People were dropping like flies; the  young, the middle-aged and the old.  
People were dropping like flies; the  young, the middle-aged and the old.  

One day these people were healthy and the  next day they came down with something  
One day these people were healthy and the  next day they came down with something  

quite awful. It was as if the devil himself moved  through towns like a miasma, filling the mouths of  
quite awful. It was as if the devil himself moved  through towns like a miasma, filling the mouths of  

the innocent and silently killing them, draining  them of their blood... of their very lifeforce. 
the innocent and silently killing them, draining  them of their blood... of their very lifeforce. 

“Vampires!” screamed the townsfolk, “Here they be  vampires! Evil has announced itself in this town.” 
“Vampires!” screamed the townsfolk, “Here they be  vampires! Evil has announced itself in this town.” 

It seemed a good enough theory to  good Christian people who believed  
It seemed a good enough theory to  good Christian people who believed  

evil was as omnipresent as the air they breathed. During the night the mobs got together, the flames  
evil was as omnipresent as the air they breathed. During the night the mobs got together, the flames  

from their tiki torches blowing in the wind. They  went out in search of the maleficent spirits,  
from their tiki torches blowing in the wind. They  went out in search of the maleficent spirits,  

the dead that had risen again to plague the town.  They would find the vampires, and exorcise them so  
the dead that had risen again to plague the town.  They would find the vampires, and exorcise them so  

they could cause no more pain and death. This happened late 1700s and throughout  
they could cause no more pain and death. This happened late 1700s and throughout  

the , in the USA, a time of vampires  that most of America has now forgotten.
the , in the USA, a time of vampires  that most of America has now forgotten.

Fast-forward to the year 1990 and  some kids are playing on a hillside  
Fast-forward to the year 1990 and  some kids are playing on a hillside  

in a small town called Griswold in the state of  Connecticut. One of those kids finds something,  
in a small town called Griswold in the state of  Connecticut. One of those kids finds something,  

something that makes his blood run cold. He runs home to his house and says to his  
something that makes his blood run cold. He runs home to his house and says to his  

mother, “Hey mom, look what I found.” In  his hands are a human skull. The mother  
mother, “Hey mom, look what I found.” In  his hands are a human skull. The mother  

almost drops the dish she’s holding,  and gets on the phone to the police. 
almost drops the dish she’s holding,  and gets on the phone to the police. 

It turned out that this kid had discovered a  cemetery that dated back to what archaeologists  
It turned out that this kid had discovered a  cemetery that dated back to what archaeologists  

thought was the late 1700s or early 1800s. They  started digging, and soon discovered a number  
thought was the late 1700s or early 1800s. They  started digging, and soon discovered a number  

of skeletal remains, many of them of children. That wasn’t too unusual. Back then life was tough,  
of skeletal remains, many of them of children. That wasn’t too unusual. Back then life was tough,  

people died young, and folks didn’t have  the money to erect large gravestones. 
people died young, and folks didn’t have  the money to erect large gravestones. 

But what was certainly unusual, was the fact some  of those graves contained the bones of people  
But what was certainly unusual, was the fact some  of those graves contained the bones of people  

who’d been accused of being vampires. Let’s take you back to the start. 
who’d been accused of being vampires. Let’s take you back to the start. 

So, when this kid revealed to his mom that  skull her first thoughts of course were not,  
So, when this kid revealed to his mom that  skull her first thoughts of course were not,  

“Hmm, that could be the remains of  a vampire.” What she thought was,  
“Hmm, that could be the remains of  a vampire.” What she thought was,  

“Oh my God, someone may have been murdered.” That’s exactly what the police thought, too, since  
“Oh my God, someone may have been murdered.” That’s exactly what the police thought, too, since  

a serial killer named Michael Ross had killed  eight people in the 1980s and three of the victims  
a serial killer named Michael Ross had killed  eight people in the 1980s and three of the victims  

were from Griswold. Maybe there were more victims,  and so the cops made the hillside a crime scene. 
were from Griswold. Maybe there were more victims,  and so the cops made the hillside a crime scene. 

