A MYSTERIOUS SPIRIT THE BELL WITCH OF TENNESSEE

By

CHARLES BAILEY BELL

(A Descendant)

HARRIET PARKS MILLER

BY

CHARLES ELDER—BOOKSELLER

PUBLISHER

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE

THE BELL WITCH

CHARLES BAILEY BELL, ML.

CONTENTS

I. A Biographical Sketch of Members of the Bell Family.

II. The Spirit Makes Its Appearance at the Bell Home.

III. Recollections Given by Some of the Slaves.

IV. The Spirit’s Kindness and High Regard for Mrs. John Bell.

V. Betsy Bell’s Trying Experiences with the Spirit.

VI. Recollections of Richard Williams Bell.

VII. John Bell Jr.’s, Recollections of the Spirit.

VIII. John Bell Jr.’s, Recollections of the Spirit On Its Return Visit.

9. Recollections of Dr. Joel Thomas Bell.

For many years articles have appeared in many magazines and newspapers giving sensational stories regarding the so-called Bell Witch (?). During the last year or two these articles have appeared very frequently. I presume the cause for the more frequent articles, some in serial form, has been that it was the time claimed for another promised visit from the Witch (?). Such articles have even appeared in European papers, so I have been told.

The Author so many times has had inquiries from different parts of the country, from New York to the western coast, asking his opinion of the Witch, that he knows thousands of people are very much interested at this time in getting the best information obtainable regarding one of the greatest mysteries the world has ever known.

Wherever he has been, from California to the East coast, down in Mexico, in the South, or North, he has been asked if he were one of the Bells of the "Bell Witch" family. In answer to all these inquiries he has followed the actions of his ancestors and not given any information worth while. The members of the Bell family have talked very little even to their own families, and practically not at all to strangers or friends regarding this mystery.

The name "Bell Witch" has always been resented by the family. They are sensitive to such an appellation. The "Bell Witch" was not the old woman kind that was known so well in the East and Europe many years ago, and in many instances burned at the stake. Neither was it the kind that could be punished in any way; with all its tangible actions it had the faculty of vanishing instantly.

The Author shall relate in this book what was handed down to him by his father, Dr. J. T. Bell, he having the recollections of his father, John Bell Jr.

Joel Thomas Bell was the oldest son of John Bell Jr. He was born April 13, 1831, in Robertson County, and died March 30, 1910. He resembled his father very much, being a man of striking appearance, six feet two inches tall, broad-shouldered and of an extraordinarily intellectual appearance.

After a good literary education, he studied medicine, entering the Medical Department of the University of Nashville in 1853, and graduating from that institution after the usual course of lectures then required. He began the practice of medicine at his home, his father’s house, within a few hundred yards of the old home site of his grandfather, John Bell.

He married Laura Virginia Henry, daughter of Captain Lemuel Henry of Robertson County. His home was built on land given him by his father. (The farm now belongs to the Author.) He practiced medicine fifty years at Adams. He established an extensive practice and was highly regarded as a diagnostician by every doctor who asked for his services in consultation.

Many people now living in Robertson County and adjoining counties remember him with genuine pleasure. He followed the rule of the older Bells—if he told anything at all it was always the truth. No one who knew him ever doubted his word in anything. I doubt if any one ever heard him speak of the "Bell Witch" voluntarily; during his life the time did not seem proper to him.

He gave these recollections to me with the same admonition given to him by his father.

The Spirit talked to his father on the important topics of the day and told of happenings in the past of which no one had ever heard, and prophesied what was to be expected in the future, much of which has happened. My father knew many people, relatives, and friends who had talked to the Witch (?), but advised me that the confidential conferences between the Witch (?) and his father were the most amazing experiences to which any human being had ever been subjected; and not only the Bell family, but the whole world would finally be interested.

My father had no superstitious ideas. Of the many physicians who had him called in consultation and met him for years, not one ever had an idea of what he really thought of the Witch (?). He impressed them at once that he felt indignant any person of intelligence had ever called the visitor "Bell Witch", and that sometime it would be known what it was and he hoped it would be understood; that he was certain when it returned on its promised visit it would not be limited to the Bell family, but the whole country would share in the "honor" and he hoped they would profit by their experience.

My great Aunt Betsy Powell (daughter of John Bell) suffered great punishment from the Witch (?). I saw her when I was nineteen years old, while on a visit to Mississippi, where she lived with her daughter, Mrs. Zadok Bell. She was then about eighty-three years old. She gave me a most graphic account of the activities of the Witch (?). A chapter will be devoted to her experiences.

I have seen a number of reliable persons who came in contact with the Witch (?) and scores of others who had relatives and friends who heard its voice and witnessed its pranks. With the exception of Aunt Betsy, I did not ask for their experiences; they related it themselves. I shall write of what I have heard, leaving out the common "Witch" stories presented for the past hundred years.

More than forty years ago a book was published on the so-called "Bell Witch" which included a manuscript by Richard Williams Bell, a younger brother of John Bell Jr. My father and other members of the Bell family protested vigorously against this publication, not believing the time had come for any publication about the "Witch". My father declined emphatically to disclose anything he knew, telling me at that time his father’s recollections when published were such as would give our most intelligent people an insight into the Spirit world.

He said that he thought Richard Williams’ manuscript was true, but he was too young at the time to understand the Spirit, and certainly the

Spirit could not disclose to him the wonderful things related to John Jr., who was, as the reader will learn, a man of intellect, courage, and indomitable will power. I will include such parts of Richard Williams’ manuscript as I think of value, editing and leaving out things of least interest.

Neither John Bell nor John Jr., spoke of the Spirit as a Witch, but as a Spirit, which I shall designate it.

The Spirit made its final departure from the home of John Jr., assuring him it would return in one hundred and seven years.

I have read articles in newspapers and heard from various sources that the Witch (?) would return in one hundred years, also that it was in the neighborhood for more than fifty years. The Bell family have regarded these statements as neighborhood "Witch tales". No member of the Bell family has seen or heard from the Spirit since it bade John Jr., farewell in 1828.

The Author will not write voluminously on Mentality, the Human Mind, the Soul, Spirit, and Philosophy, but will adhere to the facts as nearly as possible, giving some reasons why these statements can be true in the light of scientific investigations, and why the Bells called the mystery a Spirit; as to what kind of Spirit, John Jr.’s attack on the Spirit may give some insight.

The Author admits that he does not know the identity of this being, nor has he ever come in contact with any person who he believes knew anything more than it was a Spirit.

The fact that it came and remained four years, then went away returning, as promised, after seven years, left again and promised to return after one hundred and seven years, and no one could say from whence it came or where it went forces us to the conclusion that, whatever it was, we have never known of a greater mystery; and if its prophecies come true in the future as they have during the past one hundred years, then we have much yet of a spiritual nature to experience which we have thought human beings would never know in this world. That time is very much nearer at hand than it was fifty years ago. Things are happening now that were foretold to John Bell Jr., by the Spirit.

I believe, after reading a real account of the Spirit’s visit to the Bell homes, one must know it was not just "superstition of the times." A person of reason likely would doubt that such performances could have been carried on by a human being. Could it be so performed at the present time, when we are so far advanced in sleight-of-hand, telepathy, and electricity?

Think of the excitement it would create! What is being done now of a seeming supernatural act is not comparable to some things the Spirit did more than one hundred years ago.

John Jr., instructed his son, J. T. Bell, that he was not to disclose what was said in his conferences with the Spirit, but to pass it on to his son and on to succeeding generations, until the time came when its publication would be of great value to the people of the country.

On account of the depression, from which so many thousands of our people are now suffering, and that so many church people are doubting the divinity of Jesus Christ, and that there is a heaven and hell, all of which the Spirit foretold, and the fact that the Spirit said it would be back in the year of 1935, I believe the reader will agree with me that my grandfather and father would both think now would be the proper time to publish these recollections. The Spirit prophesied that the only way for the world’s recovery would be by spiritual improvement.

As to what citizens thought of the Spirit as an actual occurrence, I would only suggest that the reader may communicate with any descendant of the oldest Robertson County families—he will learn that for years the Spirit’s visit was a most interesting subject of their thoughts and conversation; and to this day I would be surprised if there could be found a grown citizen of that county who could not tell tales of the "Bell Witch".

A Spirit is entirely separate from the material body, therefore some of the performances of the Spirit that visited the Bells have always been completely mystifying. That it brought fruits to members of the family and did many other things that were of a material nature has baffled everyone who has attempted a solution. Simply saying that these things were impossible and likely the products of superstition does not solve the mystery.

THE AUTHOR.

304 Chapel Ave., Nashville, Tenn.

CHAPTER I

A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF MEMBERS OF THE BELL FAMILY

This sketch of members of the Bell family is given that the reader may, in advance, become acquainted with certain members whose experiences while occurring, and for years after, created a nation-wide sensation; yet the most remarkable and most interesting conferences with the Spirit were kept from publication until now, for reasons deemed best for the family and the country.

Our real opinion of the reality of the Spirit’s visit must be based upon the good sense, courage, integrity, and reputation for truth of these children of John Bell, whose recollections are written in this book.

John Bell was born in 1750, in Halifax County, North Carolina. He was a son of William Bell, who was of English descent, a man of high standing and a farmer of considerable wealth. For hundreds of years the Bells were a well known English family.

In 1782, John Bell married Lucy Williams, daughter of John Williams of Edgecomb County, North Carolina.

John Williams gave Lucy a young negro woman named Chloe and her son, Dean, as a bridal present. John Bell bought a farm in Edgecomb County which he managed in a thrifty way and accumulated wealth in land and slaves. Twenty-two years of happy married life found them with a family of six children; their first slave woman, Chloe, in the meantime had eight children.

John now decided to move to Robertson County, Tennessee, where he had a number of old friends who gave him a most happy reception. He bought one thousand acres of fine land on Red River near Adams, some four miles from the Kentucky line. The improvements at the time John Bell bought the land consisted of a large double log house, one and one-half stories high, with six large rooms and a large reception hall, and an ell consisting of several rooms and a large passage. The house was weather-boarded and had a wide porch across the front; it was among the best houses in the county at that time. There was a fine orchard in the rear of the house, and the front lawn was shaded by immense pear trees, which stood for more than a century. After Mrs. Lucy Bell’s death the house for a time was unoccupied; finally, it was torn down and made into other buildings.

The land at this time is still very fine; at the present time the old homestead site belongs to a great-grandson of John Bell, Judge John Bell Turner, former Chief Justice of Oklahoma, who returned to Tennessee a few years ago.

John Bell began at once to finish the improvements on the farm and clear more land; he built cabins for his negroes, barns for hay and tobacco, and stables for numerous horses and mules.

These were the days of the beginning of the Western emigration; some of the best families in Tennessee were among those in that community who had moved from the older States, east and north of Tennessee, and to this day their descendants rank among the best.

Neighbors at that time rendered each other every possible assistance, such as log rolling, barn raising, and hog killings. All these were the scenes of happy neighborhood meetings. The work was considered only as a joyous feature that brought them together. Tests of strength at lifting, shooting at turkey head targets, and riding unbroken horses were greatly enjoyed by the men; and for the youngsters, wrestling, running foot races, and shooting with bow and arrow featured these meetings.

The women vied with each other in the preparation of the dinners, which consisted of roast wild turkey, fish fresh from Red River, fine corn, salt-rising light bread, pies, cakes, and maple syrup from nearby trees. The women usually had a quilting party on the same day.

After the day’s work was over John Jr., always invited the negro slaves, as well as the friends, to partake of a generous drink of whisky which was made at the spring for family use only. No one was made drunk, but just "sharpened their ideas."

