Summer 2023 Update

Greetings, Friends and Enemies!

It’s been a while, hasn’t it?

Time has really flown by. It seems only last week–and not early 2020–that I posted my last general update, which was about moving forward on several new and exciting paths of opportunity. Lots of pavement has rushed under my wheels since then. Rather than do a play-by-play from the last three years, let’s get right to the point–the present and future.

Events and Stuff

A few events are on the radar for 2023, so far, and I am open to more if you will have your local library, bookstore, paranormal convention, etc. shoot me a comment to get things started. That’s all it takes. Oh, and speaking of events and lectures, I’m going to give some insight into my lecture process for those who have been curious.

How I do Lectures

Some have asked whether all lectures are the same. No, at least not my lectures. I would rather speak from the heart than memorize and recite a script; I feel the message is more personal, and cuts much deeper, when speaking from the heart. Now, on to the delivery aspect.

If a lecture is about a large, complex topic, such as the “Bell Witch,” the “Sultana Haunting,” or about locations such as Waverly Hills, Sloss Furnaces, the St. Augustine Lighthouse, etc., I have lots of stored information to draw from, but only a short timeframe in which to present it. I can’t cover every nitty-gritty detail in a 1- or 2-hour lecture (unless it’s the legend of the White Screamer). So, what’s my approach?

I simply look at the audience, make a couple introductory statements, and let the story “tell itself.” The audience’s reactions and vibe are what guides the story in telling itself. You’ll never hear the same lecture from me twice; each one is unique.

Rant: Para events, investigations, inclusion, politics, etc., etc.

While the lecture/signing events are finally shaping up for this year, I am rather very disappointed by the lack of paranormal investigation locations, events, and opportunities these days. Finding a location used to be easy, as was finding teams who would bring me in as a special guest investigator, team lead, or guide for one of their events. I never had to “find” them; they found me.

The lack of locations to investigate and a shortage of events, as well as ageism, non-inclusion, and politics (three items that always come into play when a location IS found), has become a much bigger problem in the paranormal community nowadays than it was a few years ago. Not just here in the South, but everywhere; and not just with me, but lots of people. That is not who we are as a [paranormal] community; we are better than that.

Is Paranormal Radio Dead?

It also seems that the popularity of paranormal radio has been on the decline. By “paranormal radio,” I mean radio or podcast productions that feature only paranormal content. Some of the longer-term shows are still kicking and doing quite well, but paranormal programming in general is fading. As a gauge, I was receiving 3-5 interview requests per month up until a couple years ago, yet I have had only 3 interviews in the last year.

I’ve asked people what is contributing to the apparent decline in paranormal radio programming, and the most frequent was that “Most paranormal shows are the same, with nothing unique to offer.” While there might be a kernel of truth to that, I don’t fully agree. There were plenty paranormal radio shows with unique content and hosts with unique personalities. I think the biggest reason for the decline is that some creators have simply moved on to more friendly, less dramatic, and more profitable topics of interest.

And speaking of paranormal radio, I do have an interview coming up on August 8th @ 7PM Central, at AMOK Paranormal. Look them up and give them a watch (they’re video-oriented); I fully support their show and efforts, and I will help to promote them in any way I can.

Oh, No! Not that Dang Bell Witch Again!

On the Bell Witch front, I have been able to successfully connect the dots between several pieces of information that have come to my attention in recent months, and to some information found by others a few years ago. I now know what it was and how the story came to be.

No one will ever be able to “solve” the case because there is no theory that everyone will agree to, nor will there ever be. Someone could solve it, and no matter how good and airtight their theory is, the masses would still view their achievement as “just another botched theory and attempt.” No one wins or gets out alive.

This, of course, begs the question: “Is a case truly ‘solved’ just because everyone agrees on the underlying theory?” No. Someone could actually solve it even though most people would disagree. Facts, logic, opinions, and beliefs–four VERY different things. In the end, people will believe what they want to believe, or what they were taught to believe.

At any rate, one day I will lay out what I have concluded and show how it all fits together. But not now, so please don’t ask. I first need to determine the best way in which to share my conclusion (rough seas lay ahead; brace for impact). To be clear, I will be sharing it alone, through my own selected medium, and using my own time and dime. The revelation will have no effect on my Bell Witch writing, storytelling, radio, TV, and lecturing activities; I will still be the same ol’ me, doing the same ol’ stuff.