But then more remains were found, 29 in all. A  forensic archaeologist was called to the scene  
But then more remains were found, 29 in all. A  forensic archaeologist was called to the scene  

and he soon explained that there was no way those  skeletons were once the living victims of Ross. 
and he soon explained that there was no way those  skeletons were once the living victims of Ross. 

They dated back to the colonial era, a time when  people in that area buried their loved ones in  
They dated back to the colonial era, a time when  people in that area buried their loved ones in  

uncomplicated wooden coffins. The remains, for  the most part, were found in the normal position.  
uncomplicated wooden coffins. The remains, for  the most part, were found in the normal position.  

They were laid down with arms folded  over the rib cage or down by their side. 
They were laid down with arms folded  over the rib cage or down by their side. 

But not “Burial Number 4”, this was a special  case and it confounded archaeologists.  
But not “Burial Number 4”, this was a special  case and it confounded archaeologists.  

They had to dig deeper to get to this crypt,  and unlike the others it was made of stone.  
They had to dig deeper to get to this crypt,  and unlike the others it was made of stone.  

It was as if this person had been buried  in a way so that it could not rise again. 
It was as if this person had been buried  in a way so that it could not rise again. 

The archaeologists struggled to remove the  heavy stones that were guarding the coffin,  
The archaeologists struggled to remove the  heavy stones that were guarding the coffin,  

a box that strangely had been painted red. 
a box that strangely had been painted red. 

What they found was not the skeletal  remains of someone laid to rest intact,  
What they found was not the skeletal  remains of someone laid to rest intact,  

but bones that had been severed. The limbs had  been cut up and the head had been chopped off,  
but bones that had been severed. The limbs had  been cut up and the head had been chopped off,  

and the bones had been rearranged to look  something like a pirate’s Jolly Roger flag.
and the bones had been rearranged to look  something like a pirate’s Jolly Roger flag.

Not only had the remains been smashed and taken  apart, but the coffin had been partly wrecked.  
Not only had the remains been smashed and taken  apart, but the coffin had been partly wrecked.  

Someone had dug those remains up  and proceeded to tear them apart.  
Someone had dug those remains up  and proceeded to tear them apart.  

How unusual, thought the team of archaeologists. Those guys and some historians were confused by  
How unusual, thought the team of archaeologists. Those guys and some historians were confused by  

what they saw before them. None of the bodies were  buried with any valuables so it wasn’t a case or  
what they saw before them. None of the bodies were  buried with any valuables so it wasn’t a case or  

grave-robbing, and it seemed highly unlikely  that anyone would have made the effort to dig  
grave-robbing, and it seemed highly unlikely  that anyone would have made the effort to dig  

down deep, cut apart what was left of a dead  body, and then re-bury it, for no good reason. 
down deep, cut apart what was left of a dead  body, and then re-bury it, for no good reason. 

Then one historian’s mind lit up and he  believed he knew what had gone down. He  
Then one historian’s mind lit up and he  believed he knew what had gone down. He  

asked his colleagues working on the case if  they had ever heard of the Jewett City vampires. 
asked his colleagues working on the case if  they had ever heard of the Jewett City vampires. 

“What,” his colleagues said,  “vampires in the USA!?” 
“What,” his colleagues said,  “vampires in the USA!?” 

“Yep,” said the historian, New England  was once plagued by vampires…or  
“Yep,” said the historian, New England  was once plagued by vampires…or  

at least that’s what people thought. Jewett City was a settlement in the U.S.  
at least that’s what people thought. Jewett City was a settlement in the U.S.  

that now stands in the town of Griswold. In fact,  that hillside cemetery is located in Jewett City. 
that now stands in the town of Griswold. In fact,  that hillside cemetery is located in Jewett City. 