Churches were built; the first was the Red River Baptist Church, in 1791; this same organization, probably the oldest in this State, has a nice modern church at Adams. The next, a Baptist church at Drake’s Pond, on the State line, about a mile of Guthrie, Ky. The Methodists also built several churches.

Without regard to which church they belonged, the people attended services at both churches, services alternating, Baptist one Sunday and Methodist the next Sunday. Prayer services were held on mid-week nights at John Bell’s home and at James Johnston’s.

At the time of the Spirit’s arrival at John Bell’s home the family consisted of John Bell; his wife, Lucy; and the following named children: Jesse, John Jr., Drewry, Benjamin, Esther, Zadok, Elizabeth, Richard Williams, and Joel Egbert.

Zadok became a lawyer of unusual ability, but died at an early age in Alabama, where he had gone to practice his profession. Benjamin died when a child. The other seven lived to be citizens of high standing and successful in their vocations.

John Bell used his land in a very successful way, accumulating wealth in money and slaves. He was always generous in making loans to his neighbors, taking no mortgages and letting them have such amounts as they wished, which they invariably paid back.

John Bell’s children chose neighborhood men and women when they married. Jesse, the oldest, married Martha Gunn, daughter of Rev. Thomas Gunn, a Methodist minister. Esther, the elder daughter, married Bennett Porter, July 24, 1817. A year or two after John Bell’s death these two families moved to Panola County, Mississippi, and their descendants are numerous there today. The other sons became farmers, acquiring large tracts of land in the neighborhood.

A chapter will be devoted to the daughter, Elizabeth, whose tragic experience with the Spirit was of nation-wide interest. The recollections of John Jr. of the Spirit, which the author considers the most interesting ever heard or written, will be found in another chapter. The citizens who knew John Jr., regarded him first as a soldier hero, then as a man who had the greatest regard for the best interest of his fellow men. Richard Williams’ manuscript will also be given.

Drewry never married. He bought a large farm on the north side of Red River, opposite his father’s farm, and led a lonely life, with only his slaves on the place. He lived a life of constant apprehension and was never left alone; he feared the return of the Spirit. He never recovered from the experience of seeing his father die, doomed to his death by the Spirit.

Joel Bell lived to an advanced age, first living on a part of the old home place, then bought a fine farm five miles north of Springfield. He was highly respected, a man of wealth and influence, and whose descendants are among the best people of Robertson County. Such recollections as Joel Bell had of the Spirit were that of a youngster, he being a child about four years of age when the Spirit arrived on its first visit and nearly nine when it left. He and Richard Williams were with their mother at the old home place when the Spirit returned in 1828; Joel was then about sixteen or seventeen years old and remembered the visit very well, and years afterward told of the return visit. Joel was, as stated, the youngest child.

He was at J. T. Bell’s home very often, and the author often visited at his home during his youthful days, but he heard him say very little of the Spirit. Knowing of the silent dispositions of the members of the Bell family, it was thought he preferred not to be questioned. The only recollection he gave was to corroborate a statement that the Spirit had advised his mother to give him a spanking, and when she failed to do so, the Spirit gave him a never to be forgotten spanking. He had just returned from a visit to his sister Betsy, who lived in Mississippi at that time, and he spoke of reminding her he still remembered the spanking and that Betsy remembered it quite well, too. He also remembered that Harry, the house-boy, was well whipped for being late getting in to kindle the morning fires, and many other things written in this book.

At the time of his death, John Bell owned many slaves, and these were divided among his heirs. The author saw some of these ex-slaves and heard them tell of the Spirit’s activities and how the old negroes still remembered "Old Marster."

This is not a book on the "old Southern gentlefolks" or how they treated their slaves. A great many people in that county were of the gentlefolks of which so much has been written, but there were, as often happens, others who were not quite so honorable; the Spirit’s influence on the latter was quite marked for the better.

John Bell’s tragic death, killed by the Spirit, as stated elsewhere, occurred December 20, 1820. It sent a shudder of horror through the people throughout the country. The funeral concourse was one of the largest ever known in the State at that time. The manner of his death will be described in a later chapter. He was buried by the side of his son, Benjamin, on a hill near the old home, where later his wife, Richard Williams, and Zadok were buried by his side.

Judge John Bell Turner, his great-grandson, who now owns this land, as already stated, one hundred and fourteen years after his death, reverences this spot and is proud of his lineage.

CHAPTER II

THE SPIRIT MAKES ITS APPEARANCE AT

THE BELL HOME

The Bell family lived the usual happy life of a large country family, surrounded by everything the country afforded. Nothing of a disturbing nature occurred until they were firmly fixed in the attachment and confidence of their neighbors and friends.

Some twelve or fifteen years after their arrival in Tennessee, John Bell was going to the north end of the farm to look over the daily work and give such orders to the overseers as necessary. He carried his rifle, thinking possibly to get a shot at a rabbit, or a duck at the pond. As he passed the north end of the orchard, he saw a peculiar looking animal sitting between two corn rows. It looked like a dog, yet on closer inspection he could not determine to what species it belonged. He shot at the animal, which at once disappeared.

A short time later, Drewry and Betsy saw strange creatures for which they could not account; but as the country was new and many different animals and birds were seen, they did not attach much importance to what they saw.

About this time Betsy saw what she believed to be a woman strolling about the orchard; she spoke to her, but had no answer, the apparition at once disappearing. Sometime after Betsy, Drewry and their father saw these apparitions on the farm, the family began hearing queer noises at the house, as if someone was knocking at the doors and windows; also as if wings were flapping against the ceilings. On opening the doors, nothing could be seen to cause these outside noises. Soon the noises became greater on the inside. The sounds in the bedrooms appeared to be such as would be heard if the beds were suddenly and roughly pulled apart, to which was added fighting dogs chained together, making a noise most deafening and exciting. Betsy and the boys were very much frightened. Their sister, Esther, was married and not at the Bell home at this time. When lights were flashed upon the scene, the noises ceased, and not a thing out of the way could be seen, nor had any damage been done to the furniture.

These mild demonstrations continued for a year or more, increasing until the house fairly shook as if in a storm, and the noises could be heard at quite a distance. By command of John Bell the family said nothing of these noises.

At first John Bell Jr., thought it might have been caused by the earth quaking, as there had been quakes several years earlier, but of course had ceased then. They knew, too, that they were the only people in the neighborhood whose home was so troubled; had it been general they would have heard of it without asking.

About this time John Bell developed a peculiar illness which affected his tongue and the muscles of his jaws; chewing and swallowing became difficult. This illness was attributed to the Spirit at this time. No doubt it was a disease of the nervous system which certainly may have been caused by the Spirit, but not in a direct manner, as supposed; simply, the continued annoyance had its effect on his nervous system. This disease in no way affected his thinking powers; he attended to his business and made financial deals as usual.

At this time he decided to seek counsel among his friends, hoping some suggestion from them might give him some relief. He asked one of his best friends, James Johnston, well known for his courage and Christianity, to come to his home and spend the night, telling him for the first time of the distressing condition.

Mr. Johnston readily agreed to do all he could for him. He and his wife both came to pass the night in the Bell home. As usual, Mr. Johnston read a chapter in the Bible and prayed most earnestly for his friends in their time of trouble; after which he and his wife retired to their room adjoining Betsy’s.

Soon unheard-of noises began, worse than ever, invading Mr. and Mrs. Johnston’s room, stripping the covers from their bed, laughing loudly in a derisive tone, causing Mr. and Mrs. Johnston to become very much frightened. To all entreaties and demands for a reason for all this there was no answer, as to why it was there or from whence it came, there was no reply but loud laughter.

They all spent a sleepless night and if possible were further from a solution of the mystery than before.

Mr. Johnston advised John Bell to ask other friends’ assistance in an attempt to fathom the source and cause of this uproar; to try to ascertain the motive for the demonstrations, which he agreed to do. There were selected a number of courageous and determined men, good friends of John Bell, who were almost constantly at his home from that time on until the Spirit left, striving in every way to induce this being to let it be known what it all meant. It continued much the same actions as when Mr. and Mrs. Johnston spent the night at the Bell home.

After a few nights the Spirit voluntarily began to talk for the first time, beginning in almost a whisper. The first real talking was a repetition of Mr. Johnston’s prayer and song given the first night he spent at the Bell home. So exact was this imitation, both in its repetition and sound of voice, it was said one could not tell it from Mr. Johnston’s voice.

At this time the being, uninvited, played the part of host at the Bell home, entertaining the neighbors and people from the surrounding country; as could be imagined, its reputation became greater every day.

It assumed a pious character, apparently enjoying religious talks and quoting Scripture fluently with absolute accuracy. No preacher of that day could successfully argue Scripture with the Spirit; it often corrected them in their interpretations of Scriptural meanings, at times telling them of some differences in translations, pointing out what it insisted was the correct translations. No one could dispute very successfully these points.

It joined in the singing at the weekly prayer services with a voice, the sweetness of which was unsurpassed. People were attracted from great

distances to hear this singing; at times it sang songs never heard before in that country and never forgotten during the life of those who heard this wonderful singing.

It prayed with great fervor and eloquence, causing persons who heard it to believe that the world was about to become much better.

It must be understood that while the Spirit was displaying all these accomplishments, members of the Bell family and the best minds of the times were not idle, but were doing all in their power to solve the mystery. They were certain there was no accomplice, that no human being was either instrumental or aiding an outside force, that the being was there and actually engaged in exhibitions causing both doubts and astonishment in this country and in England; astonishment to those who witnessed the feats performed and doubts in the minds of those who only read or heard of it. No one who saw these actions and heard the Spirit talk was ever known to doubt the existence of a supernatural being of some kind.

As time passed, the Spirit was very ready to let itself be known to visitors at some time during their stay; and a visitor was rarely, if ever, disappointed in being able to see and hear all that he wished. The Spirit was active in its watchfulness of all events occurring in the neighborhood. Nothing was said or done of any moment that was not reported by the Spirit, and at once became well known far and wide. Under this espionage that community rapidly became a model in everything demanded of good citizens. The Spirit even knew the thoughts of those with whom it came in contact, and it did not hesitate to tell the evil thoughts of those so read at the Bell home.

People came from hundreds of miles on horseback and in covered wagons to witness these feats. These guests were never charged a cent for board or lodging, and were taken care of as long as the house would hold them. At length these visitors, on account of numbers, brought tents and occupied them.

Never at any time did the Bells and their friends, aided now by an occasional visitor from other states, cease their endeavors trying to discover what the Spirit meant and what it was after.

Finally it did answer, "I am a Spirit; I once was very happy, but have been disturbed." This was spoken in a voice quite distinct and understood by all present.

Immediately after the Spirit began talking, it asserted that it would remain and continue worrying John Bell, finally killing him; never explaining or giving any reason for this dislike.

It never at any time cast any reflections upon John Bell’s character, or tried in any way to influence anyone to doubt his integrity, but continually reviled him and at times punished him severely with blows and other physical methods.

Joel, Betsy and Richard Williams were also punished by having their hair pulled, their jaws slapped, leaving red finger marks on their faces.

At none of these investigations were the "real scientific" persons who claimed they were going to expose the "Witch tricks" overlooked by the Spirit; they came in for a full punishment if they openly expressed doubts. Usually it followed these guests on their journey home for quite a distance, giving them final advice on the subject of "Witches" and inviting them back when they felt they could solve the mystery.

Betsy, the younger daughter of John Bell, who had attended the neighborhood school, had many friends among the students.

Her first sweetheart was one of her boy schoolmates, Joshua Gardner, a fine young fellow whose family was highly respected; but the Spirit opposed the union of these young people. No one has ever known for what reason, neither Betsy nor Joshua knew. The Spirit became so abusive toward Betsy that she spent a great deal of time away from home with her girl friends.

