Authenticated History of the Famous Bell Witch

In the first decade of the 1800s, John Bell moved his growing family from North Carolina to the Red River community in Robertson County, Tennessee. Bell, who became an elder in the Red River Baptist Church, was well-liked and respected by his neighbors and prospered as a farmer. As Bell worked his farm, a unique phenomenon occurred. Beginning in 1817 and continuing until 1821, John Bell and his family were allegedly “haunted” by a devilish spirit called a “witch” known as “Kate.” The witch’s actions were observed by many in the community, including the clergy. The events subsided only after Bell’s death. Known as the “Red Book,” and including the eyewitness account of Richard Williams Bell, son of John Bell, Ingram’s account is the story of the Bell Witch.