Over the years, the legend of the Bell Witch has inspired countless movies. The Blair Witch Project and An American Haunting are just two of many. The story is widely known but there’s one fact that most people are completely unaware of – the Bell Witch has connections to Mississippi.
The story of Betsy Bell, her father John, and the Bell Witch is one of the "most documented hauntings in American history." (It’s also one of the most terrifying!)
According to legend, it all began in 1817 when the Bell family was visited by an evil entity, which became known as the Bell Witch.
The witch focused its malevolent energy on Betsy and John, tormenting them for years to come. Over time, she revealed that she was opposed to Betsy’s engagement. The Bell Witch also made something else very clear – a strong desire to end John’s life.
In 1820, John passed away. Shortly after, Betsy called off her engagement and the Bell Witch seemed to leave the family alone…but not completely.
Many believe Betsy was cursed - a notion that seems to be confirmed by a life full of grief and tragedy. In addition losing four children at young ages, her husband became invalid after suffering a stroke.
Following her husband’s death in 1848, Betsy Bell moved from Tennessee to Yalobusha County, Mississippi.
In 1888, she passed away and was buried in the remotely-located Long Branch Cemetery near Water Valley, where she remains to this day. However, the story of the Bell Witch doesn’t end with Betsy.
John T. Bell, the grandson of John Bell, and his family were allegedly tormented by the Bell Witch in Panola and Yalobusha Counties.
According to legend, John T. Bell’s daughter, Mary, fell in love with an overseer named Gerald.
Completely against the love affair, John T. Bell killed Gerald. Not long after, Mary became extremely ill and constantly spoke of Gerald, before falling into a state of unconsciousness. Several days later, she awoke, proclaimed she was going to be with Gerald, and died.
On the way to Mary’s funeral at Long Creek Ceremony in Panola County, a large dark bird flew circles around the carriage carrying the casket. As the story goes, the bird stayed until last piece of dirt was put on the casket.
But that's not all. According to local lore, there have been a lot of strange happenings in Panola and Yalobusha Counties over the years. The occurrences include blood coming out of faucets, strange lights in woods at night, and people hearing their names called when in the woods.
Watch the video below to learn more about the legend of the Bell Witch.
This isn’t the only witch associated with Mississippi. Read about another here.
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