Richard Powell, the young man who taught the school, was a teacher of fine reputation and a good friend of the Bell family. He was exceedingly worried that the Bell family was so persecuted by the Spirit.

A full account of these two friends of Betsy’s, and her marriage to one will be given in the chapter devoted to Betsy and her trials. That the Spirit was the controlling factor, Betsy was forced to acknowledge. No matter if she were away from home with her girl friends, the Spirit followed her, nor did it forget those left at home, but continued the same actions which had now assumed a more abusive character than before, still religious, pious and prayerful, but at times displaying a frightful temper with all the family except Mrs. John Bell. Neither did it give John Jr., the same offensive treatment as it did the other Sons.

The Spirit always declared Lucy Bell (John Bell’s wife) the most perfect woman living, and never at any time displayed animosity toward her. It seemed to have a respectful regard for John Jr. While having sharp verbal encounters with him, it was never known to use physical force with him, and was always on the defensive when he bitterly assailed it; never for a single time restraining himself, but with the short, stern language for which he was noted he would quickly answer the Spirit. On account of this great respect for John Jr.’s mighty intellect, courage and sternness, the Spirit told him many things it never uttered to others. It said it was telling him of future events and many past events for that reason, knowing that he knew how to use such information in the best way. John Jr., was placed in a position in which all history has no record of a duplication; yet he must have acted for the best interest of his family, and the future generations of his countrymen.

He formed his opinion of and divined the nature of this being in a most philosophical way. It would seem that he really forced the Spirit to say the things told him in their conferences and verbal tilts. Never at any time did he show the least fear of the Spirit, but always denounced it in the most abusive terms, designating it as a "Spirit of the damned," not asking what it was, simply assuming that no other Spirit would perform such atrocious acts.

About this time a gentleman from England visited at the Bell home, remaining several months, with the expressed determination (made known only to John Jr.) of solving this mystery.

As stated in previous chapter, the Bells were of English descent; however, this may not have been the cause of the visit.

It was expressly understood that this visitor’s name and residence were not to be made known by the family, which was readily agreed to. Strange to say, the Spirit made no announcement to outsiders giving the identity of this gentleman, but did some extra performances apparently for his enlightenment, telling him he would have some real tales to write up on his return to England, and "Be sure to get it all straight." The gentleman was highly entertained and experienced such performances as would satisfy the most skeptical of the absolute supernatural powers displayed.

During this time, at a Sunday night meeting at the Bell home, the Spirit repeated the sermon of Rev. James Gunn, preached at Bethel Methodist Church, for the benefit of those who had not attended the morning services. Rev. Gunn was present and his voice was imitated so that those present thought he must be talking; his text and prayers were given with exactness, he admitting it to be so.

Some one present said to the other preacher, Rev. Sugg Fort: "Brother Fort, you have the advantage; your sermon was not heard." The Spirit began at once repeating Rev. Fort’s sermon and prayers in his voice and exact words, giving out hymns, etc. Rev. Fort said it was all correct. This performance was so astonishing that it left all present and all who have heard of it since in complete mystery.

The Englishman, about this time, was thinking in a most serious way of this, and many other things he had heard the Spirit say; the Spirit told him of his thoughts and that he was a sensible man to have remained, making no fuss and not saying the foolish things others had. It told him he was puzzled over the things he had seen and heard, and it would now give him another to think about. It told him within two or three hours he would hear from home, as usual (the Spirit had kept him informed as to what was going on at his home in England all this time, which the Englishman always learned was true when he received letters from his home) and asked him what he should tell the home folks; that it would convey any message to them he wished; this it had never done before.

The Englishman said, "Tell them that in my opinion, never since the world was created have men seen and heard the marvelous things I have witnessed during the past three months."

Within three hours a voice began repeating astonishment at what was being told them, and another voice exclaimed incredulously, "Why, that is brother’s voice; where are you, brother?"

The Englishman told John Bell and John, Jr., who were the only other persons present, that the voices were his mother’s and brother’s. (The Spirit had given a perfect imitation of their voices.)

The Spirit then gave their return message in the voice of the mother, "Tell him not to stay any longer; he has heard and seen enough, and we do not want any more visits like that here."

The Englishman knew his mother’s voice, yet, to prove conclusively that it was she, he wrote John Jr., as soon as he arrived home that all that had been said was correct and that all who believed it were amazed, but few people believed it could actually have happened. John Jr.’s veracity was unquestionable, as will be seen in his recollections given to his son, J. T. Bell.

This incident actually occurred and was never told to any person other than to J. T. Bell, who was equally as silent on the subject of the "Bell Witch."

This Englishman saw and heard many things told of in the chapter devoted to the recollections of John Jr., and at no time after a thorough investigation did he doubt the supernatural origin of the manifestations exhibited. He went home carrying with him an experience which has been handed down in that country for generations, and which will likely never be forgotten. It is not known with certainty at this time who the Englishman was; John Jr.’s assurance was that he was a high-class man and of great intelligence.

Other visitors from Europe were at the Bell home during the stay of the Spirit, but remained only a short time. None could offer further explanation than that it was a supernatural being, and no evidence other than to exclude a human being.

Frank Miles, one of John Jr.’s best friends, who was one of the most powerful men, physically, living at that time, was ever ready to aid the Bell family. He was present at the death of John Bell.

He was a man of some six feet two inches tall, weighed about two hundred and fifty pounds, with no surplus flesh, had a grip with his hands that would crush an ordinary man’s hand, could perform wonderful feats of strength and was a man of undoubted courage.

Mr. Miles, like his friend, John Bell, did not hesitate to say if he could ever get the Witch (?) in his grip, he intended attempting to hold and crush it. Unlike John Jr., who knew it to be impossible to get a grip on the Spirit, he made such attempts frequently while staying overnight at the Bell home.

Mr. Miles related that on extremely cold nights all the bed covers were quickly jerked off; the covers which he caught and held were torn wide apart and in pieces, leaving only small pieces in his hands. On two occasions the bedtick was snatched from under him and the bed rolled across the room by unseen force; he was unable to grasp the offender, but he said he felt the most forceful blows about his head and face he had ever had; while the Spirit kept up a most exasperating laugh, telling him "he was sure a strong man and could knock the wind out of the air, but not dangerous in a tussle with a Spirit."

Mr. Miles never faltered in attempting to be of assistance to the Bell family, and was present at many of the most interesting meetings when the Spirit was present. To his dying day, he was uncertain as to what region the Spirit came from, but he was certain that it was a Spirit that could display great strength and yet not be seen.

He was a good friend of Jushua Gardner and Richard Powell; he thought of Betsy as a sister. He sympathized heartily with them, and time and again repeated the heart-rending experiences of Betsy, which he personally saw, but could give her only the comfort of his presence and heartfelt admiration for her great courage and endurance.

(The author, when a small boy, heard Frank Miles tell of many performances of the Witch which he had witnessed.)

CHAPTER III

RECOLLECTIONS GIVEN BY SOME OF THE

SLAVES

John Bell’s negro slaves had many "Witch" stories to tell, but on that subject it must be agreed that negroes’ statements are as reliable as their scared state will allow.

Harry, the negro boy, some eighteen years old, came in the mornings to kindle the fires, which were all in open fireplaces. Wood was still being used when the present older members of the Bell family were growing up, and he often told them of some of the performances he saw and felt.

He was late getting in for a few mornings, his Master scolded him, and told him he must get in earlier; the very next morning Harry was late again, and while he was on his knees trying to blow the coals into a blaze, suddenly pieces of his kindling began beating him all over the body; finally he was jerked up across a chair and given such a beating that the blows were heard all over the house; while the beating was being administered Harry let out such yells and begged so for his life that John Bell was alarmed, fearing the

negro would be disabled. It then told Harry if he were ever late again he would be beaten to death and thrown into the fire. Harry was never late again.

He admonished his hearers not to tell Marster (J. T. Bell) what he had told, as he had been forbidden by "Old Marster" never to say anything of the Spirit.

The author heard the first of the Spirit from the lips of old Harry, who came to cut wood for the fires at J. T. Bell’s home, many years afterward.

Old Uncle Harry (children called him Uncle "Hack") related, "When Missus Betsy wuz bout yo’ gals’ age, whut go wid de boys, dere wuz a boy tuk to cumin’ to see huh; and Lawd a mercy, when I wuz makin’ up dem fires, I heerd dat Witch talk de orfullest fore dem, just made Miss Betsy so shamed she haid to run outen de room, and dat boy wud go right on home; but he kep’ cumin back. Missus Betsy sho liked dat boy an’ he jus’ cudn’t keep away from huh. Dat air Witch knowed dey wanted ter marry, hit kep’ hollerin, ‘Betsy, don’t marry Joshua Gardner.’ Now, I tells yo’ hit scairt dem outen ever marryin’. I don’t see how enybody cud er tried as long as dey did, mos’ folks ud er quit dat very minit hit said, ‘Don’t you marry.’ I cud see all dat time dat Ole Marster wud be glad if dey jest naturly quit, but he never tol’ dem to."

Uncle Hack said he saw his Old Marster’s tracks in the snow a little while after he died, but no persuasion could induce him to expatiate on that occurrence. He would shake his head and say, "Dat wuz my young marse John’s and de Witch’s bizzness and not for me to tell. I jes’ ain’t gwine ter talk ‘bout dat."

He told that one night after carrying in the kindling and wood for the next morning, he was on his way to his cabin when a voice commanded him, "Go right over to Mr. James Johnston’s and cut wood and kindling for his morning’s fires; he and his folks are sick and I told him I would send you. Step right on. James Johnston is the best man in this country. Your Master will be glad I sent you. Don’t stop to ask him." Harry hurried to Mr. Johnston’s home, some half a mile away; that gentleman told him the Spirit had promised to send him to get up the wood, just as it had said, and he felt very thankful that Harry came. The Spirit then asked Mr. Johnston if he wanted Harry to come next morning and kindle his fires, and said, "It will be no trouble, as Harry just likes to make fires on cold mornings. If you are going to be sick long, Harry will come every day and see to your fires; I’ll tell his Master to send him, and you know he will be glad to have it done." Others have told of this same occurrence.

At this time Uncle Hack told of the "Witch’s" (the negroes always called it Witch) accuracy in tellin’ a pusson when de wether wud change, hit knowed dese suddin changes wuz cumin an if hit were gwine ter snow or rain. Lawd, chillun, young Marse John allus asked dat Witch if hit wuz gwine rain ‘fore he cut down eny hay, an’ ev’y day indurin’ crop time he ‘quired uf hit ‘bout de wether, and hit kep, him tol’ when to spect frost in terbacker cuttin’ time; hit ud jest tell him how de col wether wuz goin’ fur a long way fum heah, and when it ud hit us. Hit wuz mi’ty fine ‘bout de wether, but nuthin’ else." Harry always looked around to be certain of no danger of being heard before he made the last remark.

Many white persons and negroes have told of recollections of neighbors going to John Bell’s during crop season to learn what the weather would be and in no instance were they misguided, for frost, rain, snow or continued fair and warm weather were accurately foretold.

Willis, a colored man who greatly assisted in the bringing up of J. T. Bell, was highly regarded by that gentleman, who was often heard to say, "If any man deserved a home in Heaven, it was Willis." When Willis was about middle age, J. T. Bell, then a boy, taught him to read and write; then, later on, grammar and other school studies. Willis was an apt pupil; he soon began reading the Bible and became a preacher, a real one. Many years after the war he continued to come to the home of Dr. J. T. Bell to inquire after his and the family’s health, and to express his continued appreciation and respect.

Willis was a neat, well-dressed man and spoke far more correctly than the average white man, and had the reputation of being an able preacher. He never spoke of the "Bell Witch." His training had been quite different.

