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.

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.

Very little was known about such disorders in the early nineteenth century, and few treatment options were available, although the Scottish anatomist Sir Charles Bell discovered a neurological disorder that yielded symptoms almost identical to those displayed by John Bell at the onset of his affliction.

[5] The Bell Witch is said to have disrupted the funeral service, singing bawdy drinking songs.