In 1845, a young and healthy man from the Ray  family suddenly became very sick and he died  
In 1845, a young and healthy man from the Ray  family suddenly became very sick and he died  

shortly after. The next to go was the father a  few years later, and a couple of years after that,  
shortly after. The next to go was the father a  few years later, and a couple of years after that,  

another child of the family died. A year later  and yet another member of the Ray family died,  
another child of the family died. A year later  and yet another member of the Ray family died,  

and people began to think the  family was cursed…Perhaps evil  
and people began to think the  family was cursed…Perhaps evil  

spirits were at work, namely, vampires. Word got around, and soon various parts  
spirits were at work, namely, vampires. Word got around, and soon various parts  

of New England thought they were under attack from  vampires. People indeed were dropping like flies,  
of New England thought they were under attack from  vampires. People indeed were dropping like flies,  

and the townsfolk weren’t exactly  familiar with medical science. 
and the townsfolk weren’t exactly  familiar with medical science. 

The dead were rising again and  taking others down with them,  
The dead were rising again and  taking others down with them,  

so someone had the bright idea of tearing out  the heart, or lungs, or head, of the deceased  
so someone had the bright idea of tearing out  the heart, or lungs, or head, of the deceased  

and burning them. This, they thought, would  keep the dead down and no one else would die. 
and burning them. This, they thought, would  keep the dead down and no one else would die. 

But more people kept dying, despite the ad hoc  surgery and the burning of the vital organs.  
But more people kept dying, despite the ad hoc  surgery and the burning of the vital organs.  

More drastic measures had to be taken, and that  meant exhuming more bodies and cutting the remains  
More drastic measures had to be taken, and that  meant exhuming more bodies and cutting the remains  

apart. The rationale was that the dead couldn’t  rise if they were legless, heartless and headless. 
apart. The rationale was that the dead couldn’t  rise if they were legless, heartless and headless. 

This wasn’t only happening in Griswold. In  New Hampshire in the mid-19th century there  
This wasn’t only happening in Griswold. In  New Hampshire in the mid-19th century there  

were many small towns where people believed they  were under attack from the evilest of spirits. 
were many small towns where people believed they  were under attack from the evilest of spirits. 

A newspaper clipping from 1840 explains how  vampire panic was moving through other towns in  
A newspaper clipping from 1840 explains how  vampire panic was moving through other towns in  

New Hampshire. This is what was written about what  people did to the corpse of one alleged vampire: 
New Hampshire. This is what was written about what  people did to the corpse of one alleged vampire: 

“This was disinterring a human body, which  belonged to a family all strongly predisposed  
“This was disinterring a human body, which  belonged to a family all strongly predisposed  

to consumption, for the purpose of removing  the heart, which was burned, the ashes of  
to consumption, for the purpose of removing  the heart, which was burned, the ashes of  

which were considered a sovereign remedy to  those of the family who were still living,  
which were considered a sovereign remedy to  those of the family who were still living,  

and might be afflicted with the same disease.” The practice didn’t only happen in New England,  
and might be afflicted with the same disease.” The practice didn’t only happen in New England,  

and historians now think that if bodies all  over certain parts of the USA were exhumed  
and historians now think that if bodies all  over certain parts of the USA were exhumed  

it would be found that ribs had been  cracked open and heads had been chopped off.  
it would be found that ribs had been  cracked open and heads had been chopped off.  

Sometimes this happened right after the  death, but at other times the bodies were  
Sometimes this happened right after the  death, but at other times the bodies were  

dug up and the dismantling and burning began. There were reported cases in Massachusetts,  
dug up and the dismantling and burning began. There were reported cases in Massachusetts,  

Ohio, and Vermont, and each involved many members  of families suddenly getting very ill and dying.  
Ohio, and Vermont, and each involved many members  of families suddenly getting very ill and dying.  

In each case, in each state, to save anyone  else from an early death, either the head,  
In each case, in each state, to save anyone  else from an early death, either the head,  

or the heart, or the lungs, or all three,  were removed from the deceased and burned. 
or the heart, or the lungs, or all three,  were removed from the deceased and burned. 

They watched the burning of the heart,  each clinging to the belief that now  
They watched the burning of the heart,  each clinging to the belief that now  

they were safe from this man turning into a  vampire and taking their family members out. 
they were safe from this man turning into a  vampire and taking their family members out. 

