Deaths on December 20

John Bell (farmer)

Died on December 20, 1820

John Bell, American farmer (b. 1750)

John Bell (1750 – December 20, 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.

References

John Bell (farmer)

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Events on 1820

6 Feb

American Colonization Society
The first 86 African American immigrants sponsored by the American Colonization Society depart New York to start a settlement in present-day Liberia.
3 Mar

Missouri Compromise
The U.S. Congress passes the Missouri Compromise.
6 Mar

Louisiana Purchase
The Missouri Compromise is signed into law by President James Monroe. The compromise allows Missouri to enter the Union as a slave state, brings Maine into the Union as a free state, and makes the rest of the northern part of the Louisiana Purchase territory slavery-free.
24 Aug

History of Portugal
Constitutionalist insurrection at Oporto, Portugal.
15 Sep

Lisbon
Constitutionalist revolution in Lisbon, Portugal.

Deaths on December 20

John Bell (farmer)

Died on December 20, 1820

References

Choose Another Date

Events on 1820

American Colonization Society

Missouri Compromise

Louisiana Purchase

History of Portugal

Lisbon