CENTRE HALL REPORTER — JUNE 30, 1871
The Paul Mall Gazette says : “From a case now before the high tribunal at Berlin we learn that the superstition of vampires—corpses who are supposed to rise from their graves at night and suck the blood of those with whom they have held intercourse in life—is still general among the Poles and Magyars. A Polish gentleman died at his country seat at Roslasin in February last leaving his family in excellent health. A few weeks after his death, however, his eldest son was suddenly and unaccountably taken ill, his short sickness ending in death. Similar cases, though not fatal, occurred among his near relatives. It was at once agreed that the deceased must be a vampire, and that his visits were the cause of this repeated illness. To save himself from the fate of his brother, the second son determined to apply the supposed only remedy, viz.: to exhume the body, cut off his head, and lay it with the feet, while another person was to collect the blood issuing from the wound to give the remaining relatives a drink. He obtained the assistance of a laborer, naturally at a heavy price, but was prevented on his first expedition by the interference of the parish priest. The next attempt proved more successful, and the deed was accomplished. It had been observed, however, by some person in the village, and was thus brought to the knowledge of the authorities. The
