FtV – The Vampire of Cumberland
New England Legends Podcast
Deep Dive
Why did Stephen Staples petition to exhume his daughter Abigail's body in 1796?
Stephen Staples petitioned to exhume his daughter Abigail's body to perform an experiment in an attempt to save his other daughter, Lavinia, who was dying from consumption (tuberculosis). Some believed Abigail might have been a vampire draining Lavinia's life, and the experiment aimed to break the supposed vampire spell.
What was the outcome of Stephen Staples' request to exhume Abigail's body?
The town council granted Stephen Staples permission to exhume Abigail's body and perform the experiment, but there is no record of whether the exhumation actually occurred or if it had any effect on Lavinia's condition.
What evidence suggests that Abigail Staples might have been considered a vampire?
Lavinia's illness began shortly after Abigail's death, and Lavinia experienced fever dreams of a shadowy figure tormenting her, which some interpreted as a vampire feeding on her vitality. This led to whispers among the community that Abigail might have been a vampire.
How does the story of Abigail Staples compare to the Mercy Brown vampire legend?
Both stories involve tuberculosis (consumption) and the belief that a deceased family member was a vampire draining the life of a living relative. Mercy Brown's body was exhumed in 1892, nearly a century after Abigail Staples, and her heart was burned to break the supposed vampire spell. Both cases reflect the desperation of families facing a deadly disease with limited medical understanding.
What is known about the Staples family cemetery in Cumberland, Rhode Island?
The Staples family cemetery, Rhode Island Historical Cemetery Number 17, contains at least eight burials, with some headstones dating back to 1769. The plot includes field stones with no markings, and only four first names are known, none of which are Abigail or Lavinia. Abigail is likely buried there, but her exact grave is unidentified.
What role did folklore play in the Staples family's response to Lavinia's illness?
Folklore and superstition played a significant role, as the family and community believed Lavinia's illness might be caused by her deceased sister Abigail acting as a vampire. This belief led to the extreme measure of petitioning to exhume Abigail's body in an attempt to save Lavinia.
- Stephen Staples's request to exhume his daughter Abigail
- Abigail and Lavinia Staples's illness
- The town council's deliberation and decision
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