I mean the whole cause was a wheat bacteria/fungi called ergot. The hysterical behaviour was an unconscious outlet for rebellion, a release valve for the pressure that the threat of eternal damnation put them under. The history (both good and bad) is something we should all know about. Thats where spectral evidence comes in, and it played a significant role in the Salem trials. Ultimately, eight women and two men were tried and found guilty of attending the gathering. Thank you so much for this! Hemmed in by the ocean to the east and by an untamed wilderness to the west, settlers were completely disconnected from both the mother country on the other side of the Atlantic and the remainder of the American continent. Rev Nicholas Noyes, one of the local clergymen who had vigorously pursued the prosecutions, was the particular focus of Sarah Goods anger: You are a liar. Find out what started the witch hunt of 1692. No ones really sure why the witch craze spread the way it did, but it brought lasting changes to the United States legal system and the way evidence and witnesses were treated. For years, Salem Village tried to separate itself politically from Salem Town. Does anyone know who was the last one to be accused of witchcraft and died , all she did was healing and someone who she knew turned her in. We cannot but, with all thankfulness, acknowledge the success which the merciful God has given unto the sedulous and assiduous endeavours of our honourable rulers, to detect the abominable witchcrafts which have been committed in the country, humbly praying, that the discovery of those mysterious and mischievous wickednesses may be perfected. This site helped a lot for me to understand the history of Salem. How were the 2 dogs killed during the salem witch trials? More than 200 people were accused of practicing witchcraft and 20 were killed during the hysteria. No one was burned at the stake in Salem, but nineteen people were hanged, and one was pressed to death under heavy stones. It's unlikely that anyone in Salem was actually practicing witchcraftmost of the community consisted of devout and pious Christians. Although she wasnt released, most people were confident she would be found not guilty and released. Even Sarah Goods four-year-old daughter Dorothy was arrested and interrogated by the magistrates. It has so many details that I need. Finally, many of the symptoms described by witnesses stopped and began again based on external circumstances, and that simply doesnt happen with physiological illness. Also I was curious to know what the specific compromise was. To complicate matters further, within Salem Village itself, there were two separate social groups. Ergot contains lysergic acid, a precursor for synthesis of LSD; certainly the visions of shape-shifting devils reported by the afflicted might be consistent with the experiences of an acid trip. The following are some facts about the Salem Witch Trials: If these individuals had never written these books or helped record the proceedings, we wouldnt know half of what we know about the witch trials. On March 1st, Tituba, Sarah Good and Sarah Osburn were arrested and examined. thanks, primary sources of the Salem Witch Trials, View all posts by Rebecca Beatrice Brooks, http://www.zazzle.com/salem_village_map_poster-228789587972988887?rf=238784808055391622, https://historyofmassachusetts.org/best-books-about-salem-witch-trials/. On September 22, eight people were hanged. He is recorded to have recited a prayer uttered with such composedness from many, so that it seemed to some that the spectators would hinder the execution. The Salem Witch Trials began in spring 1692 and lasted for seven months, during which more than 150 people where arrested, 19 were hanged and one was tortured to death. Ancestry is the easiest way. It went all the way back to the Salem Witch trials. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Im trying to get my family to visit there- Id even give up my beach trip for it! Those who lived nearer to Salem Town engaged in commerce and were seen as a bit more worldly. I wonder how many people ran away from The Salem Witch Trials. Since the accused witches were considered dangerous prisoners, they were kept in the dungeon and were chained to the walls because jail officials believed this would prevent their spirits from fleeing the jail and tormenting their victims. i would like to know more about the salem witch trials. Ergot is a fungus found in bread, and has the same effect as hallucinogenic drugs. During her trial, Bishop repeatedly defended herself, stating I am innocent, I know nothing of it, I have done no witchcraft . A fear-ridden society always finds scapegoats. The Salem witch trials of the late 17th century were a formative episode in America's early history, and have remained at the forefront of the national consciousness ever since. I think this was a great site and I also recommend the book the witches -salem, 1962 by stacey schiff. Europe, on the other hand, was