San Antonio light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1911-1993, 1923-03-21
PURNELL LIVED
I'm SPLEND0R,
| WITNESS SAYS
chewed Tobacco When No
One Was Looking, Wo-
man Testifies.
SAYS HE DRANK BEER
Alleged immortality at
House of David COL
| ony Exposed.
SAYS HE DRANK BEER
BY the Associated Press.

Grand Rapids, Mich. March 2f.-
Testimony intended to show that Ben
iamin Purnell, head of the Israelite
House Of David colony at Benton
iarbor, ''lived in regal splendor while
bis followers lacked plates from which
o, eat their carrots and turnips," was
introduced in federal court here today
n the suit instituted by John Hansell
and his wife against the cult.
The testimony was given by Mrs.
Emma Lozetta. of Newark, N. j., for
mer evangelist for the sect and wit
hess for the plaintiffs. The latter
are attempting to obtain $4,000
rom Purneil, claiming the sum due
them for property turned over to him
and for labor performed while they
were members of the colony.
"One winter the colony had a hard
Time keeping body and soul together"
Mrs. . Lozetta testified. I'VE nearly
ystarved. but Benjamin and his wife,
MARY, lived like lords. A spy system
existed in the colony by Which Pur-
hell learned of every bit of gossip
that went the rounds of his follow
ers." the witness testified.
She, ALSO said that u mock trial
Ionfd was established and secret pun
shments were inflicted upon those
Fwho failed to abide by Purnell's ord
ers. Women who refused Purnelrs
advances, Mrs. Lozetta testified, were
|Dstracized.
Cellar Full OF Beer. She Says.
"Purnells cellar was full of beer,
which he drank, saying it would
cleanse his soul, and he chewed to-
bacco when no one was looking" Mrs.
kI,ozetta testified. Abstinence from
alcoholic liquor and tobacco are two
Of the tenets of the religious organiza-
tion.
She testified that there was dr. ~
enness among the girls at Shiloh, 80
home of the cult leader.
The witness said she was expelled
from the colony with her husband be
cause she told the latter of Purnells
forced attentions.
There were reports that special ar
eangements have been made for the
protection of witnesses, following the
Statement on the witness stand yes
crday by Mrs. Hazel Wurth that she
bad received threats, since it became
Known she was to testify. and her
statement that she "feared the Isrea,-
tes." 81.
Mrs. Wurth was the chief witness
ht Yesterdays session and the first TO
disclose alleged immoral practices
within the colony. AS a member, she
laid, she was one of the "innV cir
lie" and had intimate relations with
Purnell, who. she was taught to be-
ieve, could do no wrong, and with
whom no woman could sin. These al
eyed relations, the witness said was
hold, would gain for her bodily immor-
kality on earth. Similar experiences
were attributed by Mrs. Wurth to
pther women who were then girl mem
bcrs of the colony with her.
The witnesses declared Purneil
maintained n mock court at which the
girls were trained for possible APP
psarance in legal action against, the
.ulk aGsSpr an investigation, such as
Er6s once threatened by Berrien coun-
~ officials.
Admits Group Marriages.
Miss Hilda Prichard of Chicago,
also teStlIleu 10 conuitions ~ tnS
House of Shiloh, the official resi-,
Hence of Purnell. where between ~
and 40 girls were said to reside. She
admitted relations with Purnell and
told of alleged group marriages, in
which the girls had little or no voice
in the selection of their husbands.
Miss Prichard said she was mar
ried in one of these group ceremonies
hitter 30 girls had been brought back
to the colony from High Island, in
Lake Michigan, to which, she declared.
they were sent when an investigation
was threatened.
High Island. the witness declared,
served as prison and insane asylum
for girl inmates. The isle is owned by
The House of David.
Miss PrichaSl said she had a part
In trimming Harriet Bauscher. a girl
when she declared. Purnell wished to
get within his power because he telt
HAT the girl. leaving the colony, would
be dangerous to him.