That’s it for now. Check the Events Page for upcoming events, and feel free to comment if you like. I promise to (one day) start updating regularly. Take care, and thanks for reading!

Pleasant Dreams ………….Pf

Event – Arkansas Paranormal Expo 2023

I am happy to return as a featured guest speaker at the 2023 Arkansas Paranormal Expo in Little Rock on the weekend of October 28-29, 2023. I will be joining many friends, speakers, and others for one of the largest and most respected annual paranormal events in the world. The event will be held at the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History near downtown Little Rock.

I will be providing lectures, as well as a continuous meet-greet and book signing. See you there!

More info: http://www.arkansasparanormalexpo.com/

Event – Tennessee Haunts and Legends Expo, Nashville, October 21st

I will be providing a lecture presentation, meet-greet, and book signing at the TENNESSEE HAUNTS AND LEGENDS EXPO at the State Fairgrounds in Nashville, Expo Building 2, on Saturday October 21st.

Although I will be having a keynote lecture and signing at Haints & Heroes in Mississippi the night before, I do plan to be at the Haunts and Legends Expo in Nashville, which runs from 9AM-6PM, for most of my day.

My lecture will be last, at 4:20PM, just before the paranormal roundtable discussion.

Schedule of Speakers and Events:

Event – Haints and Heroes Festival in Water Valley, MS

Bell Witch, Casey Jones, Folklore, Hill Country Blues, and More

I will be kicking off and keynoting the “Haints and Heroes” festival in Water Valley, Mississippi, the weekend of October 20-22, 2023.

My part of the event will be Friday October 20th @7PM, consisting of a full lecture (with emphasis on the Mississippi Bell Witch and the life of Betsy Bell after Tennessee), a meet-greet, and a book signing. Location: The TIN Space, 16 South Main Street.

See you there!

Review: “Who Killed John Bell?

This is a review of the August 25, 2022 performance of “Who Killed John Bell,” by the Murfreesboro Little Theatre in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

NOTE: I am not a professional theatre critic. This review is only my opinion. If you don’t have time to read the lengthy review that follows, the “short version” is that there were several awesome things about this play, but the story line–its heart–fell short in several ways, making the final product a big disappointment. Not recommended.

This is a hard review to write in terms of perspective. As most know, I wear THREE hats–a storyteller, a serious researcher, and a big fan of ghost stories. I wear them separately at different times. They are even contradictory in some ways. Right now, I am putting on all three hats and sharing my thoughts with you.

I think the Murfreesboro Little Theatre did an awesome job of organizing and putting on the play, which will also be performed Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, August 26-28. The set was very basic, which is good, because it allows the audience to focus more on the actors and the story.

Casting was great for all but a couple roles, but that wasn’t problematic because the production rarely followed established, historical records to begin with. The acting was excellent; kudos to the actors for their hard work and dedication. I only wish that the story had placed the actors in a Bell Witch production that adds value to the legend and moves the case forward, rather than what amounted to a two-hour-long character assassination of John Bell that made even the “An American Haunting” fiasco look like a John Bell praise club.

Scene after scene, the production portrayed Bell as an evil, hot-tempered, child-hitting, cheating, and devious man who would give even “Ol’ Lucifer” a run for his money. As anyone familiar with the real legend knows, Bell had business disputes with two other men in the community (including Kate Batts’ brother-in-law) but was also one of the area’s most well-loved and respected men. His wife, Lucy Bell, who was thought to be a strong yet humble woman, also was portrayed grossly out of character by the story. The actor herself did a marvelous job, however.

On a positive note, although I loved all of the acting (but just not the storyline), my favorites were the two females in long dresses who portrayed the spirit. Their manner of dress and makeup, along with how they seemingly “floated” around the stage like supernatural entities would, was spot-on. Perfect. I also really liked the Richard Powell character. He had the look, and based on many years of researching Powell, I think his lines were likely what the real Powell said, although the real Powell’s demeanor was happy-go-lucky and not so stern. At any rate, I loved Powell’s character, and the actor did a great job–as did all the actors.

