The Bell Witch of Adams, Tennessee

The Bell Witch haunting of Adams, Tennessee, stands as the most famous and thoroughly documented poltergeist case in American history. Between 1817 and 1821, the Bell family endured escalating supernatural torment that attracted hundreds of witnesses, including future President Andrew Jackson. The entity, which came to be called “Kate,” demonstrated intelligence, spoke, and ultimately appeared to cause the death of family patriarch John Bell—the only case in American history where a spirit is credited with killing a human being.

The Bell Family

John Bell was a prosperous farmer who had moved his family from North Carolina to the Tennessee frontier in 1804. He settled on the Red River in what is now Robertson County, establishing a farm of over three hundred acres. His family included his wife Lucy and their nine children. The Bells were respected members of the community, known for their piety and prosperity.

In 1817, John Bell was walking through his cornfield when he encountered a strange animal. It had the body of a dog and the head of a rabbit. Bell shot at it several times, but the creature vanished. This strange sighting proved to be a harbinger of what was to come.

Initial Manifestations

Shortly after the animal sighting, the family began hearing strange sounds—knocking on walls, scratching on floors, chains being dragged. Initially, they attributed the noises to natural causes. But the sounds grew louder and more insistent, and no explanation could be found.

The disturbances escalated. Bedcovers were pulled from sleeping family members. Stones were thrown inside the house despite locked doors and windows. The children complained of having their hair pulled and being slapped by invisible hands. Young Betsy Bell, twelve years old when the activity began, seemed particularly targeted. She was pinched, scratched, and struck so severely that she often bore visible marks.

The Voice

After approximately a year of physical phenomena, the entity began to speak. It started with whistling and inarticulate sounds, then progressed to words and finally fluent speech. The voice, a croaking feminine sound, could converse, answer questions, and demonstrate knowledge it seemingly could not possess.

When asked its identity, the voice gave various answers at different times. It claimed to be the spirit of a Native American whose grave had been disturbed. It said it was the ghost of a person buried nearby. Most famously, it identified itself as “Kate Batts’ witch”—referring to a neighbor woman with whom John Bell had had a disputed business dealing. The entity became commonly known as “Kate” or “the Bell Witch.”

Public Phenomenon

Word of the haunting spread through the frontier community. The Bell family, initially attempting to keep their troubles private, eventually welcomed investigators. Hundreds of people visited the Bell farm to witness the phenomena for themselves. Nearly all reported experiencing something unexplained.

The entity interacted with visitors, calling them by name, revealing their secrets, and demonstrating knowledge of events occurring miles away. It quoted scripture and gave sermons. It expressed strong opinions about people, loving some and despising others. It particularly detested John Bell and adored Lucy Bell.

Andrew Jackson’s Visit

The most famous visitor was Andrew Jackson, then a general and hero of the War of 1812, later to become the seventh President of the United States. Jackson had heard of the Bell Witch and decided to investigate.

According to accounts, Jackson’s wagon inexplicably stopped on the road approaching the Bell farm, its wheels refusing to turn despite the horses straining. Jackson reportedly said, “By the eternal, boys, it is the witch!” A voice from nowhere agreed to let the wagon proceed and promised entertainment that night.

What Jackson experienced at the Bell farm is not fully recorded, but he reportedly left the next morning rather than staying the week as planned. He is quoted as saying that he would rather fight the British again than face the Bell Witch.

Persecution of John Bell

While the entity was merely mischievous with most people, it expressed profound hatred for John Bell. Kate announced her intention to torment “Old Jack Bell” until he died. She called him the worst names and blamed him for unspecified sins.

John Bell’s health deteriorated. He developed a facial tic, a swelling of the tongue, and difficulty swallowing. The entity claimed responsibility and mocked his suffering. By 1820, Bell was frequently confined to bed, too ill to work his farm.

Death of John Bell

On December 20, 1820, John Bell died. He was found unresponsive in his bed. His family discovered a strange vial of dark liquid near his bed that no one recognized. They gave a drop to the family cat, which immediately died.

The entity’s voice rang through the house, cackling with glee: “I gave Old Jack a big dose of that last night, which fixed him!” The vial was thrown into the fireplace, where it reportedly exploded in a bright blue flame.

At John Bell’s funeral, the entity was heard singing and laughing among the mourners.

Departure and Return

Shortly after John Bell’s death, the entity announced it would leave but would return in seven years. The phenomena ceased. The family attempted to rebuild their normal lives.

True to its word, the entity returned in 1828, visiting Lucy Bell and her sons. It made predictions about the future, including the Civil War. After several weeks, it departed again, promising to return in 107 years.

In 1935, some reported the entity’s return, though these accounts are poorly documented. The cave on the old Bell property—the Bell Witch Cave—continues to be associated with paranormal activity to this day.

Legacy

The Bell Witch case remains a touchstone in American folklore and paranormal research. The extensive documentation from contemporary sources, the number and quality of witnesses, and the dramatic death of John Bell make it an extraordinary case.

The Bell Witch Cave is now a tourist attraction. The story has been the subject of numerous books, films, and television programs. The nearby town of Adams embraces its haunted heritage.

Whatever tormented the Bell family between 1817 and 1821—whether genuine supernatural entity, elaborate hoax, mass hysteria, or something else—the Bell Witch has secured her place as America’s most famous and terrifying poltergeist.