The Bell Witch: America’s Only Official Ghost Murder Case That Tennessee History Books Can’t Explain

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Watch the video above or read the article below!

This post was originally shared as a Facebook and Instagram "DID YOU KNOW" post.

I share them weekly, and you can get in on the fun by liking my page at Facebook.com/TheNewSlightlyOddFitchburg and following me at Instagram.com/SlightlyOddFitchburg! Now onto the witching story!

DID YOU KNOW

that Tennessee is home to the only U.S. ghost to be officially linked to a person’s death?

Yup, in 1817, the Bell family of Adams, Tennessee, began experiencing strange events in their home. They heard knocking sounds, chains rattling, and eventually a voice.
The voice identified itself as “Kate Batts’ Witch.” It sang hymns, recited scripture, and cursed family members. It seemed to direct most of its anger toward John Bell Sr.
He died in 1820, and the official cause of death was listed as poison. According to family accounts, the Bell Witch claimed responsibility for his death.
In 1856, Tennessee state history books documented Bell’s death and mentioned the Bell Witch in the official record. There was no arrest and no trial.
Historians today believe the story was a mix of politics and local folklore. However, the record still stands. This remains the only case in U.S. history where a spirit is cited in relation to a death.

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Ruth Dempsey

SpookyTooth

Mike Faria

JP

Corey


About the Author

Ed Sweeney documents folklore, odd history, hauntings, and cryptid cases at SlightlyOddAmerica.com. He wrote Slightly Odd Fitchburg: The Odd and Haunted History of Central Massachusetts, is a content creator, and founder of the Slightly Odd Society

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Location: Adams, TN, USA

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