Research for the play was interesting. Their researchers knocked the ball out of the park with several little-known, obscure facts that figure prominently into the legend. However, they ignored, and in some cases grossly misstated, some of the legend’s most basic facts, and in one case adopted a side theory–and ran with it for most of the play–that was debunked by historical records over twenty years ago. One can’t expect to have a credible Bell Witch play, book, or other account when old, worn-out, and previously debunked theories are rehashed.

This easily could have been one of the best Bell Witch productions ever to hit a stage. All of the elements, but one, were present. Creative license is a wonderful thing, and I encourage and appreciate it. I love hearing and learning about new perspectives on the Bell Witch legend. However, when creative license entails painting an unwarranted, negative, and unrealistic picture of a person who is no longer around to defend himself, or ignoring or misstating readily available historical records, it is in bad taste and goes too far. The party’s over.

This isn’t the first such production, nor will it be the last, but at least the other negative productions–even An American Haunting–made an effort to bring in researchers to narrate, comment, and/or answer audience questions so that the full scenario (folktale, assumptions, facts, factoids, scandals, and possible theories) could be put into proper context and perspective. That did not happen here, which made the story line and context hard to understand. Continuity and transitions could have been better.

I don’t know about the play’s ending and the revelation of who killed Mr. Bell, as I had already left by them. But suffice it to say, the play itself did a pretty darn good job of killing John Bell, reputation-wise.

If you are looking for a quick paranormal fix that’s based on an old, scandalous Tennessee folktale, and don’t care about the historical or fact vs. fiction aspects, I recommend that you see this play. For all others: NOT recommended.

New “Bell Witch” Documentary now in Production for 2022

I am proud to be featured in The Bell Witch, Past and Beyond, a new documentary from Crimson Night Productions and Black Leather Productions. We are going to discuss all that has been said and written about the case over the years, and reveal which items are facts. This will be a very exciting and informative documentary. Filming begins in November, with the release scheduled for 2022.

The Bell Witch – Past and Beyond

Replay of my Interview on “The Road Beyond” Podcast, re: Southern Ghost Stories, Bell Witch – 8-24-2021

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FruShxBsM90

Review: “The Mark of the Bell Witch” by Small Town Monsters

Review by Pat Fitzhugh of The Bell Witch Site

Transparency Notice: I am in this movie. However, I do not receive monetary compensation based on its sales.

December 20, 2020 marked the 200th anniversary of the death of Tennessee farmer, John Bell, allegedly by the hand of a malevolent entity called the “Bell Witch.” The saga of Bell’s tragic death and the sinister grasp of terror that his family was forced to endure has evolved into one of America’s greatest supernatural legends.

Days before the somber anniversary of Bell’s passing, Ohio-based film company Small Town Monsters released “The Mark of the Bell Witch,” a supernatural, docu-horror movie that focuses on the Tennessee version of the legend between the years 1817 and 1821.

In early 2020, while discussing my involvement in the film with writer-director Seth Breedlove, I remarked that most Bell Witch-related shows use the same worn-out approach to tell the same old story, and that I am constantly asked whether anyone will ever “get it right.” A few months later, Small Town Monsters got it right.

“The Mark of the Bell Witch” takes a historical approach by relating the earliest stories in their original form, providing true-life reenactments that depict genuine human fear rather than thrills or frills, and placing the stories along a well-thought-out storyline that intertwines the story with expert commentary while keeping a solid pace and maintaining the logical order of events. The film is divided into well-transitioned chapters that advance the story in such a way that viewers can digest the story as it unfolds.

Small Town Monsters cemented their historical focus by allowing Bell Witch researchers and related subject-matter experts to peel back the layers of time and provide depth, context, and perspective throughout the production. This approach, which is arguably one of the film’s strongest points, helps viewers to understand not only important details and developments that have surfaced, but also how the legend came about, how it has evolved, its cultural effect on the region, and its place in American history and folklore. Many previous film interpretations have lacked value because they required researchers to simply tell the story and do nothing more. Conversely, by allowing researchers to come full circle and discuss their findings on camera, Breedlove and his crew have added significant value and validity to their production.

Of particular interest to me was the interview with African American local historian, John Baker. He is a treasure trove of information about the area’s African American history, including slave ownership and how it likely had an impact on the Bell Witch legend. All too often, certain families and groups are omitted from Bell Witch-related productions, although their stories and perspectives need to be heard. Kudos to Small Town Monsters for seeking Mr. Baker’s input and perspective in the making of this film.