super into dramatic flames. Curious to know the Publisher of this article. Although I just found it, it has helped me with what I needed on my Salem Witch Trials report for History. Judge Stoughton asked the jury to reconsider their verdict. Then they even do a greater injustice by not only torturing folks in prison but hanging 19 of them and then putting rocks on a 71 year old man until he died because he would not state he was guilty or innocent (some old English law if accused refused to make a plea). Salem witch trials, (June 1692-May 1693), in American history, a series of investigations and persecutions that caused 19 convicted "witches" to be hanged and many other suspects to be imprisoned in Salem Village in the Massachusetts Bay Colony (now Danvers, Massachusetts). Other evidence used in the trials included confessions of the accused, possession of certain items such as poppets, ointments or books on the occult, as well as the presence of an alleged witchs teat, which was a strange mole or blemish, on the accused persons body. At the center of the Salem witch trials were a core group of accusers, all girls and young women ranging in age from nine to 20, who screamed, writhed, barked and displayed other horrifying. Heinrich Kramer wrote a whole book on why witches should be all exterminated and how to do that. This court consisted of eight judges. "Essay IV Against modern Sadducism in the matter of Witches and Apparitions" in Essay on several important subjects in philosophy and religion, 2nd Ed, London; printed for John Baker and H. Mortlock, 1676, pp. Gareth Stevens Publishing, 2005Upham, Charles Wentworth. 126. I think in some forms that witches still exist in hidden arenas. Nige Tassell is a freelance journalist specialising in history, This content first appeared in the January 2016 issue of BBC History Revealed, Save up to 49% AND your choice of gift card worth 10* when you subscribe BBC History Magazine or BBC History Revealed PLUS! Salem witch trial started as feud between Porters n putnums cuz putnums felt Porters gave too much freedom to their black servants. They screamed, made unearthly sounds, suffered convulsions and violently threw objects, and themselves, around their homes. "Examination and Evidence of Some Accused Witches in Salem, 1692. Well, most of the people accused lived in the part of Salem Village that was full of businesses and shops. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. An elderly woman accused of witchcraft is taken to the courthouse by an officer of the law. More than 200 people were accused of practicing witchcraftthe devil's magic and 20 were executed . Thirteen womenand five men from all stations of life followed her to the gallows onthree successive hanging daysbefore the court was disbanded by Governor William Phipps in October of that year. From unbelievable witch swimming tests to th. Next: Spooky Places: 10 Destinations For Fans Of Witches. I find this to be very well put and want to read more. Rebecca Beatrice Brooks is the author and publisher of the History of Massachusetts Blog. Critics such as Proctor were quickly accused of witchcraft themselves, under the assumption that anyone who denied the existence of witches or defended the accused must be one of them, and were brought to trial. The Salem Village hangings were the last executions of accused witches in the United States. Some (incredibly mean) people devoted their time to making a science out of witchcraft. Mather saw the war against Satan as being just as important as the war against the French and the local Native American tribes. Its a common myth that the Salem Witch Trials victims were burned at the stake. As sleet and snow heaped higher outside their door, Betty Parris and her cousin Abigail began to twitch and twist their bodies into strange shapes, speaking in words that made no sense. King William's War (war in the America colonies against the French) ended with many people having to be relocated so there were many strangers moving into town. Tried and found guilty within the course of a single day, Bishop was hanged a week later on 10 June, the first execution of the trials. "Reproducing Witchcraft: Thou Shalt Not Suffer a Witch to Live". The Salem witch trials of the late 17th century were a formative episode in America's early history, and have remained at the forefront of the national consciousness ever since. They were soft, obvious targets for a mistrustful, God-fearing populace living along strictly defined lines. Seven more died in jail. In mid-January 1692, Elizabeth "Betty" Parris, the 9-year-old daughter of the local Reverend Samuel Parris, and. Giles Corey, the husband of Martha Corey, refused to enter a plea and was subjected to a particularly gruesome form of torture where the accused is crushed under heavy stones until they either respond or die a tactic known as peine forte et dure, (until he either answered or died). Do you have a version number for this site? Salem Witchcraft and Cotton Mather: A