Once, when visiting Dr. Bell, who at that time was looking over his father’s (John Bell Jr.) recollections, Dr. Bell asked him some questions regarding his recollections of the Spirit. (The author’s father then called him in as these things were to be passed on to him, and the two were having this most confidential conference.)

Willis told of the enmity toward negroes always, and of the experience of negroes who were afraid at the time to tell, but told him years after the Spirit had left. He said that Dean, John Bell’s favorite slave, brought from North Carolina, was a favorite target for the Witch. Dean would come in at times during the coldest weather after a visit to his wife, who lived at Rev. Thos. Gunn’s, with practically all of his clothes torn off, and with the appearance of having had a sound thrashing. The Spirit having had no mercy, but Dean said, "It jest wanted him to run."

Dean took his possum dog, Caesar, out for a night’s sport. He soon treed a possum. Dean then cut down the small tree, in the top of which was the possum; he proceeded to cut off the top, splitting it and putting the possum’s tail in the crack, expecting to leave him there until he caught another. Then came the Witch (?), drove the dog away with savage fury, and told Dean that was no way to treat even a possum. "Just like a nigger to do that," and began at once to administer a terrible beating, giving him a lick on the head with his own ax or stick and leaving him lying senseless for a time. Next morning his Master was uneasy when Dean did not make his appearance, and on going to his cabin found him in that condition. Dean carried that scar given by the Spirit the balance of his life; and after the Spirit was gone he had no fears of telling the facts, as told his Master the morning after the adventure. Dean had many adventures with the Spirit, but none so thrilling as this one. Many times did his son, Dean Jr., relate these contacts with the Witch (?) to the youngsters of the succeeding generations.

The author heard Ibby tell this: Dean’s wife’s sister Ibby (Ibby and her sister lived at Rev. Thos. Gunn’s), who lived to quite an advanced age, knew of Dean’s troubles with the Spirit. She could scarcely be prevailed upon to tell of these escapades. Fifty years afterwards, she was still afraid of the Spirit and always said, "Better fur evabody to let the Sperrit go on and stay thar." She said that often Dean came in late at night almost breathless, with "nothin’ but the whites of his eyes looking nateral like." The Spirit had talked terrible talk all the way, and she would often hear its parting advice, "Now, nigger, you’d better get your Master Jack Bell to buy your wife and quit running up here nights. You are just coming to see if any other niggers want her. Preacher Gunn don’t want you ‘round here every night." "Now, I tells yo’ white folks no uther nigger cummed ‘round, and I spicioned Dean cum and jes’ tuck that chasin’ to keep uther niggers ‘way. It sho wuked. Mitey few niggers cum to our house, and sho nuff dere wuz mitey little running ‘round at nite, fur nobody knowed whar dat Witch mout stop em on de road and ast questions, and give ‘em a few licks."

Dean was with his Master for a short time every night and saw much of his suffering. Ibby also was there at times, and they both thought John Bell’s suffering was very great. They both knew the white folks of the neighborhood, and always in the evening saw some of them with the Bells.

Dean, on one occasion, as told by Ibby and Willis, was told by his Master to saddle and lead to the front a certain stranger’s horse. He did so, and the stranger told Dean he had not seen a Witch and didn’t believe the stories he had heard. As he mounted the horse the Spirit began telling him that it had been there all the time and had heard his talk. "Now, hold tight and see how far your horse throws you," it said. Then the horse gave a terrific snort, raised his back and began kicking and bucking. The man went into the air, landing on his all-fours, painfully hurt. The Spirit had all this time been calling to him to hold tight. Dean picked the man up and took him into the house, where he was laid out for the rest of the day, the Spirit taunting him for his disbelief. The horse was caught and the stranger left as soon as he was able to ride.

At the mouth of Sturgeon creek, where it empties into Red river, north of the Bell farm, was a celebrated baptizing place for the negroes; this was used for that purpose until comparatively recent years, and white folks always attended. During the Spirit’s reign it was always on hand.

At times the negroes were so scared that the ceremonies were all but broken up; then the Spirit would command them in a stern voice to stay right there and do their duty or it would follow them, throw them into the river and drown all those converted negroes, preacher and all. It joined in the singing; told them what songs to sing, and when a negro well known among his fellows as a real sinner was baptized, it would call out, "Parson, put him under again and keep him there a little longer." The parson always did it. Once in a while a negro would be a candidate for baptism who had been baptized two or three times. The Spirit would at once admonish such ones to make good this time, "the next time I catch you here I am going to have you drowned."

The Spirit quoted correct Scriptures to these negroes and assured them that their parson was a good man, and not to forget that they had been baptized; quit all their sins and be good to each other.

CHAPTER IV

THE SPIRIT’S KINDNESS AND HIGH REGARD

FOR MRS. JOHN BELL

Mrs. John Bell was well known as a good woman, endowed with extraordinary intelligence. She brought her children up in a manner that impressed every one with their good behavior; and her children loved and respected her. Her neighbors and every one with whom she came in contact admired and had a high regard for her.

Much is said in Richard Williams Bell’s manuscript of the treatment of his mother by the Spirit; this short chapter is to impress the reader that others had the same opinion of her and contributed their experiences, corroborating what was generally known; they having had the opportunity of knowing Mrs. Bell and seeing the Spirit’s action toward her. Each one told of the Spirit’s really affectionate actions toward her, always treating her with the greatest respect, no matter what humor it might display toward others.

Mrs. Bell did not antagonize the Spirit. She saw that would be futile, so she always spoke kindly of it and to it, thus hoping in some measure to influence a better treatment for her two loved ones, her husband and her daughter, Elizabeth, who were suffering greatly from its taunts and jeers, and other exceedingly painful actions. She could not influence the Spirit to better behavior toward her husband; at least, it seemed so extremely outrageous, that we could not think of it as possible to have been worse.

The Spirit always spoke to Mrs. Bell in a most respectful manner. It asked her many questions regarding her affairs, both household and financial, and offered advice it deemed best; to all of which Mrs. Bell listened and in most instances heeded.

The good and bad points of all of her neighbors were told to her, as well as those of her own children.

She had left many relatives in North Carolina whom she seldom saw and correspondence was slow, but the Spirit kept her informed of them as often as she liked. She was never afraid of the Spirit, so far as its treatment of her was concerned, but lived in constant fear of what further punishment it might inflict upon her husband and Betsy.

The Spirit often scolded Mrs. Bell’s negroes and occasionally punished them for not doing their work better, and told them that if it were not for fear of hurting their Mistress’ feelings it would beat them almost to death. (This was told by the negroes themselves.)

Richard Williams Bell, in his account of the Spirit’s treatment of his mother, was at a loss to understand why it treated her so differently from what it did his father and sister Betsy; the latter being a young girl against whom no one could conceive of a cause for prejudice. The neighbors and others who saw this could account for the lovely treatment accorded Mrs. Bell only that the Spirit was controlled by an unseen power directing it to in no way offer her personal mistreatment. These neighbors who knew the family so well, and believed Mrs. Bell to be such a good woman, also believed Betsy to be good, and esteemed John Bell just as highly.

These neighbors thought if it were a Spirit from Hell, as many really believed it was, such a Spirit could have been controlled by a greater Spirit. Mrs. Bell could have been endowed by her Creator with a Spirit and Soul that the cruel visitor had neither the power nor disposition to worry, she not realizing the source of her influence.

Mrs. Bell had her neighbors meet at her home for Bible study and for advancement of missions and those things accompanying church affairs.

The Spirit readily took part and when refreshments were served it always brought in nice fruits coming from they knew not where, but were simply dropped on the table or in their laps with the invitation to eat them. It joined in the singing with the voice that had become famous, volunteering a solo at times, singing songs none present had ever heard, but all agreed were sacred hymns of a most beautiful melody and words of wonderful composition.

At the old-time quilting parties, it was always on hand, giving these ladies directions how it should be done, but never discourteous on account of Mrs. Bell. Persons who were present at these meetings have said that the Spirit gave them information that was wonderful; at the church affairs it was ready to give them advice that no human being could have offered. Except at church meetings it always told them jokes on their husbands, leaving John Bell out of such, saying that "he was too dignified and precise in all things to do anything that might cause a laugh." It told these ladies that many men had been made to appear very foolish trying to find treasures, which it had pretended to exist; and again of how many silly things men had done attempting to find out who it was, and where it came from, always adding that whatever it was "Luce (it always called Mrs. Bell Luce) would never have cause to personally fear it."

Mrs. Bell used every art she possessed to get the Spirit to tell her of itself. It told her that if it would tell any human being in this world she would be the one, but it would not tell her. It told her it would be here again after many years and that when it came, at that time people would imagine themselves so smart that they could easily comprehend what it was. It only laughed and said, "Luce, I wish you could be there and let yourself be known. Luce, you will see from where you are how this country develops and with your great goodness you will be sorely distressed at the way they have reached the position of envy to which they have climbed. Luce, I’ll be there and you will be able to see what I do from where you are, and you will know exactly what I am, and why I am there."

In Richard Williams Bell’s recollections an account is given of his mother’s serious illness and of how attentive the Spirit was to her; of how it brought her fruits to eat and anxiously inquired how she was, and did wonderful things for her (other eye witnesses have told of this). One can not doubt that the Spirit was largely responsible for her recovery. It let her know of its anxiety and wishes for her recovery, and she knew the Spirit expected her to get well.

When the Spirit returned to the old home place in 1828, after seven years absence, fulfilling a promised visit, Mrs. Bell absolutely expected it and did not feel that it would do any harm while there, which it did not. She said nothing of the Spirit’s visit during the time it was at her home on this last visit, not wishing to alarm those of her children who were away from the old home. She did not know that the Spirit made a visit to her son John’s home at this time, and of which no other of the older members of the family knew.

No matter what one’s opinion would be of the reality of the Spirit visiting the Bells, there can be no doubt of the sublime character of Mrs. Lucy Bell. She underwent the loss of her husband, believing he had been killed by the Spirit, according to its own confession and evidence of all those present, after it had tormented him for more than four years.

She had seen her beloved daughter, Betsy, undergo frightful punishment, a fact to which some of the best people, preachers and laymen in Robertson County testified. Yet this noble woman emerged from it all still trusting and believing in Jesus Christ and that it all must some day prove to have been done for the best. She never, at any time, doubted the goodness of her husband, and never thought it had been done for any sinful act.

She lived to see Betsy happily married; and a short time after the Spirit’s return visit, she died and was buried by the side of her husband.

CHAPTER V

BETSY BELL’S TRYING EXPERIENCES

WITH THE SPIRIT

Elizabeth was only twelve years of age when the Spirit made its appearance, and grew to young womanhood while it was a visitor at her home.

There have been persons who intimated that Betsy had something to do with the exhibitions of the Spirit, but nothing could have been further from the truth. She was too young, if so inclined, and too, when she was away from home the Spirit came there just the same. Sometimes it followed her to a neighbor’s.

Such judgment has come into the minds of superstitious and naturally devilish people in all ages of the world, calumniating old women and young innocent girls.

Joan of Arc, according to history, was burned at the stake, after being tried by the English or their representatives, and found guilty of witchcraft and heresy, and she was only nineteen years old.

Some years later Joan was declared innocent by the Pope, and in May, 1920 (think of this, only a few years ago) she was enrolled as a saint by the Catholics. They were only too long doing this.

A bishop and other churchmen aided in the trials which finally ended in a verdict of burning at the stake.

Guizot’s history of France relates of her, "That the same monk who was with her when she was burned at the stake, when questioned twenty-four years later at the rehabilitation trial, as to the last sentiments and the last words of Joan, said that to the very last moment she had affirmed that her voices were heavenly, and they had not deluded her; and that the revelations she had received came from God."

