1820, Adams, Tennessee

Future President Andrew Jackson was on his way to visit a local family when word spread that the Bell family was being tormented by disembodied voices, mysterious physical attacks, and gnawing of teeth on their beds. So severe was the torment that Betsy Bell delayed her wedding to Josh Gardner indefinitely.

Intrigued by the strange happenings, and with a keen interest in spirits, Jackson decided to help. He even brought along a supposed witch hunter who boasted about his plan to kill this Bell Witch. Yet, on the way to the house, their carriage suddenly halted. The horses strained, but the carriage simply wouldn’t budge. Jackson asked the witch hunter if someone might have overheard his boasts. Then a voice whispered, “I’ll see you tonight,” and just like that, the wagon was released.

Upon arriving, Jackson met Betsy and her father, John Bell, whose behavior was oddly unsettling. His face twitched frequently and he struggled to swallow. That night, Jackson confronted the witch, demanding that she allow Betsy to marry Josh. But the witch refused, clearly enjoying the torment of both Betsy and her father. The witch hunter then threatened her with a silver bullet, warning that it would stop any beastly servant of Satan.

“Go right ahead,” she taunted.

“I cannot shoot what I cannot see. Show yourself.” He demanded.

She taunted him once more. “I'm right here in the corner. Fire away.”

He pulled the trigger—but the gun locked up. She replied with glee, “I'm going to scratch your eyes out,” sending the witch hunter fleeing in terror.

Jackson wanted to stay, but his party did not. Soon enough, Betsy and Josh broke off their engagement due to the relentless torment. Later that December, as Betsy’s brother searched for medicine for their father, the witch’s voice slithered into their ears, “It’s useless to try and relieve old Jack. I’ve got him this time. He will never get up from that bed again.”

Today, the Bell family home no longer exists, though John Bell’s grave does. Near by, a cave is believed to be haunted by the same spirit.

The legend of the Bell Witch has grown over the years into a local phenomenon that has inspired multiple movies and books. Even Andrew Jackson once said he would have rather faced the entire British Army than spend another night with the Bell Witch. This enduring tale continues to captivate our imaginations and remind us of the mysterious forces that may linger in the shadows of history.

‍