In 2013 the movie The Conjuring introduced the world to the ordeals that were faced by the Perron family. As terrifying as the movie was, it’s even more incredible when you realize that the film was based on true events. The horrors faced by the Perron family and the Warrens were unimaginable and have left an ever lasting mark.

The Perrons and The Conjuring

In late 1970 Roger and Carolyn Perron purchased what is now the Old Brook Farm (No Trespassing Allowed) and moved in with their five daughters. While they understood that the home was historic, they knew little about the lives (and deaths) of those who previously lived in the home. This included Mrs. John Arnold, a previous resident, who hanged herself at a different home, and a woman by the name of Bathsheba Sherman who was believed to be a witch. More on her later. On they day they arrived they met the former tenant outside who told the family to, “leave the lights on (at night).” At the same time that day some of the girls claimed to have seen an apparition of a middle aged man in the window of the home.

It is believed that many people died on the property which for a stretch of time went by the name The Arnold Estate. This of course was because the Arnold family lived and bred on the 200 acre property. Over the years it is believed that family members died from illness, poison, old age and natural elements, all common to the time. On of these deaths included the owner Edwin Arnold who froze to death when walking home one evening. Many of these spirits stayed behind to haunt and befriend the Perrons.

Warrens Arrive

Over a span of four years the Perrons peacefully lived in the home, experiencing little to moderate poltergeist activity. This was mostly benign activity and consisted of some friendly spirits who flickered lights or moved some items. The only dangerous spirit lay in the basement where Mr. Perron was approached by an evil/dark presence. Over time this spirit allegedly became more physical; attacking family members and targeting the mother. The family called upon the Warrens who over the next few years performed seances, historical checks, and paranormal investigations. Sadly the investigations seemed to increase the activity and in 1980 the family raised the funds to move from the home. Contrary to the movie, no successful exorcism was performed.

The Warrens and Perrons concluded through the investigations that the evil demonic spirit was that of Bathsheba Sherman, a previous resident of the town. Bathsheba was a real person and was born in 1812 under the name Bathsheba Thayer. Eventually she married Judson Sherman, changed her name and moved to an farm just south of the Arnold Estate (see below). She had four children, three of whom died very young. Her other remaining son went on to live a normal life. Here is where the conflicting stories appear. In Andrea Perrons book, House of Darkness: House of Light, she concludes that Bathsheba was accused of murdering a young child who was killed with a sewing needle. The book then goes on to state that Bathsheba was assumed to be practicing witchcraft and was shunned by the town. In reality, Bathsheba was never accused of any type of murder or witchcraft and lived a long life before being killed via a stroke in 1885. She is buried in a local cemetery whose address can be found above.

Old Arnold and Sherman Estates (lower right section of map)

Haunting’s of a Nearby Estate

While looking through the Nation Register of historical places, I came across a local book, Burrillville: As It Was, As It Is by Horace Keach (1856). In this book, Keach writes about a nearby property who dealt with more haunting’s and death than the Arnold Estate. Keach writes,

“Not far from the center of the town, is a house, fast crumbling down, which has long been known as the above title (“Old Paul Place”). It was originally the residence of an ancient family of Ballous, a common name in this town. A little to the east of the old castle are four graves where they were buried.

It was afterward occupied by Paul Smith. The old man met with many misfortunes which gives the place a romantic interest. His wife was insane for many years. She was confined in a lonely room, and with none of the appliances with which modern science and philanthropy soothe and improve the stricken mind, she sank into hopeless idiocy. One of the sons, an athletic young man, was engaged in a foot race in Slatersville, when he burst a blood-vessel and died in a short time.

Several families have resided there since Paul Smith died, but the edifice is at present forsaken, the moss-grown roof has partly fallen, the massive chimney is breaking down, and the wild wind shrieks through the crazy fabric like the pitiful wail of its ruined mistress. The forest is growing up all around it, and timersome * do not like to frequent the place after nightfall. The raven croaks hoarsely from the open gable, and the twilight bat flits undisturbed through the forsaken and desolate apartments.”

---"Burrillville: As It Was, As It Is" (Horace Keach, 1856)

Are the ghosts and hauntings described in the above the basis for the modern legend that exists today?

The Old Brook Estate Today

The current owners of the Old Brook Estate have confirmed that there has never been any paranormal activity at the home while they have resided there. They also request that nobody trespass upon the estate which is private property. Rather you can visit the grave of Bathsheba, the misunderstood woman whose life story has been misinterpreted. While no current paranormal activity occurs, that doesn’t mean that an evil presence didn’t exist with the Perrons. Who was that demon who inflicted so much pain on the family, and what did they truly want with them?

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.ike myself

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3 years ago
Kent Spottswood

Scare Score

Tiny correction. Judson and Bathsheba Sherman lived east of the Arnold house, other side of the brook. You show the 1895 map here and may be referring to the former Esten place between the Arnold house and the schoolhouse. That’s where Judson and Bathsheba’s son, Herbert, lived and held at least one big oyster party.
Also, addressing Jesse’s comment above, if any place is haunted, it’s the border towns around the intersection of Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts. You could feel the mystery in the air driving around the area before all the new houses were built. Unfortunately, one place that was NEVER haunted was the Arnold house. And so my Scare Score is but a single star.
6 years ago
1. Kent
  
  But a fine job of covering the story here. My compliments to the writer.
  6 years ago
Jesse

Scare Score

While Bathsheba was proven innocent, i still believe the area of “Round Top” is still haunted and holds many spirits due to it’s long history. The child deaths, incidents, and more lay way to multiple lost spirits who can haunt anyone who lives in the area.
7 years ago

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Haunted Places, Legends and Ghosts

The Conjuring – Witches Grave : Harrisville, RI

The Conjuring – Witches Grave : Harrisville, RI

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