The Bell Witch

By Steph71

The Bell Witch

Steph71

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The Bell Witch

An invisible entity that spoke, struck and named its targets. It haunted one farming family from 181

Adams, Robertson County, Tennessee

The Bell farm

John Bell settled his family on land along the Red River in northwest Robertson County, Tennessee, in what is now the town of Adams. In 1817 something began on that farm that local accounts, and later a state historical marker, would record as one of the most documented hauntings in American folklore.

"
I am a spirit. I was once very happy but have been disturbed.
"
Reported words of the entity · family accounts

journey·5 Years

The Bell Witch years

Activity

Year

John Bell sees a strange animal in the fields. Knocking and gnawing sounds begin at the house after dark.

A faint voice grows into clear speech. It quotes scripture, then turns to insults and threats.

The youngest daughter Betsy is slapped, pinched and pulled by an unseen force. Her engagement is broken off.

John Bell falls gravely ill and dies in December. The entity claims credit for his death.

The activity quiets. The entity says it will return in seven years, then a generation on.

The entity answered to the name Kate and was said to be linked in local talk to a neighbour, Kate Batts. No origin was ever confirmed.

Much of the story survives through a 1894 book by Martin Van Buren Ingram, written decades after the events. Sceptics treat the detail with caution.