Certainly, one must lack reasoning power to believe that Joan of Arc, when under seventeen years of age, and with no military training, could have defeated the armies with which she contended, commanded by good generals, if she had not been given the power as she claimed.

When about thirteen years of age, she began hearing voices, telling her she could free her country and crown Charles king. These voices she described and told what was said; she told Charles that she knew a prayer which he had made, some years before, and repeated it to him. He knew no one had ever heard the prayer, so was convinced of Joan’s mission and divine aid.

"What she said to him, there is none who knows," wrote Alan Chartier, a short time after (in July, 1429), but it is quite certain that he was all radiant with joy thereat as at a revelation from the Holy Spirit."

M. Wallon has given the following exposition of this mysterious interview. "Sire de Boisy," he says, "who was in his youth one of the gentlemen-of-the-bedchamber on the most familiar terms with Charles VII, told Peter Sala, giving the king himself as his authority for the story, that one day, at the period of his greatest adversity, the prince, vainly looking for a remedy against so many troubles, entered in the morning, alone, into his oratory and there without uttering a word aloud, made prayer to God from the depths of his heart, that if he were the true heir, issue of the House of France (and a doubt was possible with such a queen as Isabel of Bavaria), and the kingdom ought justly to be his, God would be pleased to keep and defend it for him; if not, to give him grace to escape without death or imprisonment, and find safety in Spain or in Scotland, where he intended in the last resort to seek a refuge. This prayer, known to God alone, the Maid recalled to the mind of Charles VII."

The never to be forgotten deeds and cruel death of Joan of Arc have been written of by eminent writers; and great sculptors have given of their artistic talents to perpetuate her memory.

The French will for all time revere her sacred memory, not through the efforts of the artists, but the real facts recorded by great historians that—she claimed when a young girl to have heard voices of Angels directing her to deliver France from its enemies; that she so delivered France through divine directions, and only erred when, after repeated urging, she continued in the army after her work was completed. She herself had predicted that she would die. Her death was a blot upon those who caused it, from which they will never recover.

She, like Betsy Bell, was the daughter of a farmer, a girl of unusual good looks. She, like Betsy, was popular among her neighbors, a devout Christian and perfect character.

If Betsy had lived a comparatively short time earlier she might have been tried for witchcraft, and yet not the slightest reason for such action.

When a child, Betsy went to the forests, the fields, and the river with her brothers; she knew all the trees, poplars, oaks, gum, maples and all the others; she enjoyed the budding of the trees in the spring and loved their red and golden hues in the fall.

She gathered the wild flowers and knew all the birds in the woodland. Her brothers taught her to shoot a rifle; she knew how to hitch the mules to a plow or wagon, and was a fine horseback rider. She really knew the joys of living in a new country.

Betsy continued at school until she acquired the usual education of that time. At school she had her girl and boy friends, among whom was Joshua Gardner, a young man of splendid appearance and of a fine family.

Joshua and Betsy grew up sweethearts, not outspoken, but with the shyness of childhood. A great love grew to a devotion rarely equaled.

The Spirit at all times opposed the attachment existing between Betsy and Joshua, and would beseech Betsy in the most weird voice, "Betsy, please don’t marry Joshua Gardner."

It said so many things to Betsy and Joshua in the presence of their friends of a highly embarrassing nature that the girl in time became quite hysterical and worn out in despair.

Joshua did not falter; his great love was quite sufficient to keep his courage unabated, and he would insist that they should not allow the Spirit to govern their actions.

Betsy had serious forebodings, believing that the Spirit’s unseen powers might mean great danger for them; what and how, she knew not. Her love for Joshua was as great as his for her; she proved this by her determination to put off marriage until they knew better what the result might be. She did not wish to subject Joshua to some great ordeal, which might take place on account of their marriage; there could not have been exhibited a greater proof her love.

But one must not forget that she and Joshua were both young, and either or both had time to change. Human love, it must be remembered, may change, the cause may be the association with another.

Betsy never forgot young Gardner, but Richard Powell, who had been their teacher, was now a candidate for the legislature, and while canvassing the country for that office frequently visited the Bell family and their friends. He again saw Betsy and at once recognized that she had grown to be a young lady of wonderful beauty and rare personal charm; just as he had believed she would when a pupil of his in the neighborhood school.

Betsy was a blonde, with a beautiful figure, lithesome, perfect complexion, rosy lips, a cheery disposition, good sense, and a perfect character.

Richard had heard of Betsy’s and Joshua’s betrothal. He congratulated the young people and wished them the happiest life which he thought they would have. He did not conceal his love for Betsy, yet at this time understanding the affairs of the young couple, it was far from his intentions to cause a breach in their feelings toward each other. He made no avowal of love to Betsy, but told each of these young people how fortunate they were, and left them to themselves.

Betsy had for several years undergone cruel treatment from the Spirit, yet at times had enjoyed her friends’ company at her home with great appreciation.

She had parties, dancing the old-time dances and playing the usual games; the Spirit always being present and prompting. They had picnics in the woods and fishing during the summer, the Spirit advising them just what to do.

Of the happy times of the young people in the winter season, sleigh riding was the most enjoyable affair. A snow fall was greeted by a full house of happy young people.

On most farms were what the men called slides made with runners selected in the forests from trees, some five to eight inches in diameter, with a natural quarter circle curve, some ten or twelve feet from the ground. The trees were nicely dressed and built over these runners some two and a half feet high was a floor. The farmers used these slides for hauling tobacco to the barns during the cutting season; hauling barrels of water or hogs to the smokehouse, and hog feed to the hog pens. These slides were used as sleighs by the young people.

Betsy related that on one occasion the boys had left the sleigh at the front door while the horses were unhitched and taken to the stable to be fed, and the young people enjoyed their midday meal. She and the other girls, soon as the dinner was over, seated themselves on the sleigh for a ride just as the boys were leading the horses up to hitch to the sleigh.

The Spirit’s voice cried out, "Hold tight when we get to the corner."

The sleigh started along at a good speed around the house, making the corners at such speed, and skidding so, they had difficulty in staying in. The girls were very much excited, but stayed with the sleigh; finally, it stopped after going around the house three times. The boys then hitched the horses to it and they had their ride around the neighborhood.

At times the Spirit became furious at Betsy; it would pull her hair, pinch and slap her cheeks, leaving the imprints of this punishment, then crying out, "I tell you, don’t marry Jushua Gardner." Betsy corroborated these statements made by others, and could have filled a book with her own experiences. An interesting happening Betsy told was the visit of General Jackson to the Bell home. This visit was generally known and there has been an account of it published, but it must be remembered that Betsy was there and her recollections of this distinguished visitor to her father’s home are of extraordinary interest, told in her own language.

General Jackson and Betsy’s brother were well acquainted, but John Jr. was not at home on the occasion of the General’s visit.

Knowing of the many visitors to the Bell home, General Jackson thought it would be better to camp, so his party had a wagon loaded with a tent and camping outfit, and they follewed on horseback.

When the wagon was a short distance from the Bell home it suddenly stopped; the driver could not make his horses budge the wagon; all his yelling and whipping the horses were of no avail; the team was simply unable to start the wagon; not a wheel turned, although they were on level ground. The General examined the wagon and said there was no reason why the horses could not pull it; the driver again tried them without success. The General then shouted, "It is the Witch."

A voice called from the roadside, "They can go on now, General." Neither the General nor the men with him could see any one, but distinctly heard the voice and its promise to see them that night.

Betsy said, as soon as her father saw General Jackson, he had him and the entire party come to the house and entertained them with a good dinner and stories of when the Indians were on the farm, and of the mounds and relics of the mound builders.

In the party was a man who claimed to be a real "Witch tamer," and he thought no witch would appear while he was present. The other members of the party had been bragging on him, and on his having the Witch (?) bluffed. He said his pistol was loaded with a silver bullet and he just wanted to try it out on this witch.

Finally, he dared the Witch out. The General was beginning to be impatient at the delay in the apppearance of the Witch, when suddenly the braggart jumped from his chair, grabbed at the seat of his trousers, and shouted, "Boys, I am being stuck by a thousand pins."

A voice spoke out, "I am in front of you; shoot." The man drew his pistol and tried to shoot, but it would not fire.

Then the voice cried "It’s my night for fun." Soon there was heard repeated slapping of the man s jaws, and he yelled, "It is pulling my nose off." Making a break for the door, which flew open, he jumped out, running with all his speed toward the wagon, yelling every step, while the voice kept giving him all sorts of advice.

General Jackson fairly roared with laughter and told her father that he had never seen or heard of anything so funny and mysterious, and would like to stay a week, which he was invited to do.

Again the voice spoke, saying: "There is another fraud in your party, General; I’ll get him tomorrow night. It is getting late. Go to bed."

The rest of General Jackson’s party could not be prevailed upon to spend another night after that. They said no telling who would be the next victim.

General Jackson told them he knew this fellow was going to be shown up and he wanted to stay over, but by noon the party was at Springfield, twelve miles away. They never came back.

John Jr. saw General Jackson several times during the years following the visit, but as was his custom, he did not mention the visit to the General.

Betsy said: "When the Spirit became so tantalizing, filling my mind with horror and causing me to become so nervous, my parents often sent me to a neighbor’s to rest for a night.

My first night away from home was spent with Theny Thorn, one of my best girl friends. Nothing was heard until after we retired, which we did early. We locked the door to our room securely. Just as soon as we had retired there came a loud knocking on our outside door, which seemed to fly open, and a great gust of wind was felt. Then our bed quilts were snatched off. Theny sprang up at once and lit a candle; to our surprise the door was not open. We adjusted the bed clothes and lay down again.

Then a voice spoke very softly: "Betsy, you should not have come over here; you know I can follow you anywhere. Now get a good night’s sleep." A soft hand patted my cheek, and the voice again assured us that we would not be disturbed any more that night.

We both were very much excited, but we lay quite still and after so long a time fell asleep. Next day Theny went home with me; my mother related that the Spirit had told her all about our experience and for her not to be alarmed, that we would "rest well and be home next day."

On the river near the north boundary of the farm is a cave, in the bluff which is about three hundred feet high and almost perpendicular. There is sufficient room at the front of the cave for parties to have lunches; below the cave the river makes a good fishing place, and we often fished there.

The cave became famous as the "Bell Witch Cave." None of us ever knew of the cave being occupied by the Spirit, but on our pleasure trips we always heard its voice on the river or in the cave.

There were beautiful stalactites in the cave. We often took candles and went back quite a ways to a big room some thirty feet high, with a kind of upstairs to it; after passing through this, the passage became small.

One time when we were "exploring the cave" one of the boys in the crowd came to a place where he had to get down on his knees and crawl; suddenly he went into a kind of quicksand deposit and soon became so jammed in he could not get out. His candle was out and no one could get to him; suddenly the big room and all parts of the cave were lit up as if from a big lamp.

A voice called out, "I’ll get you out." The boy’s legs were seized as if by strong hands and he was drawn out with a face full of mud and nearly suffocated.

We all agreed not to tell our parents of this nearly fatal accident, but that night when the Spirit arrived at the usual neighborhood gathering at our home, it asked the parents of the boy if they had gotten the mud out of the boy’s ears. Then it told them of his predicament in the cave and advised them to put a halter on him the next time so his companions could pull him out if he got stuck again.

When we fished in the river just below the cave, we often caught some very nice fish; other times the Spirit would not allow us any success at all, but kept the corks bobbing and had us constantly jerking the lines up when we did not have a bite, then laughing in great glee at the fun it was having.

On one of our fishing trips it told us that fishing was not a love-making affair, and not to get the notion that all you had to have was a hook and line to catch him. "Just the right bait is all that is needed."

