Blood Cemetery

Blood Cemetery - Pine Hill Cemetery in Hollis, New Hampshire has locals to thank for its nickname. “Blood Cemetery” doesn't derive from bleeding trees or tombstones. It comes from one resident family buried there. Many believe its haunted by a man named Abel Blood. He was buried there in 1867. Several members of his family including his wife Betsy are there as well. But why does Abel Blood supposedly haunt the cemetery?

One rumor states he was connected to the occult. However, those who have researched his story has turned up nothing tying him to the occult. In fact, it relieved he led a very law-abiding, Christian life. Another rumor has his entire family being murdered. Again, research ruled that explanation out. No two members of the Blood family were murdered much less an entire group. They all died different times, places, of natural causes and otherwise. Many of those who have investigated the cemetery don’t even believe Abel Blood is the one who is haunting the area. So, why does his name keep popping up in this legend?

It has to do with his grave marker. Etched in to the stone is an enclosed hand with a single finger pointing towards the heavens. They say at night, when the ghosts come out to play, the finger is seen pointed down towards the ground. There may be a reasonable explanation for such reports but we may never know what it is because the image has since been chipped off the headstone.

Perhaps the answer lies in the land itself. Benjamin Parker Jr. donated the land in 1769. He had to sell his farm and the area needed a place where the dead could rest in peace. Now, nearly three hundred people has been buried in this cemetery. Several grave markers have not survived and succumbed to weatherization. The graves now stand bare. Could this be why it’s haunted?

Maybe it’s a boy who has all the answers. Supposedly, a young boy haunts the Pine Hill Road next to the cemetery. The story associated with his death states he and his whole family were murdered in the 1800s (could some people be mixing this story with that of Abel Blood’s?). It’s believed they were murdered in their home, which was once located near this road. Then buried in the cemetery. Witnesses claimed to have seen the boy attempting to flag down vehicles. Once someone stops to assist him, the child vanishes.

No matter what the cause of this haunting may be, visitors have reported seeing shadows, orbs, strange sounds, tapping, strange anomalies in photographs and trees moving when there is no wind.

If you decide to pay the Blood family a visit, don’t go after dark. The cemetery is officially closed between dusk and dawn. The police heavily patrol the area, especially around Halloween. You’ll likely get arrested and prosecuted for trespassing.