POCASSET
CEMETERY
Cranston, Rhode Island
AN ACTIVE BURIAL GROUND SINCE 1874
Pocasset Cemetery was incorporated in 1874 and is still an active burial ground. It is also known as Cranston Historical Cemetery No. 2. There are more than 25,000 burials there, including a number of World War I veterans. Hundreds of stones predate the establishment of the cemetery, indicating that many smaller graveyards were relocated to this site.
The plots include a section commonly referred to as the Paupers’ Graves, a burial place provided at public expense for individuals who were indigent, unknown or whose families could not afford funeral costs.
THE CASE
The most notorious story surrounding the cemetery involves Amasa Sprague, a wealthy mill owner murdered on the banks of the adjacent Pocasset River on New Year’s Eve in 1843 at the age of 40. The resulting investigation, trials and execution of John Gordon remain the subject of debate.
The idea of supernatural events taking place there is likely due to its spooky setting and Rhode Island vampire legends being spread to other historic burial grounds. Nonetheless, Ken, Tom and Julie accepted an invitation to tour the grounds at night with a member of the Cranston Historical Society. The outdoor setting and ambient noise were not ideal for an investigation, but best efforts were made.
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