Mercy Brown: The Girl Who Gave Her Life for Her Family

Published: October 2, 2024

Mercy Brown, a young woman from Exeter, Rhode Island, became a tragic figure in the 19th century due to a series of unfortunate events and a misguided belief in the supernatural. Her story, though tragic, offers a glimpse into the superstitions and medical practices of the time.

Mercy was born in 1865 to George and Mary Brown. She was the youngest of five siblings, including three older brothers and an older sister. In the late 1880s, the Brown family began to experience a series of illnesses and deaths. Mercy’s older sister, Mary, died of tuberculosis in 1887, followed by her brother, Edwin, in 1889.

As the family’s health deteriorated, local doctors began to suspect a hereditary consumption, or tuberculosis. Desperate for a cure, the family turned to a popular belief of the time: that tuberculosis was caused by a vampire.

The theory was that a vampire, usually a family member, would feed on the blood of the living, causing them to become ill and eventually die. To break the cycle, it was believed that the vampire’s body needed to be exhumed, staked, and burned.

In 1892, Mercy began to exhibit symptoms of tuberculosis, including coughing, fever, and weight loss. Her family,fearing that she might be the family vampire, decided to exhume her body. On January 17, 1892, Mercy’s grave was opened. Her body was found to be remarkably well-preserved, with her skin still supple and her hair still intact.

According to witnesses, the family removed Mercy’s heart and liver, which were then cremated and mixed with her brothers’ ashes. The ashes were fed to the remaining family members in a desperate attempt to cure their illnesses.

Tragically, Mercy’s sacrifice was in vain. Her family members continued to suffer from tuberculosis, and several more died. The belief in vampires as the cause of the family’s illnesses was eventually discredited, and Mercy’s remains were reinterred.

The story of Mercy Brown is a chilling reminder of the superstitions and medical practices of the 19th century. It is also a testament to the lengths that families will go to protect their loved ones, even in the face of tragedy and despair.

Today, Mercy Brown’s story is remembered as a cautionary tale about the dangers of superstition and the importance of scientific inquiry. Her grave has become a popular destination for visitors, who come to pay their respects to a young woman who was tragically misunderstood and mistreated.

In addition to the tragic events surrounding her death, Mercy Brown’s story also offers a glimpse into the lives of rural families in the 19th century. Tuberculosis was a major public health concern at the time, and many families struggled to cope with the disease. The Brown family’s experience highlights the challenges faced by families during this period, as well as the desperate measures they were willing to take to protect their loved ones.

Mercy Brown’s story is a complex and tragic one, but it is also a fascinating window into the past. It serves as a reminder of the importance of critical thinking and the dangers of superstition, while also honoring the memory of a young woman who was tragically misunderstood.