(* Notice the date -- )
Leon Reporter, Leon, Iowa
Thursday, May 7, l896

'SHE RANG THE BELL'

Grand River is all agog over a sensational affair that occurred at the Christian Church in that town Sunday evening.

Some time ago, it is said, MRS. HEDRICK, a milliner of Grand River, was "churched." Previous to this she was a leading member.

Sunday evening Rev. Kauffman filied the pulpit and proceeded to address the congregation. MRS. HEDRICK had taken a seat near the organ. The opening ceremonies over, the divine announced his text preparatory to expounding the Gospel to his flock, little dreaming that disturbance was brewing. On the organ rested the Sunday Shool Superintendent's bell, used to call to order the school. The bell gives forth soft, silvery tones when in gentle hands.

As Rev. Kauffman raised his voice in his first admonishment, MRS. HEDRICK grasped the handle of the bell -- it pealed a shrill rebuke. The elder paused. He knew what the lady meant; he had talked with her about dropping her name from the church roll; it was stricken from the record; she demanded a church trial; it was not granted.

Again the minister took up his sermon, but the little bell, in the strong hand of an enraged woman, gave forth sounds that fairly startled those assembled. The preacher requested that the lady desist, and made another effort to talk. The bell was undaunted. For a solid hour the bell and Elder Kauffman "took turn-about."

The speaker lost all patience at last and threatened to have MRS. HEDRICK arrested, but she scoffed him, and the bell rang every time the already disjointed sermon was taken up. The congregation was divided in sentiment. Threats of arrest were of no avail. A constable was called in, but the lady fearlessly rang when the preacher preached -- she would have justice. The constable made threats but, it is stated, was too big a coward to carry them out. The meeting was broken up.

Monday, Sheriff Beck drove to Grand River and arrested MRS. HEDRICK on a warrant charging her with disturbing a public meeting. She was allowed to appear at trial on her own recognizance and went to Leon Wednesday.

--Decatur Advocate.

Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert
"With permission from the Leon Journal Reporter"
October 25, 2002