Chestnut Hill church and cemetery

This quaint graveyard, on the property of the Chestnut Hill Church in Exeter, is anything but ordinary. It is the resting place of Rhode Island’s famous vampire, Mercy Brown. After numerous deaths occurred in the early 1890s, deaths that all lead back to the Brown family in some way or another, suspicions arose about their causes. After some “investigating," it was found that Mercy’s heart still had clotted blood in it and she was found to be lying in a different position than when she was laid in the coffin, evidence that was then believed to be signs of a vampire. She was labeled a vampire and was blamed for the deaths of many people who died under mysterious circumstances. Mercy and her deceased family are all buried in this graveyard, and she is known as Rhode Island’s famous vampire.

Upon arrival at the church, the graveyard can be seen directly behind it. A dirt path leads one through the cemetery, well tread by visitors. Mercy’s grave, although decorated with “gifts” (some being flowers, candies, and a copy of the New Testament) from visitors, is not easy to spot at first. It can also be seen that her grave, interestingly enough, is anchored to the ground with a metal brace. Due to past vandalism, the headstone is secure in its place. Mercy’s grave is close to the front of the cemetery and is amidst her family. The site is overall quite a peaceful one, at least if one has company. Graveyards do not always have the most welcoming atmosphere, this one included. The silence that surrounds visitors to this graveyard is spine-chilling and the eerie boarded-up mausoleum, as well as Mercy’s story, do not detract from this.

H.P. Lovecraft’s “The Shunned House” is greatly inspired by Mercy Brown’s story. Having been so close to his home city, Lovecraft probably felt a strong connection to Mercy. The tale of Rhode Island’s vampire will live on through his writing and Mercy’s story.

Above are directions to the Chestnut Hill Baptist Church and Cemetery. To visit the graveyard you can park in the church's parking lot or on the side of the road.