The Wedderburn Mansion is the scene of a ghost story that features prominently in Rhode Island ghost lore. The four storey mansion, described as having "white clapboards and green shutters at the windows" was built by Captain Japhet Wedderburn in the 1800's. Wedderburn was successful at sea and spent his fortune on this home. However, on returning from one voyage, he came back with someone.

He was accompanied home by a wife - Dona Mercedes Wedderburn, a native of Barbados who was described as "fragile as a doll" and dressed all in black. According to the account, Dona was terribly homesick. When Japhet returned to the sea, leaving his new wife alone with the servant, he condition worsened. To make matters worse, she did not speak English and was unable to communicate effectively with anyone. In her despair, she spent her days wandering the upstairs and pointing out to see. She was inconsoleable.

When the Captain did return without notice, he informed his servant that he was returning his wife home, as she was homesick. On a dark, stormy night, the Captain set sail and did not return for two years and when he did he was alone. He informed the curious that his wife wanted to stay in Barbados longer and that he would collect her on his next trip. However, his next journey would be his last. He died of a heart attack on the trip.

The house was then sold. The family that moved in soon reported sightings of a desperately sad lady in black wandering the upper floors. A succession of owners reported seeing the apparition pointing out of the windows and crying.

In 1925, the house was bought by a charity who undertook renovation work. As workmen lifting the flooring in front of the fireplace, they discovered a crude coffin. Upon opening it, the were shaken to see a small skeleton covered in the remnants of a black dress.

For a full account, we recommend reading Haunted America below.