"One Thanksgiving Day, Richard Williams, Joshua Gardner, Theny Thorn, Alex Gooch and I took the dogs out for a rabbit chase which we often enjoyed. Often at night we went fox hunting.

We were down in the flat bottom field east of the house when the dogs "jumped" a rabbit; the boys whooped at the dogs and the girls clapped their hands; the rabbit took a circular route, going to the top of the nearby hill, then to the bottom. It had repeated this four or five times, all of us cutting across, attempting to head it off before we began to think it queer that the rabbit did not take to the bushes, or some hole. This continued until the dogs’ tongues lolled out and we became very tired of the chase; then the rabbit scampered off out of sight, soon outdistancing the dogs, and was gone.

That night, the Spirit, as usual, joked with us, telling us among other things, "Josh sure can run like a dog. I almost had to dodge between his legs; that rabbit you were chasing was me. Ha, ha, ha."

Betsy told of a birthday party that she gave. She had invited a number of young people and all came. Of course the Spirit was there, and it took great interest in all their games and their refreshments.

When the dinner was placed on the table, the Spirit called out, "I have a surprise for you; come and see it."

Suddenly there was placed on the table by unseen hands a large basket of fruits—oranges, bananas, grapes and nuts. The Spirit called out, "Those came from the West Indies. I brought them myself."

We were all breathless with astonishment. It bade us eat and be merry, and said that it would have brought a few bottles of rare wine, but it did not think the preachers would like for us to drink it. It said that it had acted as though it was drunk a few times and blown whisky about just to see what folks would say when they smelled it. It also said that those who had the most to say against whisky liked best to drink it.

We all ate the fruit and nuts, though at first some of the young people hesitated, thinking perhaps there was a "trick of some kind to it."

"I shall never forget a horseback ride which Richard Williams, Rebecca Porter and I took one early summer day. We were all riding beautiful, spirited young horses; we rode to the bend of Red River, on the north side of the farm, where were magnificent poplar trees of great height, some six or eight feet in diameter.

In the river bend were the Indian mounds, where we often dug up relics, such as arrow heads, tomohawks, etc.

We were caught by a terrible storm after we arrived among these numerous trees; the wind bent the trees and carried away leaves; now and then limbs were blown off, some falling around us. Before we had left the house the Spirit told us not to go, that a storm was coming; however, it had a way of saying that when we were going off (just as our father did when he wanted us to stay home) and told us many things to scare us that were not true.

Just as the storm came up it called to us to cross the river as quickly as possible, or some of us would be killed. We were quite ready to take this advice and quickly started for the river, as the limbs and leaves were beginning to fall.

The horses decided they would go home, and not cross the river. We could do nothing with them; they reared and snorted; they ran sideways, threw up their heads and plunged, and were entirely unmanageable. We were badly frightened.

A voice called out, "You little fools, hold tight now, and say nothing to the horses."

Suddenly the horses quit rearing and went straight to the river crossing, getting us completely away from the storm, no doubt saving our lives, as afterwards we saw numbers of these immense trees had been blown up and had fallen in every direction along the path we were trying to follow.

Betsy heard a conversation between the Spirit and John Johnston, in which Mr. Johnston tried in every way to get the Spirit to tell what it was and where it came from.

It answered, "I am a Spirit from everywhere, Heaven, Hell, the earth; am in the air, in houses, any place at any time; have been created millions of years; that is all I will tell you, Mr. Johnston."

Mr. Johnston was at our home almost daily and tried in vain to get the Spirit to shake hands with him. It told him of many things of a neighborhood character; it also told him of his thoughts, and what his neighbors were thinking.

It is well remembered how highly the Spirit regarded John’s brother, Calvin; it went so far as to allow Calvin to hold its hand. Calvin said the hand felt "soft and velvety, like a woman’s hand." Betsy was present at this handshaking.

Betsy related the tragic scenes just preceding and at the time of her father’s death. Her statements were practically the same as John Jr.’s and Richard Williams’.

She did not know anything about its return visit after an absence of seven years, as she was not told of it until several years later.

In answer to the question, if she were present when the Spirit repeated the sermons of the two preachers, which were delivered some twelve miles apart, she said she was there and would never forget the sensation created by this performance. There were, besides the two preachers, a number of as good men present as ever lived. She knew the two preachers, Brothers Fort and Gunn, and had heard them preach often. She could not tell the difference between the Spirit’s delivery and theirs; the same voices and same admonitions to their congregations. The preachers did not have to admit their services had been reproduced; all present knew it.

The Spirit complimented them on their fine sermons and gave them a few of its own views on their texts. It then told those who were present not to forget that it was worth a great deal to the community to have the services of these two preachers, and that they had gone to a great deal of trouble doing many good things for them.

Betsy said she did not know of any one in Robertson County who had not heard of this marvelous performance of the Spirit, and no one who had ever seen or talked to any of those present ever doubted it.

The Spirit attended church regularly and could always tell what the preacher said; not always agreeing with them, but at all times crediting them with the good they had done.

Several times it told of Brothers going to sleep during services; afterwards every one was careful not to go to sleep in church.

There were people in the neighborhood who had not attended church any too regularly; it announced at one of the Wednesday evening meetings at her home that if these people were not at church the following Sunday night it would lead in a missionary meeting the following Wednesday night at their home, and continue with each of these backsliders until they all started going to church. Useless to say, those named occupied conspicuous seats at the next Sunday services and were quite regular in attendance from then on.

It was quite true that it kept all actions of the neighborhood well known, whether good or bad; if a man came home drunk, all the neighbors knew it; if he scolded his wife, or whipped the children, it was told; soon such things became unknown in the neighborhood.

"Of all of our friends, none were thought of more highly than Frank Miles. Brother John and he would have died for each other without hesitation.

The treatment the Spirit gave me was resented as much by Frank as by my brother John.

As was well known, Frank was the most powerful man any of us ever saw, and just as fearless as any living man. He was very tender-hearted, and one time he said to me, "Come, sit by me, little sister; I have come to give you a good rest; nothing will bother you while I am here."

This seemed to exasperate the Spirit. It screamed: "You go home; you can do no good here." It then gave my hair such a jerk that my combs fell on the floor, and pinched my cheeks until they were red, and ached.

Frank fairly shook the house, stamping on the floor, and dared it to assume any shape so that he could get hold of it. He went into such a rage that (the first time I ever heard him curse) he swore terribly; the scene was terrifying in the extreme, as the Spirit kept screaming at him to mind his own affairs; that it had slapped him over before and to be careful or it would knock his block off.

Frank apologized to me, patted my cheek and talked baby talk to me, telling the Spirit that it was the biggest coward ever, to visit this earth to torture a child, little more than a baby, and said, "Why not work on me, you fiend of Hell?"

Frank soon learned it was of no avail to offer to champion me in a fight; it only made matters worse, so he no longer offered to fight, but would look at me with the most sympathetic glances and say the nicest things to me, always telling me how much he thought I was bearing with the greatest courage any child in the world could.

Frank was always tender and good to me and to all the family. He was never forgotten by any of us, and as long as there are Bells in the world I hope they will never forget the man who I know meant what he said when he offered to fight a fiend of hell for the Bell family, even though he died on the spot.

Betsy said that she had always thought her mother was the best woman she ever knew, and always believed her father to be as good a man as ever lived. Never at any time had she seen any reason for the Spirit treating her father so cruelly. There was every reason for the good treatment of her mother, but why she herself had received the treatment given her, she was simply unable to understand.

Betsy said that from the time of the Spirit’s arrival until its departure it did not act in an offensive way toward her mother. She saw all the nice foods it brought her, and heard the solicitous questions asked by the Spirit when her mother was ill.

The Spirit never failed a single day to tell her mother what her relatives in North Carolina were doing and how they all were.

It gave "Luce," as it called her mother, a complete recital of all events transpiring in the neighborhood. No secrets could be kept from it, and all were immediately told to "Luce."

A couple in the neighborhood, after they had retired behind closed doors with no one on the place but themselves, ventured to confide their opinions of the Witch (?) and the Bell family. The next night, at the usual gathering, the Spirit gave their full conversation and advised the company not to talk too much; it would always be told and if they had any thoughts of "Luce" other than good ones, to get them out of their minds, for that also would be known and told.

Often it would tell people who came to our home of their thoughts, giving them a full expression of things they had thought, but never intended telling.

Its greatest delight was to completely bewilder men who came to our home thinking the Witch (?) stories were all a joke. I have seen big, strong men jump from their chairs and yell with pain, becoming so frightened that they had to be helped out of the house. It was not imagination on their part, as the blows could be heard and spots seen on their faces where they had been struck. I certainly had every reason to know it was no fancy. I had slaps, pinches and all kinds of punishment given me. Every time one of our visitors asked me to tell of these "tales," implying that what he had heard was a Witch (?) tale, he would receive this terrible punishment and was told that was the best way to tell it, so he would remember and not continue to think it was "just a Witch tale."

Betsy said no one who ever visited at her home had any doubts that the Spirit’s manifestations were beyond the power of any human to perform. She had seen many persons who came with an opinion already formed that it was all superstition and not much to it, but the more intelligent visitors quickly changed their opinions.

She said she remembered especially two gentlemen coming from Philadelphia who, upon their arrival, acted as though they expected to enter through a door as into a show and see the Witch (?). After spending a tiresome afternoon and evening, one of the men said to his companion, "We are a pair of fools to make a trip like this on what some other sucker has told us."

Without further introduction the Spirit appeared and in a very businesslike way began:

"What do you gentlemen wish to see or hear? It would be of no value to you for me to tell you what is going on in your homes at this instant. You would not believe that. Suppose I tell you, as I have to some other ‘suckers’ about your past. Do not look so frightened; neither of you have been to jail. You two were at a big eastern school where your professor of philosophy was inclined to believe in a Spirit and certain mental states of human beings, which put his classes to deep thinking. Now, that is why you are here. Professor (naming the professor) was far ahead of the ‘sucker’ list."

The two gentlemen became excited at this and began asking such questions of a scientific nature as their excited condition would permit. They said the professor was just as the Spirit stated, and his name and the school were given correctly.

The Spirit said the professor had died about three years before, or most likely he would be here too. These gentlemen assented to all this. The Spirit gave them a very accurate history of their lives, told them exactly where they lived and, as it usually did with visitors from a long distance, told them how their home folks were and what they were doing. When these gentlemen left they were as firmly convinced as they could be of anything that a Spirit was at our home.

Betsy modestly confessed that she never had any idea what the being was; it completely overshot her. She could think of it only as a supernatural being which at times was almost unbearable in its treatment of her, but very good to her after her father’s death. At that time she was treated with great tenderness which led her to believe she would no longer suffer from its terrible punishment. Every day during these few weeks of respite, it would advise her mother to watch after Betsy and try to make her happy, and would ask if it could not bring her some rare delicacy for her to eat, which it did many times.

It told Betsy about girls of other countries, of the kind of lives they lived; gave her descriptions of how people were living in the best social surroundings in America; and of some of the famous entertainments given both in Europe and America. It told of parades, of their bands, and described their caparisoned horses. Afterwards she saw the papers giving the descriptions and knew the Spirit was correct. The only difference was, it went further into such descriptions, giving a personal history of some of the participants, not given in newspapers. These personal descriptions were not always as complimentary as one would like.

Betsy had undergone such treatment that after her father’s death she became more apprehensive than ever, fearing that the Spirit would make her destruction the object of its actions. The Spirit was very considerate for some time after her father’s death, even seeming to sympathize with the family, especially with Betsy. This changed attitude was so encouraging that Betsy

again became her natural, cheerful, sweet self. All her friends and the family were thankful for her return to that joyous manner that gave every one a cheerful feeling with whom she came in contact.