Newspapers across the U.S. gained knowledge of  this strange practice pervading small towns in  
Newspapers across the U.S. gained knowledge of  this strange practice pervading small towns in  

the North East., with some of them calling the  townsfolk superstitious and ill-educated, writing  
the North East., with some of them calling the  townsfolk superstitious and ill-educated, writing  

that entire communities believed they had been  stricken by evil spirits rising from the grave. 
that entire communities believed they had been  stricken by evil spirits rising from the grave. 

Some newspapers called it “vicious” and  “barbaric” and said in this day and age  
Some newspapers called it “vicious” and  “barbaric” and said in this day and age  

people should not believe in vampirism. As for  the townsfolk, they thought they knew better,  
people should not believe in vampirism. As for  the townsfolk, they thought they knew better,  

and as you’ll soon see, it wasn’t only the  uneducated rabble that believed in vampires. 
and as you’ll soon see, it wasn’t only the  uneducated rabble that believed in vampires. 

Why were they doing this?  Where did the belief come from? 
Why were they doing this?  Where did the belief come from? 

Well, vampirism in the USA goes back a long way. In 1793, in New England a dead man’s heart was  
Well, vampirism in the USA goes back a long way. In 1793, in New England a dead man’s heart was  

burned at a Blacksmith’s forge and this is  what was written about that at the time: 
burned at a Blacksmith’s forge and this is  what was written about that at the time: 

“Timothy Mead officiated at the altar in  the sacrifice to the Demon Vampire who it  
“Timothy Mead officiated at the altar in  the sacrifice to the Demon Vampire who it  

was believed was still sucking the blood  of the then living wife of Captain Burton.  
was believed was still sucking the blood  of the then living wife of Captain Burton.  

It was the month of February and a good slaying.” A good slaying! And this happened during a period  
It was the month of February and a good slaying.” A good slaying! And this happened during a period  

called, “The Age of Reason.”  The age of un-reason more like. 
called, “The Age of Reason.”  The age of un-reason more like. 

In Woodstock, Vermont, in the early 1800s a  20-year old man named Frederick Ransom suddenly  
In Woodstock, Vermont, in the early 1800s a  20-year old man named Frederick Ransom suddenly  

fell ill and died. He was buried, but then his  father decided to have the body of his son exhumed  
fell ill and died. He was buried, but then his  father decided to have the body of his son exhumed  

and his heart burned on a blacksmith's forge. Was he under pressure from the townsfolk to  
and his heart burned on a blacksmith's forge. Was he under pressure from the townsfolk to  

do this or did he do it to save the rest of  his family? We ask that because hundreds of  
do this or did he do it to save the rest of  his family? We ask that because hundreds of  

local people turned up to watch the burning  of this recently deceased dead man’s heart.  
local people turned up to watch the burning  of this recently deceased dead man’s heart.  

The whole town was possessed by the belief  that vampires were killing their young. 
The whole town was possessed by the belief  that vampires were killing their young. 

Now we can fast-forward to the year 1892  and look at the death of a 19-year old girl  
Now we can fast-forward to the year 1892  and look at the death of a 19-year old girl  

named Mercy Brown. Her death and subsequent  accusation of being a vampire is perhaps the  
named Mercy Brown. Her death and subsequent  accusation of being a vampire is perhaps the  

case that was most reported in the media. She died in Exeter, New Hampshire,  
case that was most reported in the media. She died in Exeter, New Hampshire,  

but not before her mother and elder sister  died. Mercy and her elder brother then got sick,  
but not before her mother and elder sister  died. Mercy and her elder brother then got sick,  

and soon people living within the vicinity became  very scared, believing that this family would rise  
and soon people living within the vicinity became  very scared, believing that this family would rise  

again and infect them with the illness. More members of the Brown family died  
again and infect them with the illness. More members of the Brown family died  

and one of last surviving members  under pressure from the townsfolk  
and one of last surviving members  under pressure from the townsfolk  

granted the town permission to exhume the bodies. The mob got their shovels ready and headed over to  
granted the town permission to exhume the bodies. The mob got their shovels ready and headed over to  

the place where the dead were buried. Most of  the corpses were horribly decomposed, but not  
the place where the dead were buried. Most of  the corpses were horribly decomposed, but not  