It is also noteworthy that “The Mark of the Bell Witch” is unbiased. With the Bell Witch being such a controversial case, well-balanced research and interpretations are hard to find. Small Town Monsters presents the legend in a clear, open fashion, without trying to prove or disprove it. Viewers are left to draw their own conclusions. Bravo!

Lauren Ashley Carter’s narrations are impactful and on point, performed with perfect timing and absent hesitation or distraction. Small Town Monsters made highly effective use of paradox in selecting Lauren as the narrator. Her voice and tone make the perfect counterpoint to the terrifying subject at hand, cutting a mark that runs deep. I was also impressed with the storytelling and historical analyses provided by Heather Moser, a classics professor and researcher at Small Town Monsters. Her research is spot-on, and she articulates her findings very well. Her professional demeanor is second to none.

The actual Spirit, played by producer Adrienne Breedlove, looked intense and downright creepy, just as how I would picture “Old Kate.” A lot of careful thought and planning obviously went into the Spirit scenes and character.

The other actors, Amy Davies (Betsy Bell), Aaron Gascon (John Bell, Jr.), Thomas Koosed (John Bell, Sr.), Grayden Nance (Drew Bell), and John Bell’s hair-do, did an awesome job as well. Their wardrobes were accurate to the period being portrayed, and their acting realistically portrayed how the Bell family likely reacted when faced with their unwelcome “visitor.”

The filming, scene compositions, still shots, audio, and overall production quality are of a class that is typically reserved for household name companies with huge budgets. One of the biggest things I noticed during onsite filming was the crew’s passion for getting the job done right; they all share a sincere interest and did everything it took to make a high-quality film. Well done.

With “The Mark of The Bell Witch,” Small Town Monsters have brewed up a perfectly blended concoction of history, folklore, expert input, and reenactments, to create what is, in my opinion, the best Bell Witch film interpretation to come along thus far.

RIP, John Bell

A New Development in the Bell Witch Case

For those interested in the “Bell Witch” mystery.

The development is not a newly-discovered secret, or missing piece of a puzzle; it is something that was written in 1820, held by the writer’s family until the 1930s, and published to a scholarly audience in the 1950s. We call this a “new development” because its reference to the “Bell Witch,” which is not by name, but through historical context, was noticed in modern times. The actual document and Bell Witch reference have been around for 200 years.

I was not the person who found it, but I have been hearing about it for some time. Recently, I was provided with a link to the actual document for analysis and comment, which you will find, below:

What is the development and why is it important?

The new development is an entry made in a journal kept by Army Captain John R. Bell (no relation to the “Bell Witch” Bells) while working as the official journalist for Stephen H. Long’s expedition to the Rocky Mountains in 1820. The journal covers from March 13th to November 20th of that year. In addition to writings about the famed expedition, the journal also contains entries from Captain Bell’s return trip from Cape Girardeau, Missouri, to Washington, D.C. It was during that last leg of his journey when, on October 19, 1820, he passed through the Red River area of northwestern Middle Tennessee.

While spending the day at a plantation, he was told about a young girl surrounded by voices that relentlessly urged her to marry a neighbor. Although Captain Bell did not call the John Bell family by name, the year and location of this telling, along with the mention of the girl living three miles away, leaves no doubt that Betsy Bell was the centerpiece of the story that had been told to Captain Bell. Also, an account published some 30-35 years later told the same story and referred to Betsy Bell name. In his journal, Captain John R. Bell wrote:

“Rather a single circumstance was here related to me. of a young girl of about 15 years of age, residing but 3 miles from Murphey, a voice accompanies her, which says she should marry a man, a neighbor–thousands of persons have visited her to hear this voice, in many instances, it will reply to questions put to it, the visitors have left as little satisfied in their curiosity as before they heard it, many are under the impression, that it is ventriloquism imposed upon the hearers either by the girl or her brother–who it seems is generally in her company, her family is respectable.”

Researcher’s Analysis

Captain Bell’s use of the phrase, “related to me,” in the introductory sentence, indicates that his account is second-hand (hearsay), meaning he was not an eyewitness. Hearsay accounts indeed make the mystery bigger, and perhaps more entertaining from a storytelling perspective, but they neither solve the mystery nor add substance to the investigation. Every account of the Bell Witch in book, article, documentary, and movie form that discusses the alleged events of 1817-1821 has been second-hand. Every Single One.

