The Bell Witch

By Crusader1307

 Perhaps no Paranormal Case researched in American History garners as much "fanfare", as that of The Bell Witch Case. It has served as a Plot device for many books and movies. One this is for certain. SOMETHING happened to The Bell Family (and some say STILL does!) John Bell wad head of The Bell Family, to include his wife, 2 daughters and a son. They lived in Robertson County, Tennessee in the early 19th Century. Bell was a Farmer and Merchant, well respected in his Community. He had served in the "late" War of 1812, and a personal friend of future US President Andrew Jackson. But not all of his neighbors liked Bell. Katherine (Kate) Bates and Bell did not like each other, for reasons lost to History.

Kate was known as a "Healer". The Old Woman was reputedly once a great beauty, and it was said she was even once married to an Indian Medicine Man. She owned a parcel if land next to The Bell's and even controlled the local water rights. This once something John Bell coveted. Using his "influence", he legally stole her water rights. Kate was infuriated. Knowing she could not recoup, she allegedly placed a horrific curse on John Bell. Kate's water rights included a Cave, of which it was said that Kate "practiced" her "spells". Kate disappeared into the Cave one day. Neither she or her body was never seen again. By the year 1817, Bell and his Family began to experience strange "knockings" from inside the walls of their Cabin. Each night, the knockings became louder and louder, until at one point it sounded like thunder. Next, The Bell daughters experienced periods were they were levitated off their beds! Strange "shapes" would move thru walls etc. Screams and moans were a constant in The Bell House. So too were flying and shattering glasses and plates.

By 1820, even Townspeople came by to witness the spectacle. The story earned National attention, as far East as New York City. The attacks on The Bell Family grew with John suffering the worst. He would be clawed by unseen hands, leaving long red welts. Eventually, Bell's old Commanding General Andrew Jackson came with an Aide to witness the attacks. Some say it frightened Jackson so, that people were told never to mention it. Most of the "encounter" was related by his Aide. This same year, John Bell died. Many thought that the "hauntings" would stop. They didn't. While they did greatly lessen, some level of the phenomenon still persisted. When the lady of the Bell Family finally left, it was assumed the curse was broken. Although the Cabin is a Historical Landmark (and still in the possession of The Bell Family), some descendants claim "problems" well into the 1970s.

The nearby "Kate's Cave", is such a cursed spot. Many have claimed to have been lured by either the image of a "beautiful girl" or "old Hag". Both of which are said to be Kate Bates. Several unexplained deaths in the Cave as well as several cases of insanity are known. It is well established to NEVER enter the Cave after dark.