Mercy…Mercy looked almost as sweet as she  had been when she was alive and it was said  
Mercy…Mercy looked almost as sweet as she  had been when she was alive and it was said  

blood was still in her heart. An actual newspaper report from  
blood was still in her heart. An actual newspaper report from  

back then said, “The heart and liver were  removed, and in cutting open the heart,  
back then said, “The heart and liver were  removed, and in cutting open the heart,  

clotted and decomposed blood was found.” The people didn’t understand that Mercy  
clotted and decomposed blood was found.” The people didn’t understand that Mercy  

had been stored in a cold crypt during the winter,  and so her body was preserved. Nope, they believed  
had been stored in a cold crypt during the winter,  and so her body was preserved. Nope, they believed  

that the girl was undead and she was to blame  for numerous other Browns’ deaths. Her brother  
that the girl was undead and she was to blame  for numerous other Browns’ deaths. Her brother  

at the time of her death was now very ill, and  the people thought that maybe he could be saved. 
at the time of her death was now very ill, and  the people thought that maybe he could be saved. 

At the time the “Providence Journal” wrote  that Mercy had likely been surviving in the  
At the time the “Providence Journal” wrote  that Mercy had likely been surviving in the  

afterlife by consuming the “living tissue and  blood” of her brother. The journal mentions the  
afterlife by consuming the “living tissue and  blood” of her brother. The journal mentions the  

word “vampire” but it’s unlikely that this word  was used by locals. That’s debatable at least. 
word “vampire” but it’s unlikely that this word  was used by locals. That’s debatable at least. 

The locals burned Mercy’s heart and lungs and  turned them into ashes. They then mixed those  
The locals burned Mercy’s heart and lungs and  turned them into ashes. They then mixed those  

ashes with a tonic and gave the drink to  Mercy’s brother, since he was now knocking  
ashes with a tonic and gave the drink to  Mercy’s brother, since he was now knocking  

on death’s door. Did the drink save him? The  answer is no. The boy died two months later. 
on death’s door. Did the drink save him? The  answer is no. The boy died two months later. 

Still, that didn’t stop local communities in  various states digging up more of the dead. 
Still, that didn’t stop local communities in  various states digging up more of the dead. 

Historians and folklorists now say this vampire  panic swept through many towns and communities  
Historians and folklorists now say this vampire  panic swept through many towns and communities  

in the region and there are newspaper clippings  and other historical data that shows it. Even  
in the region and there are newspaper clippings  and other historical data that shows it. Even  

the great American philosopher Henry David  Thoreau wrote about the vampire superstition. 
the great American philosopher Henry David  Thoreau wrote about the vampire superstition. 

In 1959, he wrote, “The savage in man is never  quite eradicated. I have just read of a family  
In 1959, he wrote, “The savage in man is never  quite eradicated. I have just read of a family  

in Vermont—who, several of its members having  died of consumption, just burned the lungs and  
in Vermont—who, several of its members having  died of consumption, just burned the lungs and  

heart and liver of the last deceased, in  order to prevent any more from having it.” 
heart and liver of the last deceased, in  order to prevent any more from having it.” 

There is evidence that it wasn’t only the  ignorant locals that got down with burning  
There is evidence that it wasn’t only the  ignorant locals that got down with burning  

parts of corpses, sometimes local doctors  and even members of the church gave their  
parts of corpses, sometimes local doctors  and even members of the church gave their  

blessing or even took part in the ceremonies. The people were not possessed by any kind of  
blessing or even took part in the ceremonies. The people were not possessed by any kind of  

evil spirit, and we think that we don’t need to  point that out to you. What they were dying of was  
evil spirit, and we think that we don’t need to  point that out to you. What they were dying of was  

tuberculosis, which was then called consumption.  In towns throughout the North East of the U.S,  
tuberculosis, which was then called consumption.  In towns throughout the North East of the U.S,  

many of them blighted with abject  poverty, this disease was killing  
many of them blighted with abject  poverty, this disease was killing  

about a quarter of the people in the 1800s. The problem back then was that there was no  
about a quarter of the people in the 1800s. The problem back then was that there was no  

