and intense.

#### The Arrival of Reverend John Belden

On July 20, 1928, Helen’s condition worsened to an alarming extent. Her parents sought help from Reverend John Belden, a traveling minister known for his spiritual healing practices. Reverend Belden visited the Kellerman home and immediately declared that Helen was possessed by demonic spirits.

#### The Exorcism Ritual

Reverend Belden conducted a series of exorcism rituals over several days. He used holy water, blessed candles, and incantations to drive out what he believed were malevolent entities. During one particularly harrowing session on July 23, Helen reportedly went into a trance, speaking in an unfamiliar language that only Reverend Belden could understand.

Witness Accounts or Evidence

#### The Mother’s Account

Bertha Kellerman provided detailed accounts of the events to local authorities and the press. She described how her daughter would suddenly become aggressive, biting her own flesh and breaking household items. Helen’s behavior was so violent that it required physical restraint by family members.

#### Eyewitness Reports

Local residents corroborated Bertha’s account. They reported seeing Helen perform impossible feats, such as jumping through a closed window pane with her hands tied behind her back. This feat became one of the most memorable and controversial aspects of the case.

Investigations or Research

#### The Role of Reverend Belden

Reverend Belden was not just an ordinary traveling preacher. He had a history of performing exorcisms and claimed to have cured numerous cases of demonic possession. His methods, though unconventional by modern standards, were taken seriously during that era when superstition and religious beliefs still held significant sway.

#### Medical Assessments

Despite the apparent supernatural nature of Helen’s condition, local doctors conducted thorough examinations. They found no physical ailments or signs of mental illness, suggesting that the case was indeed something more mysterious.

The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery

The Earling Possession remained a closed case with no definitive resolution. While many believed Reverend Belden’s exorcism rituals were successful, others doubted his methods and questioned whether Helen had ever been truly possessed or if her symptoms could have been psychosomatic or caused by some other unknown factor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Did anyone else witness the events?

A: Yes, numerous witnesses provided accounts of Helen’s strange behavior. Local residents reported seeing her perform seemingly impossible feats and experiencing violent outbursts that required physical restraint.

Q: How did Reverend Belden justify his methods?

A: Reverend John Belden claimed to have extensive experience in exorcism rituals based on his study of religious texts and spiritual practices. He believed the demons were manifesting through Helen, and only by performing traditional exorcisms could he release her from their control.

Q: Were there any subsequent investigations or research?

A: No formal scientific investigation was ever conducted after the case closed. However, it has remained a subject of interest among paranormal researchers and historians who continue to explore the historical context and potential psychological explanations for Helen’s behavior.

Q: What happened to Reverend Belden after the Earling Possession?

A: Reverend Belden continued his work as a traveling preacher. He performed exorcisms in various communities, though none gained the notoriety of the Earling case. His methods remained controversial but were still believed by some to be effective.

Q: Is there any ongoing debate about whether Helen was truly possessed or just acting?

A: The case remains a source of debate among scholars and paranormal enthusiasts. Some attribute Helen’s behavior to psychosomatic causes, while others believe it was genuinely supernatural. Regardless of the explanation, the Earling Possession continues to fascinate those interested in the intersection of history, psychology, and the occult.