But in recent years, DNA analysis has helped scientists uncover the tale behind the "vampire's" remains.
An annotated image shows the placement of the "Connecticut vampire" skull and bones in the grave.
The "Connecticut vampire" likely died of tuberculosisFor decades, the "Connecticut vampire" was known only as "JB55," after the initial "JB" that had been carved into the brass tacks used to close the coffin.
A 3D-scan of Barber's skull was combined with DNA analysis to estimate John Barber's features, shown here in an artist's illustration.
Not everybody agrees, however, that this burial site qualifies as a bona fide "vampire" burial site.
Persons:
John Barber, —, Jolly Roger, I'd, Nick Bellantoni, he'd, Michael Ross, Daniels, Ellen Greytak, John Baker, Baker, It's, Parabon NanoLabs, John Barber's, Parabon, Barber's, sickles, Scott, Matteo Borrini
Organizations:
Service, Smithsonian, Smithsonian Magazine, Armed Forces DNA, Inc, Liverpool John Moores University
Locations:
Connecticut, Wall, Silicon, Griswold , Connecticut, Virginia, New England