cure for this disease and it wasn’t understood  very well, so the townsfolk were pretty much  
cure for this disease and it wasn’t understood  very well, so the townsfolk were pretty much  

constantly worried out of their minds. Organ  burning was their only hope…albeit one that  
constantly worried out of their minds. Organ  burning was their only hope…albeit one that  

was macabre, unholy, and just plain wrong. But then what could they do? People would  
was macabre, unholy, and just plain wrong. But then what could they do? People would  

watch in terror as their once healthy  family members became horribly feverish  
watch in terror as their once healthy  family members became horribly feverish  

and later started coughing up blood. This is  how it was described by one writer back then: 
and later started coughing up blood. This is  how it was described by one writer back then: 

“The emaciated figure strikes one with terror. The  forehead covered with drops of sweat; the cheeks  
“The emaciated figure strikes one with terror. The  forehead covered with drops of sweat; the cheeks  

painted with a livid crimson, the eyes sunk.” They’d then start coughing up blood and it  
painted with a livid crimson, the eyes sunk.” They’d then start coughing up blood and it  

seemed to onlookers that blood  was being drained from them. 
seemed to onlookers that blood  was being drained from them. 

What kind of evil thing would do such a  thing? A vampire of course. These people,  
What kind of evil thing would do such a  thing? A vampire of course. These people,  

isolated as they were from most of the  world, did in fact believe in evil spirits.  
isolated as they were from most of the  world, did in fact believe in evil spirits.  

They hung things in their houses to ward off  the devil…some of them even thought that dead  
They hung things in their houses to ward off  the devil…some of them even thought that dead  

people bled when in the presence of the person  that killed them. How’s that for police work… 
people bled when in the presence of the person  that killed them. How’s that for police work… 

It wasn’t always the family that wanted to exhume  the bodies to save the rest of the members,  
It wasn’t always the family that wanted to exhume  the bodies to save the rest of the members,  

but pressure came from the people  of the town. They didn’t want those  
but pressure came from the people  of the town. They didn’t want those  

undead to enter their houses. It was simply  a case of mass hysteria in a time when many  
undead to enter their houses. It was simply  a case of mass hysteria in a time when many  

seemingly healthy people were dying. It was the  historical equivalent of hoarding toilet paper. 
seemingly healthy people were dying. It was the  historical equivalent of hoarding toilet paper. 

To be fair to the townsfolk, there was nothing  they could have done to save the victims. There  
To be fair to the townsfolk, there was nothing  they could have done to save the victims. There  

was no cure until the 1940s, and until then,  people died a horrible death, and indeed,  
was no cure until the 1940s, and until then,  people died a horrible death, and indeed,  

it seemed that something sinister was draining  the blood and lifeforce from entire families. 
it seemed that something sinister was draining  the blood and lifeforce from entire families. 

They prayed and prayed and said things  like, “I blow the wind of God on you. You  
They prayed and prayed and said things  like, “I blow the wind of God on you. You  

are destroyed forever, and you’ll never be back.”  Unfortunately, their prayers were never answered,  
are destroyed forever, and you’ll never be back.”  Unfortunately, their prayers were never answered,  

so they went after the devil by themselves. Are people still superstitious in those parts?  
so they went after the devil by themselves. Are people still superstitious in those parts?  

Well, there are rumors right now that  when the spirit of Mercy hangs around,  
Well, there are rumors right now that  when the spirit of Mercy hangs around,  

a person’s olfactory sense notices the sweet smell  of roses. In the cemetery where she’s buried,  
a person’s olfactory sense notices the sweet smell  of roses. In the cemetery where she’s buried,  

some people believe her voice can still be heard.  As for the devil...he’s still doing his dastardly  
some people believe her voice can still be heard.  As for the devil...he’s still doing his dastardly  

business for a lot of people in those parts. Now you really have to watch, US Soldiers  
business for a lot of people in those parts. Now you really have to watch, US Soldiers  

Use Vampires To Terrify Enemies. Or,  watch this one instead… if you dare.
Use Vampires To Terrify Enemies. Or,  watch this one instead… if you dare.