The Bell Witch: The People Behind the Haunting: Reference Page

Ingram’s book preserves the detailed haunting narrative discussed in this episode. It was published decades after the alleged events and contains racist language, stereotypes, and prejudiced descriptions. We examine those biases alongside the story.

• Ingram, Martin Van Buren. An Authenticated History of the Famous Bell Witch. 1894. Main source for the family narrative, Dean and Kate’s experiences, Ibby’s recollections, and descriptions of Kate Batts and Richard Powell. Read the book.

  
  

• Turner, William T. “Bell Witch.” Tennessee Encyclopedia, Tennessee Historical Society. Read the entry.

  
  

• Tennessee State Museum. “Tennessee Legends: The Bell Witch.” Historical overview of the legend and its principal figures. Read the article.

  
  

• Gordon, Skyler. “‘Year of the Witch’: 1937 and the Return of the Bell Witch.” Tennessee Historical Society, 2017. Newspaper coverage, predicted returns, and descendants’ objections. The original family letter discussed in this article was not obtained for this episode. Read the article.

  
  

• Nickell, Joe. “The ‘Bell Witch’ Poltergeist.” Skeptical Inquirer, 2014. A skeptical examination of the narrative and its sources. Read the article.

  
  

• Van West, Carroll. “Port Royal State Historic Area.” Tennessee Encyclopedia. Background on the nearby settlement, church, and river commerce. Read the entry.

  
  

• Tennessee State Parks. “Port Royal State Historic Park Announces 2013 History Lecture Series.” May 9, 2013. Regional trading and Red River navigation context. Read the announcement.

  
  

• National Archives. “Sealing the Sacred Bonds of Holy Matrimony.” Prologue, Spring 2005. Historical context on enslaved marriages and family separation. Read the article.

  
  

• DeFiore, Jane Crumpler. “Medicine.” Tennessee Encyclopedia. Background on medical care and practices in Tennessee. Read the entry.

  
  

• National Park Service. “Wounded Soldiers Contend with Crude Treatments.” Medical and disease context from the War of 1812 era, rather than evidence of a specific outbreak at the Bell farm. Read the article.

  
  

• Austin Peay State University. “Bell Witch Explained? Austin Peay Chemistry Professor Explores the Science in the Tale.” October 29, 2021. Meagan Mann’s exploration of a possible chemical explanation; not a confirmed diagnosis or forensic finding. Read the article.

  
  

Videos consulted

• PBS Monstrum. “America’s Most Infamous Haunting Is Terrifying.” Hosted by Dr. Emily Zarka. Watch the video.

  
  

• Tennessee State Museum. “The Bell Witch of Adams, Tennessee.” Watch the video.

  
  

• Tennessee Life. “Tennessee Life–801–The Bell Witch.” PBS/etpbs, November 16, 2021. Watch the episode.