Just in time for Halloween!
I know that it will be sensationalized and exploited but it should still be fun!
It has also been said that, "It shows how easily legend and myth can be mistaken for fact and real events and how easily the lines are blurred".
William Radford
He contributes to Snopes also so take from that what you will if anything...^^
My S.O. is born and raised TN along with all of his (rather big) family so, he is particularly interested.
All that is left of the buildings that once stood on the Bell farm.^^
Bell Witch Coming to A & E
Series
At 10 P.M. (I’m assuming EST) on Monday the 26th of Oct. A & E will be premiering the first of a five part series featuring the Bell Witch legend
and interviews with a direct descendant named Bob Bell (who owns a funeral home in Adams), as well as members of the Batts family.
Some people through the years believed that Kate Batts was the "witch" that tormented the Bell family especially the daughter Betsy. She was a
neighbor of the Bells but, interesting to note that she was Lucy Bell’s niece. Some folks believed that Kate and her husband were behind the
incidents occurring around the Bell farm.
During the “investigative process” for the series, attempts were made to locate Kate’s grave however no one was able to find it. It is believed
that the headstone was “stolen” years ago.
Seems I remember the Father Bell’s marker being stolen in the 50’s and being replaced…I’ll link Wikipedia.
WIKIPEDIA
Elizabeth's "Betsy" grave marker^
You have to wonder why?
Why would they do those things?
Anyway, her (Kate Batts) 7th great grandchild was also interviewed for the series and that should be interesting too.
He seems to think that it IS possible that his great, great, great X 4 more grandmother could have put a curse on the Bells!
Accounts vary about the witch being someone who had been cheated by Bell or a male slave whom Bell had killed.
Mississippi clairvoyant Sara Leigh, who has said she communicates with youngest daughter of the Bell family that was haunted by the Bell Witch, Betsy
will also be on hand and that should lead to some interesting conversation, whether or not you believe any of it to be true.
USA Today
Drawing of Betsy Bell
A remarkable occurrence, which attracted wide-spread interest, was connected with the family of John Bell, who settled near what is now Adams
Station about 1804. So great was the excitement that people came from hundreds of miles around to witness the manifestations of what was popularly
known as the "Bell Witch." This witch was supposed to be some spiritual being having the voice and attributes of a woman. It was invisible to the
eye, yet it would hold conversation and even shake hands with certain individuals. The freaks it performed were wonderful, and seemingly designed to
annoy the family. It would take the sugar from the bowls, spill the milk, take the quilts from the beds, slap and pinch the children, and then laugh
at the discomfiture of its victims. At first it was supposed to be a good spirit, but its subsequent acts, together with the curses with which it
supplemented its remarks, proved the contrary. A volume might be written concerning the performances of this wonderful being, as they are now
described by contemporaries and their descendants. That all this actually occurred will not be disputed, nor will a rational explanation be attempted.
It is merely introduced as an example of superstition, strong in the minds of all but a few in those times, and not yet wholly extinct.
Godspeed's History of Tennessee
I'm not sure how it will link so it is on Page # 7...
OR...could it have been the mysterious professor Dr. Powell who had moved from North Carolina and became enamoured with young Elizabeth. Her
affections belonged to a young man named Joshua...the old "unrequited love" scenario?! So, possibly the Professor created the "antics" to drive
the fearful Betsy to his arms? It worked, he and Elizabeth married March 21, 1824.
Biography of Powell
I just think this will be a fun week and the revisiting of The Bell Witch will be part of the fun, especially for the S.O.