She and Joshua Gardner had become more devoted than ever, and were almost at the point of supreme happiness; yet Betsy had remembrances which did not make her feel perfectly safe. Joshua was the same devoted lover, importuning Betsy to marry him now. One day while he and Betsy were discussing their marriage, the Spirit, in that same unearthly voice, pleaded, "Betsy, do not marry Joshua Gardner."

Thus began the same torment as before; the effect, after the respite and hope of never seeing or hearing the Spirit again, was most appalling and heart-rending.

One can think of the feelings of this young-couple who deserved the best things of life, and whose romance was blighted by a fiend unknown, only as tormented by the visitations of some demon Spirit wandering on the earth to try and torment the souls of God’s own people. The Almighty must have allowed its manifestations only as a proof of his own power, which power alone must have returned the Spirit to wherever it belonged; where, we do not know.

Betsy determined that she must not marry Joshua; that to do so would cause them both anguish, even the thoughts of which were unbearable. She felt the responsibility, therefore did what must have been the wise thing. She asked Joshua to release her from her promise to marry him, which he did with a feeling of the same great disappointment that she felt.

Betsy was the same loyal daughter, and continued to make the home life as cheerful as possible under the great trials to which she had been subjected.

The Spirit was very joyful over the determination of Betsy to give up Joshua; as to why it should have been so interested, no one has ever known.

Joshua and Betsy never saw each other again. He went to West Tennessee shortly afterwards and settled there for life, living to an honorable old age.

Betsy said many women had told her that had they been in her place, they would have married Joshua. They would not have allowed the Spirit to spoil their lives. Her opinion was, not having ever heard of any one in such a position, such opinions were not very positive. She felt that she would be doing Joshua an injustice; and, as time proved, she married a man of wonderful character and had not at any time had cause to regret her decision. She knew had she married Joshua that they would have lived in dread, even if the Spirit had not actually punished them, which she and Joshua both believed it would have done.

Quite awhile after Joshua left, Richard Powell began a serious courtship with Betsy. Richard had been in the Legislature, and had acquired a popularity unexcelled in Robertson County. He was the same handsome and distinguished looking gentleman, but had now acquired a finish and polish rarely seen, and his reputation was perfect.

Betsy yielded to his love-making and they were married. He was many years Betsy’s senior, but this fact proved to be a real guarantee of the wife’s happiness; the husband taking all the ills of life to himself and not allowing her to assume responsibilities which might become burdensome.

Their married life was a happy one. In her old age she delighted telling the happy incidents of her comparatively short married life. Richard died about seventeen years after their marriage.

Sometime after his death she went to Panola County, Mississippi, to live with a daughter who had married Zadok Bell, of that county. She lived to an old age, dying in 1890.

She was then a woman of good memory, and while entirely silent to strangers on the subject of the Spirit, she corroborated what is written in this book (except the recollections of John Jr. which had never been told her), answering such questions as were asked, with no tendency to exaggerate the Spirit’s powers, nor attempt to say what it was.

She has highly respected descendants in Mississippi and Tennessee, who should feel a pride in their descent from Elizabeth and Richard Powell.

It would be difficult to find a history of any woman who had such thrilling and cruel experiences, yet was brave enough afterwards to live the happiest part of her life in the same county where it all occurred, never faltering, always disregarding the foolish gossip that at times attempted to connect her with the actions of the Spirit.

She was always ready to render any assistance to those attempting to solve the mystery. She at no time failed to show her great appreciation of her friends’ sympathy, and these same friends recognized her worth and goodness, never at any time failing her.

CHAPTER VI.

RECOLLECTIONS OF RICHARD WILLIAMS

BELL.

After settling on Red River in Robertson County, Tennessee, my father prospered beyond his expectations. He was a good manager and hard worker himself, making a regular hand on the farm. He indulged no idleness around him and brought up his children to work, endeavoring to make their employment pleasurable. Mother was equally frugal and careful in her domestic affairs, and was greatly devoted to the proper moral training of her children, keeping a restless watch over every one, making sacrifices for their pleasure and well being, and both were steadfast in their religious faith, being members of the Baptist Church, and set Christian examples before their children. Father was always forehanded, paid as he went, was never in his life served with a warrant or any legal process, and never had occasion to fear the sheriff or any officer of the law, and was equally faithful in bearing his share of whatever burden was necessary to advance morality and good society. In the meanwhile he gave all of his children the best education the schools of the country could afford, Zadok being educated for a lawyer, while the other boys chose to follow agriculture. Jesse and Esther had both married, settled, and everything seemed to be going smoothly when our trouble commenced.

I was a boy when the incidents which I am about to record, known as the Bell Witch, took place. In fact, strange appearances and uncommon sounds had been seen and heard by different members of the family at times, some year or two before I knew anything about it, because they indicated nothing of a serious character, gave no one any concern, and would have passed unnoticed but for after developments. Even the knocking on the door, and the outer walls of the house, had been going on for some time before I knew of it, generally being asleep, and father believing that it was some mischievous person trying to frighten the family, never discussed the matter in the presence of the younger children, hoping to catch the prankster.

Then, after the demonstrations became known to all of us, father enjoined secrecy upon every member of the family, and it was kept a profound secret until it became intolerable.

Therefore, no notes were made of these demonstrations, or the exact dates. The importance of a diary at that time did not occur to any one, for we were all subjected to the most intense and painful excitement from day to day, and week to week, to the end, not knowing from whence came the disturber, the object of the visitation, what would follow next, how long it would continue, nor the probable result. Therefore, I write from memory such things as came under my observation, impressing my mind, and incidents known by other members of the family and near neighbors, to have taken place, and are absolutely true. However, I do not pretend to record the half that did take place, for that would be impossible without daily notes, but will note a sufficient number of incidents to give the reader a general idea of the phenomena and the afflictions endured by our family.

As before stated, the knocking at the door and scratching noise on the outer wall, which continued so long never disturbed me, nor was I frightened until the demonstrations within became unendurable. This, I think, was in May, 1818. Father and mother occupied a room on the first floor; Elizabeth had the room above, and the boys occupied another room on the second floor; John and Drewry had a bed together, and Joel and myself slept in another bed. As I remember, it was on a Sunday night, just after the family had retired, a noise commenced in our room like a rat gnawing vigorously on the bedpost. John and Drewry got up to kill the rat, but the moment they were out of bed the noise ceased. They examined the bedstead, but discovered no marks made by a rat. So soon as they returned to bed, the noise commenced again, and thus it continued until a late hour, or some time after midnight, and we were all up a half dozen times or more searching the room all over, every nook and corner, for the rat, turning over everything, and could find nothing, not even a crevice by which a rat could enter.

This kind of noise continued from night to night, and week after week, and all of our investigations were in vain; the room was overhauled several times, everything moved and carefully examined, with the same result. Finally, when we would search for the rat in our room, the same noise would appear in sister Elizabeth’s chamber, disturbing her, and arousing all the family.

And so it continued, going from room to room, stopping when we were all up, and commencing again so soon as we returned to bed, and was so exceedingly annoying that no one could sleep. The noise was, after a while, accompanied by a scratching sound, like a dog clawing on the floor, and increased in force until it became evidently too strong for a rat. Then every room in the house was torn up, the furniture, beds and clothing carefully examined, and still nothing irregular could be found, nor was there a hole or crevice by which a rat could enter, and nothing was accomplished beyond the increase of our confusion and evil forebodings. The demonstrations continued to increase, and finally the bed coverings commenced slipping off at the foot of the beds, as if gradually drawn by some one, and occasionally a noise like the smacking of lips, then a gulping sound, like some one choking or strangling, while the vicious gnawing at the bedpost continued, and there was no such thing as sleep to be thought of until the noise ceased, which was generally between one and three o’clock in the morning. Some new performance was added nearly every night, and it troubled Elizabeth more than any one else. Occasionally, the sound was like heavy stones falling on the floor, then like trace chains dragging, and chairs falling over.

I call to mind my first lively experience, something a boy is not likely ever to forget. We had become somewhat used to the mysterious noise, and tried to dismiss it from mind, taking every opportunity for a nap. The family had all retired early, and I had just fallen into a sweet doze when I felt my hair beginning to twist, and then sudden jerk, which raised me. It felt like the top of my head had been taken off. Immediately Joel yelled out in great fright, and next Elizabeth was screaming in her room, and ever after that something was continually pulling at her hair after she had retired to bed. This transaction frightened us so badly that father and mother remained up nearly all night. After this, the main feature in the phenomena was that of pulling the cover off the beds as fast as we could replace it; also continuing other demonstrations.

Failing in all efforts to discover the source of the annoyance, and becoming convinced that it was something out of the natural course of events, continually on the increase in force, father finally determined to solicit the cooperation of Mr. James Johnston, who was his nearest neighbor and most intimate friend, in trying to detect the mystery, which had been kept a secret within the family up to this time. So Mr. Johnston and wife, at father’s request, came over to spend a night in the investigation. At the usual hour for retiring, Mr. Johnston, who was a very devout Christian, led in family worship, as was his custom, reading a chapter in the Bible, singing and praying. He prayed fervently, and very earnestly, for our deliverance from the frightful disturbance, and that its origin, cause and purpose might be revealed. Soon after we had all retired, the disturbance commenced as usual; gnawing, scratching, knocking on the wall, overturning chairs, pulling the cover off of beds, etc., every act being exhibited as if on purpose to show Mr. Johnston what could be done, appearing in his room, as in other rooms, and so soon as a light would appear, the noise would cease and the trouble begin in another room. Mr. Johnston listened attentively to all the sounds and capers, and that which appeared like some one sucking air through the teeth, and smacking of lips, indicated to him that some intelligent agency gave force to the movements, and he determined to try speaking to it, which he did, inquiring: "In the name of the Lord, what or who are you? What do you want, and why are you here?" This appeared to silence the noise for considerable time, but it finally commenced again with increased vigor, pulling the covers from the beds in spite of all resistance, repeating other demonstrations, going from one room to another, becoming fearful. The persecutions of Elizabeth were increased to the extent that excited serious apprehensions. Her cheeks were frequently crimsoned as by a hard blow from an open hand, and her hair pulled until she would scream with pain. Mr. Johnston said the phenomena was beyond his comprehension; it was evidently preternatural or supernatural, of an intelligent character. He arrived at this conclusion from the fact that it ceased action when spoken to, and certainly understood language. He advised father to invite other friends into the investigation, and try all means for detecting the mystery, to which he consented, and from this time it became public.

All of our neighbors were invited and committees formed, experiments tried, and a close watch kept, in and out, every night, but all of their wits were stifled, the demonstrations all the while increasing in force, and sister was so severely punished that father and mother became alarmed for her safety when alone, and the neighboring girls came almost every night to keep her company. Especially were Thenny Thorn and Rebecca Porter very courageous and kind to her in this trying ordeal. It was suggested that sister should spend the nights with some one of the neighbors to get rid of the trouble, and all were very kind to invite her. In fact, our neighbors were all touched with generous sympathy, and were unremitting in their efforts to alleviate our distress, for it had become a calamity, and they came every night to sit and watch with us. The suggestion of sending Elizabeth from home was acted upon. She went to different places, James Johnston’s, John Johnston’s, Jesse Bell’s and Bennett Porter’s, but it made no difference, the trouble following her wherever she went with the same severity, disturbing the family where she went as it did at home, nor were we in any way relieved. This gave rise to a suspicion in the minds of some persons that the mystery was some device or stratagem originated by sister, from the fact that it appeared wherever she went, and this clue was followed to a logical demonstration of the mistake, satisfying all who entered into the investigation.