Reply. Learn all about the origin, history, and significance of the Salem witch trials. First, there are a number of ergot poisoning symptoms which were not reported by those who claimed to be afflicted by witchcraft. Court of Oyer and Terminer Judges:Jonathan CorwinBartholomew GedneyJohn HathorneJohn RichardsWilliam Stoughton, Chief MagistrateSamuel SewallNathaniel SaltonstallPeter SergeantWaitstill Winthrop, The number of people accused and arrested in May surged to over 30 people:Sarah DustinAnn SearsArthur AbbottBethiah Carter SrBethiah Carter JrMary WitheridgeGeorge Jacobs SrMargaret JacobsRebecca JacobsJohn WillardAlice ParkerAnn PudeatorAbigail SoamesSarah BuckelyElizabeth ColsonElizabeth HartThomas Farrar SrRoger ToothakerMary ToothakerMargaret ToothakerSarah ProctorMary DeRichSarah BassettSusannah RootsElizabeth CarySarah PeaseMartha CarrierElizabeth FosdickWilmot ReddElizabeth HoweSarah RiceJohn Alden JrWilliam ProctorJohn Flood. Of those arrested, the majority were women (85%) and only a handful were men (15%). The afflicted state of our poor neighbours, that are now suffering by molestations from the invisible world, we apprehend so deplorable, that we think their condition calls for the utmost help of all persons in their several capacities. Acts and Resolves, Public and Private, of the Province of Massachusetts Bay, vol. In Germany alone, thousands of women died horrible deaths. I think that maybe they thought they were bewitched. Thank you for making this blog post! Bridget was accused by five of the afflicted girls, Abigail Williams, Ann Putnam Jr., Mercy Lewis, Mary Walcott and Elizabeth Hubbard, who stated she had physically hurt them and tried to make them sign a pact with the devil. For everyone who remains intrigued by Salem, here are a few lesser-known facts about the witchcraft trials. Even poor animals were not safe and they could actually get accused and executed as well. Im doing the Salem witch trials for my A-Level coursework, does anyone know the full names of any historians that have spoken about this topic? If there is anyone has found anymore supporting theories please share. There are many theories that explain why the witch trials began in Medieval Europe. Thirty people were found guilty, 19 of whom were executed by hanging (14 women and five men). Also, In 17th century Massachusetts, people often feared that the Devil was constantly trying to find ways to infiltrate and destroy Christians and their communities. A prolific pamphleteer railing against the spread of witchcraft (or molestations from the invisible world), Mather was nonetheless keen for due diligence to occur inside the courtroom. She was released from jail shortly after the hangings began, and was never tried or convicted. However, the subtlety of the ministers response was largely sidelined by the grand jury, who drew their energy from one particular concluding line from Mather: we cannot but humbly recommend unto the government, the speedy and vigorous prosecution of such as have rendered themselves obnoxious. In possession of such a mandate, the trials moved up a gear. Salem was ruled by English law at the time, which only allowed death by burning to be used against men who committed high treason and only after they had been hanged, quartered and drawn. In 1688, New England revolted and deposed the government of the Dominion of New England, and sent a representative back to London to report it, only to find that Parliament had deposed James II, and replaced him with William and Mary. Bernard Rosenthal, "Medievalism and the Salem Witch Trials," in: Protests against early modern witch trials, Learn how and when to remove this template message, Cultural depictions of the Salem witch trials, Medical and psychological explanations of bewitchment, List of wrongful convictions in the United States, "Six Victims of 1692 Salem Witch Trials "Cleared" by Massachusetts", "Massachusetts Clears 5 From Salem Witch Trials", "Salem may pardon accused witches of 1692", "On 325th anniversary, city dedicates Proctor's Ledge memorial to Salem Witch Trials victims", "Memorable Providence, Relating to Witchcraft and Possessions", "Examination of Dorothy Good, As Told by Deodat Lawson", "Religiosity and the political economy of the Salem witch trials", Virginia.edu Salem witch trials (archives), "Massachusetts Archives: Superior Court of Judicature Witchcraft Trials (JanuaryMay 1693), Cases Heard". During the trial, Tituba confessed to having seen the devil and also stated that there was a coven, or group, of witches in the Salem Village area. Hi Indigo, Im assuming you mean eyewitness accounts. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Then say they were wrong. This helped with my English assignment! Thank for the site it is so helpful for my project! He knew the clergy did not fully approve of the witch hunts. In April, more women were accused, as well as a number of men:Sarah CloyceElizabeth ProctorJohn ProctorGiles CoreyAbigail HobbsDeliverance HobbsWilliam HobbsMary WarrenBridget BishopSarah WildesNehemiah Abbott Jr.Mary EastyEdward BishopSarah BishopMary EnglishPhillip EnglishReverend George BurroughsLydia DustinSusannah MartinDorcas HoarSarah Morey. Hi RebeccaI saw that you have a lot of knowledge about Mary EastyI was told this year at a funeral that I am a direct decendent of hersI live in Salem and My Grandfather was name William Esteydo you by any chance have any history of the family tree? The Encyclopedia of Witchcraft and Demonology. 14 (in the history 201 course-pack compiled by S. McSheffrey & T. McCormick), Trans. Corbis/VCG via Getty Images / Getty Images. I am as innocent as the child unborn. In effect, theSalem Witch Trialswere over. A large brick building now stands on this spot with a memorial plaque dedicated to the old jail. Its entirely possible that much of the blame placed upon Tituba during the trials was based on her racial and social class. In mid-September, a further group went to the gallows Eight Firebrands of Hell in the words of Rev Noyes. The Salem Witch Trials: Facts & History. The Salem Witch Trials: Facts & History. Seemed like there was alot of hate towards one another just for being different. Even when the court ordered further executions, Phips wisely issued pardons to those convicted. Heavy stones were loaded onto the board and the weight was gradually increased until the prison either entered a plea or died. The exact cause of the Salem Witch Trials is unknown but they were probably a number of causes. Meanwhile, those who lived further away clung to their rigid Puritan values. I thought witchcraft only existed in Africa. One of the most popular theories as to what could have caused the mass hysteria of Salem is that of ergot poisoning, but recent scholars have questioned this idea. We know not whether some remarkable affronts given to the Devils by our disbelieving those testimonies whose whole force and strength is from them alone, may not put a period unto the progress of the dreadful calamity begun upon us, in the accusations of so many persons, whereof some, we hope, are yet clear from the great transgression laid unto their charge. As a travel enthusiast, she makes sure she visits at least two new destinations each year and loves to share her knowledge with the readers of TheTravel. At the same time, the accused would be denied legal representation. One of them was shot but I dont know how the other one died. They all died on the same day so its hard to pinpoint who you are talking about. Maybe it's the influence of pop culture or maybe it's because it's theatrical, but a lot of people assume that witches were burned at the stake. Did you know they executed 2 dogs?! Witchcraft had been made illegal during Henry VIIIs reign, with subsequent legislation passed under Elizabeth I further outlawing conjurations and enchantments. We also have kept good records of everything. A secondary source would be a book, journal or article written long after the event by someone who didnt experience it first hand. Which brings us to. More significant were admissions of attending a witches meeting on Pendle Hill. Went to the library to look for my family history but came across my friends families name. The doctor was unable to find anything physically wrong with them and suggested they may be bewitched. You never know what you will find when you start researching your family tree! The people had been so determined upon hunting out and destroying witches that they had neglected everything else. In May, as the number of cases grew, Governor William Phips set up a special court, known as the Court of Oyer and Terminer (which translate to hear and determine) to hear the cases. Hi Sarah, 82 (Boston: Wright and Potter, 1902), pp. I read a paper several years ago that attributed much of the Salem Witch Trials to classism and arguments over land and land rights several years ago, but cant seem to remember its authors or publisher. Planting, cultivating, the care of houses, barns, roads, fences, were all forgotten. This belief in the power of the accused to use their invisible shapes or spectres to torture their victims had sealed the fates of those tried by the Court of Oyer and Terminer. A large proportion of the case against Bishop also focused on her lifestyle, especially her rumoured promiscuity and un-Puritan ways. She was hanged on June 10, 1692 at a place now called Proctors Ledge, which is a small hill near Gallows Hill, making her the first official victim of the witch trials. 