Jacob L. Beilhart (March 4, 1867 – November 24, 1908)[1] was the founder and leader of a communitarian group known as the Spirit Fruit Society.

Eventually, Beilhart came to believe that it was more important to put faith into practice helping others so he left preaching to study nursing and work in a sanitarium.

He returned to Ohio in 1899 to start the Spirit Fruit Society, an intentional community based on his experiences, learning, and views.

At the age of 17, Beilhart went to work at his brother-in-law's harness shop in southern Ohio and, when they moved to Ottawa, Kansas, Jacob went with them.

"[1] Beilhart felt a strong need to help the sick so he enrolled in a nursing program at the Battle Creek Sanitarium that was run by Dr. John Harvey Kellogg.

Beilhart's conviction that faith healing was the remedy for illness put him in disfavor with the sanitarium officials and he was asked to resign.

Both Post and Beilhart rejected the doctrine of the religion but they embraced the view that illness was an illusion and could be overcome by mental suggestion, prayer, and self-sacrifice.

The stated goal in the incorporation documents was to, "teach mankind how to apply the truths taught by Jesus Christ".

[1][2] Jacob made no effort to solicit members for his commune other than through his newspapers and sometimes rejected applicants when he felt they were not fit candidates.

[1] Beilhart preached in Chicago and elsewhere, but was not known to proselytize strongly; however, although the group typically kept to themselves, their mysterious nature led to misconceptions and suspicion in the press.

[1] The views and practices of the Society, particularly those against marriage and promoting free love, were not well accepted in the small Ohio community.

[2][7] In accordance with his beliefs, the Society buried Beilhart in an unmarked grave on the farm overlooking Wooster Lake.