Indiana Goes West (Mail Order Brides of Pioneer Town, Book 1) (13 page)

Ruth Hartzler’s father was from generations
of Brethren. Ruth’s mother, a Southern Baptist, had years of
struggle adapting to the cultural differences, and always cut her
hair, which was a continual concern to Ruth’s father’s family. Ruth
was raised strictly Brethren and from birth attended three meetings
every Sunday, the Wednesday night meeting, and the yearly
“Conference,” until she left the Brethren at the age of twenty one.
Ruth still has close friends in the Brethren, as well as the Amish,
both groups having Anabaptist (literally:
re-baptizers
:
belief in adult baptism) roots. Ruth’s family had electricity, but
not television, radio, or magazines, and they had plain cars. Make
up, bright or fashionable clothes, and hair cutting were not
permitted for women. Women had to wear hats in meetings (what
others would call church meetings) but not elsewhere. The word
“church” was never used and there were no bishops or ministers. All
baptized men were able to speak (preach, or give out a hymn)
spontaneously at meetings. Musical instruments were forbidden, with
the exception of the traditional pump organ which was allowed only
if played in the home for hymn music. Even so, singing of hymns in
accompaniment was forbidden.

Ruth Hartzler is a widow with one adult child
and two grandchildren. She lives alone with her Yorkshire Terrier
and two cats. She is a retired middle school teacher and enjoys
quilting, reading, and writing.