John Bell (farmer)
John Bell Sr | |
|---|---|
A woodcut illustration from "The Authenticated History of the Bell Witch" (1894) by M.V. Ingram, depicting the death of Bell | |
| Born | 1750 |
| Died | (aged 70) |
| Resting place | Old Bell Cemetery, aka John Bell Cemetery Adams, Tennessee |
| Other names | Jack Bell |
| Occupation | Farmer |
| Spouse |
Lucy Williams Bell (m. 1782) |
| Children | 9, including Richard |
John Bell Sr (1750 – December 19, 1820) was an American farmer whose death was attributed to supernatural causes. He is a central figure in the Bell Witch ghost story of southern American folklore. In 1817, Bell contracted a mysterious affliction that worsened over the next three years, ultimately leading to his death. According to the story, the Bell Witch took pleasure in tormenting him during his affliction, finally poisoning him one December morning as he lay unconscious after suffering a number of violent seizures.