I am well-aware of “Our Family Trouble,” the alleged eyewitness account of Richard Williams Bell that is contained in, and serves as the cornerstone of, Martin Ingram’s 1894 work of fiction. No one has come forward with the actual document (although many have claimed to have it), and a professional analysis of the writing style, references to scripture, use of cliche’ words, and Freemasonry references, conducted in 2015, provides strong evidence that Ingram was likely the author of the “eyewitness” account. For those reasons, I do not consider the “Our Family Trouble” eyewitness manuscript as valid evidence in the Bell Witch case (but if you have it, bring it to me and let me have it analyzed–and prove me wrong).

Is there an old, first-person eyewitness account stuffed away in a rotting trunk in someone’s attic or basement that tells the “real truth” of the Bell Witch mystery? Many have claimed to possess such documents, and some have used their alleged existence as the basis for books and movies (perhaps to create an illusion of credibility), but the proverbial bottom line is that those claiming to possess these “holy grail” documents seemingly vanish into thin air when serious researchers ask to examine the documents and have the paper and handwriting professionally analyzed for authenticity. That is a very simple and reasonable request under the circumstances; extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof.

If most anyone had such an important, game-changing document, they would be eager to have it professionally analyzed so as to garner support among researchers. No theory, Bell Witch or otherwise, will advance very far, much less see the light of day, without acceptance and support from the research community. At the end of the day, they are the people most listened-to, and the ones who will ultimately drive and promote your theory to the masses.

Thankfully, Captain John R. Bell’s journal is accessible, and given its clear, spelled-out chain of transmittal through the years, there is no reason to doubt its authenticity. But, why is this second-hand account so important? Does it add any value? You betcha.

While Captain Bell’s second-hand (hearsay) account does not solve the mystery of the Bell Witch, or propel the investigation along in a more fruitful way, it is significant to Bell Witch researchers because it was written in 1820, 12 years before Martin Ingram was born. It debunks the theory that Ingram made up the entire legend. The old “Ingram Fabrication Theory,” which I feel is no longer viable, stated that Ingram “made up” the legend because nothing had been written about the Bell Witch prior to his 1894 work of fiction–and if anything turns up, it was probably written by Ingram. Captain Bell’s 1820 journal entry occurred before Ingram was born, meaning he [Ingram] could not have written or influenced it.

And now, diehard proponents of the now-defunct Ingram Fabrication Theory will likely argue that Ingram “wrote it from the womb,” but that’s neither my monkey nor my circus.

It is also noteworthy that Captain Bell’s account is, essentially, the same story–a young girl surrounded by voices saying to marry Joshua Gardner–that was published by the Saturday Evening Post 30 to 35 years later, and reprinted by the Green Mountain Freeman (in Vermont) on February 7, 1856. Captain Bell’s journal did not mention the Bell family by name, but the Saturday Evening Post article did, which suggests the two early accounts, written 30 to 35 years apart, came from different sources.

I will also note that the two early accounts make no mention of Betsy going into trances, having her hair pulled, being beaten, or suffering any other misfortunes except, maybe, not getting to marry the love of her life. The early accounts also make no mention of an invisible entity predicting the future, speaking in preachers’ own voices, gnawing on bedposts, or turning farm workers into giant rabbits and mules, and “riding them to hell for breakfast.” More on that in future posts.

To summarize, Captain Bell’s journal debunks the Ingram Fabrication Theory and, when viewed along with the Saturday Evening Post article reprint in the Green Mountain Freeman, shows that the Bell disturbances–how ever benign or severe they might have been–had become known to people outside of the Middle Tennessee region.

Here is Captain Bell’s journal entry as published in the 1950s (copyright 1957, the Arthur H. Clark Company) and used here for the purpose of education under the Fair-Use law:

Captain John R. Bell’s full journal, including catalog and citation information, is available online, here.

The other referenced account, the Green Mountain Freeman’s reprint of the Saturday Evening Post’s “Bell Witch” article, known as “The Tennessee Ghost,” is shown below:

The February 7, 1856 edition of the Green Mountain Freeman can be read online, here. My 2017 write-up about the Green Mountain Freeman article and the now-defunct Ingram Fabrication Theory can be found here.

Thanks for reading. So long for now.