Our Family Trouble

The Story of the Bell Witch as Detailed by Richard Williams Bell

This chapter, prepared from the diary of Richard Williams Bell, is the longest in the "Red Book" - about 90 pages.  For the purposes of this web site, breaking up the chapter into six, individually accessible parts is considered advisable.

Part One:

    Introduction

    The Witch Commenced Whispering

    A Disturbed Spirit

Part Two:

    The Seer's Prophecy

    A Spirit Hunting a Lost Tooth

    Priest Craft and Spiritual Knowledge

Part Three:

    The Afflictions of Betsy and Father

    The Witch Named Kate

    The Witch Family -- Blackdog, Mathematics, Cypocryphy and Jerusalem

    The Witch and the Negroes

Part Four:

    The Mysterious Hand Shaking

    He Stole His Wife

    Detective Williams

    Kate Gets in Bed with William Porter

    One School Day Experience

    Joel Severely Whipped

    Chasing the Shakers

Part Five:

    Mother Bell's Illness -- The Witch Sings Sweet Songs and Brings Her Hazelnuts and Grapes

    Mrs. Martha Bell's Stockings

    Dr. Mize, the Wizard

    The Doubles or Apparitions

Part Six:

    The Poisonous Vial -- Last Illness and Death of John Bell, Sr.

    Kate's Departure and Return After Seven Years