Vampires of Rhode Island

by Barby

The residents of Exeter, Rhode Island, in the late 19th century certainly could’ve weighed in on that.  When much of George and Mary Brown’s family fell ill with consumption, several of them would succumb to the (at the time) deadly disease.  Mary Eliza died of Tuberculous first- followed by her oldest daughter, Mary Olive.  Later, in 1891, her daughter Mercy and son Edwin subsequently fell ill with the disease.

Those surrounding the family knew a thing or two about folklore, and were convinced the rapid succession of death must’ve been the work of the undead.  The father of the family, George, was pushed into giving permission for the exhumation of his family’s bodies, so the claims could be investigated further.  

The bodies of both Mary and Mary Olive were not thought to be the cause- as they had reached a standard level of decomposition.  However, the body of the younger daughter, Mercy, was barely decomposed if at all.  She still had blood in her heart!  This raised a red flag for the townspeople- and the assumed she was to blame for her brother Edwin’s deteriorating condition.  

Mercy’s heart and liver were burned, and then the ashes were mixed with water to create a tonic for the sick Edwin to drink, both to heal him and shield him from the influence of the undead.  Evidently, the medicine failed- and Edwin passed away two months later.  What is left of Mercy Brown’s body was buried at the Baptist Church in Exeter.  To many, she is known as the “First American Vampire-“ and whether or not this is true... well.... that’s a matter of opinion.