9, 17181718, Chap. There were complex political, religious, and racial issues under the crisis. Note: it is expensive. Alden spent 15 weeks in jail before friends helped break him out and he escaped to New York. Within minutes theyre led, hoods drawn over their heads, towards a rudimentary set of gallows, and their imminent executions. Samuel Parris of Salem Village. Due to overcrowding in the jails, the accused witches were kept in multiple jails in Salem town, Ipswich and Boston. These three women were social outcasts and easy targets for the accusation of witchcraft. The Salem witch trials were a series of hearings and prosecutions of people accused of witchcraft in colonial Massachusetts between February 1692 and May 1693. Porters never forgot about this n intermarried with many of the families afterwards. Ever since those dark days ended, the trials have become synonymous with mass hysteria and scapegoating. Hoffer, Peter Charles. Those who were found guilty were pardoned by Governor Phips. Proctor told them about the torture inflicted on the accused and asked that the trials be moved to Boston where he felt he would get a fair trial. Is there any credence to this theory? This site is not a part of the Smithsonian website. Salem Village was populated mostly by poor farmers, and Salem Town was a prosperous port full of middle-class and wealthy merchants. These five women Sarah Good, Elizabeth Howe, Susannah Martin, Rebecca Nurse and Sarah Wildes were the among the first to be tried and found guilty of witchcraft during a bleak nine-month period of New England history simply recalled as the Salem Witch Trials. Although the infamous persecution of witches . No one cared about minorities or "loners" anyway. Since some families of the victims did not want their family member listed, not every victim was named. According to USLegal.com, Spectral evidence refers to a witness testimony that the accused person's spirit or spectral shape appeared to him/her witness in a dream at the time the accused person's physical body was at another location. An illustration shows a quiet street in the center of Salem, Massachusetts. Random House, 1956Fowler, Samuel Page. Witch hunts I need to make a bibliography for my English report. However, in the more than three centuries since then, the historical waters have gotten a bit muddied, and many modern Pagans find themselves sympathetic towards Salems accused. Being burned at the stake was an occasionally used method of execution in Europe, when one was convicted of witchcraft, but was generally reserved for those who refused to repent of their sins. If you are looking for more info on the victims themselves, you can check out the article I wrote specifically about them titled The Salem Witch Trials Victims: Who Were They? The Salem Witch Trials began in spring 1692 and lasted for seven months, during which more than 150 people where arrested, 19 were hanged and one was tortured to death. On December 17, 1697, Governor Stoughton issued a proclamation in hopes of making amends with God. They accused other townspeople of torturing them, and a few of the so-called witches on trial even named others as witches. Her son Richard is one of my 8th great grandfathers and I keep waiting for a DNA match to pop up with one of his other descendants. I am totally shocked to be related in this way. Get ready to pull out your history books as we bring you the most DISTURBING facts about the Salem Witch Trials. Montague Summer. Nige Tassell explains how hysteria in the village of Salem, Massachusets, gave rise to a horror that bedazzled the world. Dr Griggs was a relative through my grandmother. In August of 1992, on the 300th anniversary of the trials, the Salem Witch Trials Memorial was unveiled and dedicated by Nobel Laureate Eli Wiesel. Shortly after Sir William Phips appointment as Governor, he was forced to establish a court to deal with those who had been locked up in jail and were awaiting trial. The theory first came to prominence in the 1970s, when Linnda R. Caporael wrote Ergotism: The Satan Loosed in Salem? Proctors entire family was accused, including all of his children, his pregnant wife Elizabeth, and sister-in-law. "5 Facts About the Salem Trials." A Brief History of the Salem Witch Trials. Smithsonian Magazine, Smithsonian Institute, 23 Oct. 2007, www.smithsonianmag.com/history/a-brief-history-of-the-salem-witch-trials-175162489/. Many of the accusers were adults and more than a few of them were people who had themselves been accused. Most of the eyewitness accounts can be found in the court records and the books written by the ministers involved in the trials. Here are some of our favorite Salem attractions: Salem Witch Museum Your first stop should be the Salem Witch Museum. Some of these women were actually witches, though they were entirely innocent of the crimes of which they were convicted. As a devout and strongly religious community living in near isolation in the mysterious New World, the community of Salem had a heightened sense of fear of the Devil and, as a result, it didnt take much to convince the villagers that there was evil among them. They were said to have helped witches and were referred to as their familiars. Very well done! While Salem has, in the English-speaking world at least, become the byword for witch-hunts, a very similar episode occurred in Lancashire in 1612, some 80 years before the panic in New England the case of the Pendle Hill witches.

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