The Haunting of the Bell Witch!
or discovering your ancestral history though property records (haunted or not)
In the annals of American folklore, few tales are as chilling and enduring as the Bell Witch’s. This 19th-century haunting in Adams, Tennessee, has captured imaginations for generations, blending historical fact with supernatural legend.
The Haunting of the Bell Family
According to folklore, in 1817, John Bell, a respected farmer in Adams, Tennessee, encountered a strange animal on his property. It was a dog-like creature with the head of a rabbit, and like nothing he'd experienced in the sixty-seven years of his life. So John did what he thought best and shot the bizarre beast. Then… the creature vanished, but shortly after, the Bell family began experiencing unexplained phenomena: strange noises, objects moving on their own, and physical attacks on family members.Â
The entity, which came to be known as the Bell Witch, focused its torment on John Bell and his daughter Betsy. There were tales of shapeshifting, and witnesses reported hearing multiple voices in multiple locations simultaneously. They even claimed to have seen strange apparitions and experienced physical assaults, especially young Betsy and John Sr.
Some say the Bell Witch was none other than the Bell's neighbor, Kate Batts, but she denied any involvement.
The haunting reached its peak when John Bell fell ill and died in 1820, allegedly poisoned by the witch itself. Legend has it that the entity's voice was heard laughing at Bell's funeral.
The Bell Witch in American Folklore
The Bell Witch haunting has become a cornerstone of American supernatural lore. It has been the subject of numerous books, films, and TV shows, cementing its place in popular culture. The tale is often cited as one of America's most well-documented hauntings, with eyewitness accounts from prominent figures of the time, including future President Andrew Jackson. The legend goes that Jackson arrived at the Bell Farm, and his horses refused to step onto the Bell property, spooked by the Bell Witch's disembodied voice.
Yet, the loudest whispers about the Bell Witch didn't begin until seventy years after John Bell Sr. died when M.V. Ingram published his book, "An Authenticated History of the Famous Bell Witch." [It should also be noted that Ingram published the book during the craze of the Spiritualist Movement when everyone was looking for ghosts and witches. He found both.]
Today, the legend continues to draw curious visitors to Adams, Tennessee. The Bell Witch Cave is a popular tourist attraction on the former Bell property. The town hosts the Bell Witch Festival every October, celebrating the infamous legend with tours, reenactments, and storytelling events.
Tracing the History: Using Property Records
The legend of the Bell Witch is deeply ingrained in contemporary folklore, serving as a reminder of the enduring stories passed down by our ancestors. While this particular tale is widely known, it is not the sole account of hauntings. Some of these haunted stories may even connect to our family history. So, how can you uncover more about the haunted history of your family's home? I recommend starting with property records, which can be invaluable.Â
Here's where you can find them and how you can use them:
Start with the county recorder's office: Most property records are kept at the county level. For the Bell Witch case, you'd want to check Robertson County, Tennessee records. For your research location, search where county property records are kept and contact the office. Most locations require an appointment.Â
Look for deed Books: These contain records of property transfers, allowing you to trace ownership back through time. Also, be sure to check the Registrar of Deeds or the County Clerk online! You never know; their sites may be searchable.Â
Check Tax Records: These can provide information about property owners and sometimes include details about structures on the property. They are typically located at the County Treasurer's Office, but you may also want to check the County Clerk.Â
Consult Census Records: While not strictly property records, census data can provide information about who lived in an area at a given time. So, if the property you are researching was built before 1950, you may be able to find it in a Federal Census. (Tip: search by address or street name)
Use Online Resources: Many counties now have digital archives or offer online access to property records. They prefer you utilize their online databases, and unless you want a physical copy, using the site tends to be free of charge. (If you want a copy of the records, there will most likely be a charge.)
Hire a Title Company: For more complex searches, a title company can provide a comprehensive history of a property's ownership. Basically, you will hire them to look for the information for you. The upside of this is the people working at the title company know titles, and they know them well. The downside is you'll have to pay.
By researching the history of who built, lived, and owned the haunted property you are researching, you can uncover the names of those who once lived on allegedly haunted properties, adding depth and context to local legends and may have taken to haunting the very location in their death. You never know.
Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, the Bell Witch legend is a fascinating glimpse into early 19th-century American life and the enduring power of a good ghost story. As long as there are unexplained noises in the night and shadows in the corner of our eyes, tales like The Bell Witch's legacy will live on.Â
Your Turn: Uncover Local Legends
Have you ever experienced something unexplainable in your area? Or perhaps you've heard whispers of a local haunting passed down through generations? We invite you to put on your detective hat and dive into the history of your community:
Research Your Local Haunts: Use the property record research tips mentioned above to investigate any supposedly haunted locations in your area.
Share Your Findings: Did you uncover interesting historical facts or spooky stories? Share them in the comments below!
Plan a Visit: If you're near Adams, Tennessee, consider planning a trip to the Bell Witch Cave. For those elsewhere, look for historical tours or ghost walks in your town.
Remember, whether these tales are fact or fiction, they are essential to our cultural history. Exploring them connects with our past and keeps these fascinating stories alive for future generations. What is the tradition of oral history, if not a version of family history?
So, what ghostly tales lurk in your local history? The truth is out there – happy hunting!