After Mr. James Johnston expressed his opinion that there was an intelligent cause behind the manifestations, other persons commenced speaking to the Witch, as it was then called, importuning it to talk and tell what it wanted. When spoken to, it was observed that the noise would cease for a time, and then appear still more demonstrative. This conduct went to confirm Mr. Johnson’s opinion, and investigators persisted with interrogations. By this time the mystery had gained wide notoriety, and people came from every direction, the house being crowded every night with visitors, who came to witness the demonstrations, and neighbors persevered in their efforts to induce the Witch to talk, calling on it to rap on the wall, smack its mouth, etc., and in this way the phenomenon was gradually developed, proving to be an intelligent character. When asked a question in a way that it could be answered by numbers, for instance, "how many persons present, how many horses in the barn, or how many miles to a certain place?" the answers would come in raps, like a man knocking on the wall, the bureau, or the bed post with his fist, or by so many scratches on the wall, like the noise of a nail or claws, and the answers were invariably correct. During the time it was not uncommon to see lights like a candle or lamp flitting across the yard and through the field, and frequently when father, the boys and hands were coming in late from work, chunks of wood and stones would fall along the way as if tossed by some one, but we could never discover from whence, or what direction they came.

In addition to the demonstrations already described, it took to slapping people on the face, especially those who resisted the action of pulling the cover from the bed, and those who came as detectives to expose the trick. The blows were heard distinctly, like the open palm of a heavy hand, while the sting was keenly felt, and it did not neglect to pull my hair and make Joel squall as often.

The phenomena continued to develop force, and visitors persisted in urging the Witch to talk, and tell what was wanted, and finally it commenced whistling when spoken to, in a low broken sound, as if trying to speak in a whistling voice, and in this way it progressed, developing until the whistling sound was changed to a weak, faltering whisper, uttering indistinct words. The voice, however, gradually gained strength in articulating, and soon the utterances became distinct in a low whisper, so as to be understood in the absence of any other noises. I do not remember the first intelligent utterance, which, however, was of no significance, but the voice soon developed sufficient strength to be distinctly heard by every one in the room. This new development added to the sensation already created. The news spread, and people came in larger numbers, and the great anxiety concerning the mystery prompted many questions in the effort to induce the Witch to disclose its own identity and purpose. Finally, in answer to the question, "Who are you and what do you want?" the reply came, "I am a Spirit; I was once very happy, but have been disturbed." This was uttered in a very feeble voice, but sufficiently distinct to be understood by all present, and this was all the information that could be elicited for the time.

The next utterance of any note that I remember occurred on a Sunday night, when the voice appeared stronger, and the Witch talking more freely, in fact, speaking voluntarily, and appeared to be exercised over a matter that was being discussed by the family. Brother John Bell had for some time contemplated a trip to North Carolina to look after father’s share of an estate that was being wound up, and was to start next morning (Monday) on horseback, and this was the matter that interested the family and was being discussed, the long, tiresome journey, his probable long absence, the situation of affairs, concerning which father was giving him instructions. Several neighbors were present, taking an interest, volunteering some good-natured advice to John, when the Witch put in, remonstrating against the trip, dissuading John from going, predicting bad luck, telling him that he would have a hard trip for nothing, that the estate had not been wound up, and could not be for some time, and he would get no money, but return empty-handed. As a further argument to dissuade John the Witch told him that an elegant young lady from Virginia was then on her way to visit friends in Robertson county, who would please him, and he could win her if he would stay; that she was wealthy, possessing forty negroes and considerable money. John laughed at the revelation as supremely ridiculous, and left on the following morning, as contemplated, and was absent six months or more, returning empty-handed, as predicted. Very soon after his departure the young lady in question arrived, and left before his return, and John never met her.

The Witch continued to develop the power of articulation, talking freely, and those who engaged in conversation with the invisible persevered in plying questions to draw out an explanation of the mystery, and again the question was pressed, inquiring, "Who are you and what do you want?" and the Witch replied, stating the second time, "I am a Spirit who was once very happy, but have been disturbed and made unhappy." Then followed the question, "How were you disturbed, and what makes you unhappy?" The reply to this question was, "I am the Spirit of a person who was buried in the woods near by, and the grave has been disturbed, my bones disinterred and scattered, and one of my teeth was lost under this house, and I am here looking for that tooth."

This statement revived the memory of a circumstance which occurred some three or four years previously, and had been entirely forgotten. The farm hands, when engaged in clearing a plot of land, discovered a small mound of graves, which father supposed to be an Indian burying ground, and worked around it without obliterating the marks. Several days later Corban Hall, a young man of the neighborhood, came to our place and was told by Drew the circumstance of finding the Indian graves. Hall thought probably the graves contained some relics which Indians commonly buried with their dead, and proposed to open one and see, to which Drew agreed, and they proceeded to disinter the bones. Finding nothing else, Hall brought the jawbone to the house, and while sitting in the passage he threw it against the opposite wall, and the jarring knocked out a loose tooth, which dropped through a crack in the floor. Father passed through the hall in the meantime and reprimanded the boys severely for their action, and made one of the negro men take the jawbone back, replacing all the disinterred bones and filling the grave. This was evidently the circumstance referred to by the "Spirit," so long forgotten, and to be reminded of the fact so mysteriously was very perplexing, and troubled father no little. He examined the floor just where the bone dropped when it struck the wall, as the boys had left it, and there was the crack referred to, and he was pestered, and decided to take up a portion of the floor and see if the tooth could be found. The dirt underneath was raked up, sifted and thoroughly examined, but the tooth was not found. The Witch then laughed at father, declaring that it was all a joke to fool "Old Jack."

The excitement in the country increased as the phenomena developed, the fame of the Witch had become widely spread, and people came from all quarters to hear the strange and unaccountable voice. Some were detectives, confident of exposing the mystery. Various opinions were formed and expressed; some credited its own story, and believed it an Indian spirit; some thought it was an evil spirit, others declared it was witchcraft, and a few unkindly charged that it was magic art and trickery gotten up by the Bell family to draw crowds and make money. These same people had stayed as long as they wished, enjoyed father’s hospitality, and paid not one cent for it, nor did it ever cost any one a half shilling. The house was open to every one that came; father and mother gave them the best they had, their horses were fed, and no one allowed to go away hungry; many offered pay and urged father to receive it, insisting that he could not keep up entertaining so many without pay, but he persistently declined remuneration, and not one of the family ever received a cent for entertaining.

Father regarded the phenomena as an affliction, a calamity, and such accusations were very galling, but were endured. Inquisitive people continued to exercise all of their wits plying the Witch with questions concerning its personality or character, but elicited no further information until the question was put by James Gunn, then came the reply, "I am the spirit of an early immigrant, who brought a large sum of money and buried my treasure for safe keeping until needed. In the meantime I died without divulging the secret, and I have returned in the spirit for the purpose of making known the hiding place, and I want Betsy Bell to have the money." The Spirit was then urged to tell where the money was concealed. This was refused and the secret withheld until certain pledges were made that the conditions would be complied with. The conditions were that Drew Bell and Bennett Porter would agree to exhume the money and give every dollar to Betsy, and that "Old Sugar Mouth" (Mr. James Johnston) would go with them and see that the injunction was fairly discharged, and that he should count the money and take charge of it for Betsy. The story was questioned and laughed at, and then discussed. The Witch had made some remarkable revelations, and it was thought there might be something to it, and the proposition was acceded to. Drew and Bennett agreed to do the work, and Mr. Johnston consented to become the guardian and see that the right thing was done. The Spirit then went on to state that the money was under a large flat rock at the mouth of the spring on the southwest corner of the farm, on Red River, describing the surroundings so minutely that there could be no mistake.

Every one was acquainted with the spring, having frequented the place, but no one could have described it so minutely, and this all tended to strength faith in the revelation. The Spirit insisted that the committee selected should start very early the next morning at the dawn of day, lest the secret should get out and some fiend should beat them to the place and get the money. This was also agreed to, and by the break of day next morning all hands met and proceeded to the spring. They found everything as described, the huge stone intact, and were sure they were on time. They observed that it was an excellent place for hiding money, where no human being would ever dream of looking for a treasure, or care to move the great stone for any purpose, and yet susceptible of such a minute description that no one could be mistaken in the revelation. They carried along an axe and mattock, and were pretty soon at work, devising ways and means for moving the big rock, which was so firmly imbedded in the ground. It was no light job, but they cut poles, made levers and fixed prizes, after first removing much dirt from around the stone, so as to get under it. Then Drew and Porter prized and tugged, Mr. Johnston occasionally lending a helping hand, and after half a day’s very hard work the stone was raised and moved from its bedding, but no money appeared. Then followed a consultation and discussion of the situation. They reasoned that the glittering treasure was possibly sunk in the earth, and the stone imbedded over it to elude suspicion, and they decided to dig for it, and went to work in earnest, Porter digging and Drew scratching the loosened dirt out with his hands, and so on they progressed until they had opened a hole about six feet square and nearly as many feet deep, and still no money was found. Exhausted and very hungry, they gave up the job, returning to the house late in the afternoon much disgusted and chagrined. That night the "Spirit" appeared in great glee, laughing and tantalizing the men for being so easily duped, and describing everything that occurred at the spring in a most ludicrous way, telling how they tugged at the big stone, and repeating what was said by every one. Bennett Porter staved the mattock in up to the eye, every pop, and oh, how it made him sweat! It told how "Old Sugar Mouth" looked on prayerfully, encouraging the boys. The dirt taken out was mixed with small stones, gravel, sand, etc., leaves and sticks, all of which indicated that the earth had been removed and put back. Drew, the Witch said, could handle a sight of dirt, his hands were made for that purpose, and were better than a shovel; no gold could slip through his fingers.

The Witch’s description of the affair kept the house in an uproar of laughter, and it was repeated with equal zest to all newcomers for a month.

There were but very few churches in the country at this period of the century, nevertheless ours was a very religious community. Most of those coming from the older States brought their religion with them, and inculcated the principle in their families. The influence of Rev. James and Thomas Gunn, Rev. Sugg Fort, Mr. James Johnston, and other good men, swayed mightily. Every man erected an altar in his own home, and it was common for neighbors to meet during the week at one or another’s house for prayer and exhortation and Bible study. In the absence of the preachers, Mr. James Johnston was the principal leader in these exercises, and the meetings were held aIternately at his house and father’s, and occasionally at one or the other of the Gunns. There was no spirit of denominational jealousy existing, and all Christians mingled in these meetings like brethren of the same faith. The Witch, as it accumulated force, dissembled this spirit, giving wonderful exhibitions of a thorough knowledge of the Bible and Christian faith. The voice was not confined to darkness, as were the physical demonstrations. The talking was heard in lighted rooms, as in the dark, and finally in the day at any hour. The first exhibition of a religious nature was the assimilation of Mr. James Johnston’s character and worship, repeating the song and prayer, uttering precisely the same petition made by the old gentleman the night he and his wife came for the purpose of investigation, and the impersonation of Mr. Johnston was so perfect that it appeared like himself present. It was not uncommon after this for the Witch to introduce worship by lining a hymn, as was the custom, singing it through and then repeat Mr. Johnston’s prayer, or the petitions of some one of the ministers. It could sing any song in the hymn books of that time, and quote any passage of Scripture in the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. The propensity for religious discussions was strongly manifested, and in quoting Scripture the text was invariably correctly cited, and if any one misquoted a verse they would be promptly corrected. It could quote Scripture as fast as it could talk, one text after another, citing the book, chapter and number of the verse. It was common test to open the Bible at any chapter, and call on the Spirit to repeat a certain verse, and this was done accurately, as fast as the leaves were turned from one chapter of the book to another. It delighted in taking issue on religious subjects, with those well versed in Scripture, and was sure to get the best of the argument, being always quick with a passage to sustain its point. This manifest knowledg