The Iowa Exorcism

In August-September 1928, Emma Schmidt (pseudonym Anna Ecklund) underwent one of the most thoroughly documented exorcisms in American history. For 23 days at a convent in Earling, Iowa, she manifested phenomena that defied natural explanation.

The History

Emma had first shown signs of possession at age fourteen. Initial exorcism brought temporary relief. By 1928, at age forty-six, demons had returned with greater force. Father Theophilus Riesinger arranged definitive exorcism.

The Location

The exorcism took place at the Franciscan convent in Earling. The nuns agreed to host the dangerous ritual. Mother Superior Steigman and the nuns documented everything they witnessed.

The Phenomena

During the 23 days, Emma displayed extraordinary phenomena. She levitated above her bed. Her body bloated to twice normal size. She vomited quantities of foul matter physically impossible for her stomach to contain. She spoke languages she had never learned.

The Demons

Multiple demons were identified during the exorcism, including Beelzebub, Judas Iscariot, and her own father who had attempted incest. The spirits were expelled one by one through intensive ritual.

The Resolution

On September 23, 1928, the final demons departed with terrible cries. Emma awoke peaceful and confused, with no memory of the preceding days. She lived normally for the rest of her life.

Assessment

The Earling exorcism is among the most thoroughly documented American possession cases. Multiple witnesses, detailed contemporary records, and physical phenomena distinguish it from cases based solely on testimony.