While residing in Montrose, Colorado, John Calhoun Bell had a notable encounter with Elsie Lincoln Benedict, a distinguished lecturer and thinker from the same town.

During a visit to Los Angeles, Judge Bell attended a series of lectures on psychology conducted by Mrs. Benedict, who was then making significant waves with her public speaking and intellectual prowess on the West Coast.

Impressed by her abilities, Judge Bell praised Elsie Lincoln Benedict as "the most striking personality and the most profound thinker in the feminine world capturing the attention of the American public."

Bell's encounter with Benedict was covered in the Montrose Daily Press, Volume XI, Number 200, dated March 2, 1920, highlighting the widespread recognition and admiration she garnered.

Benedict's lectures were so popular that despite the venue in Los Angeles having a capacity of only 1000, over 1200 people attended, with many, including Judge Bell, standing throughout the event.