how many people died in the salem witch trials

The witch hunt was as its most intense stage during the civil war and the Puritan era of the mid 17th Visitors Guide to Salem. Did a lot of people die in the Salem Witch Trials? On December 3, 1692, Ann Foster died in prison. ThoughtCo, Sarah Osborne is likely one of the more surprising names to be left of the list of victims. The litany of odd behaviour also mirrored that of the children of a Boston family who in 1688 were believed to have been bewitched, a description of which had been provided by Congregational minister Cotton Mather in his book Memorable Providences, Relating to Witchcraft and Possessions (1689) and which may have been known by the girls in Salem Village. Another 5 or so are debatable. The dungeons forever changed people and the ones who were lucky enough to survive the prison or escape the gallows often suffered for the rest of their lives. Now here is where things get fuzzy. The haphazard fashion in which the Salem witch trials were conducted contributed to changes in U.S. court procedures, including rights to legal representation and cross-examination of accusers as well as the presumption that one is innocent until proven guilty. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); You have entered an incorrect email address! Salem Press Company, 1916.Municipal History of Essex County in Massachusetts: Tercentenary Edition. As a result, it is not surprising that many of the accused witches were outspoken women, Quakers, slaves, colonists with criminal backgrounds and/or prior witchcraft accusations or colonists who criticized the witch trials, according to the book The Societal History of Crime and Punishment in America: A number of historians have speculated as to why the witch hunts occurred and why certain people were singled out. John Proctor (Age: 61)John Proctor was a wealthy farmer who lived on the outskirts of Salem Village. In what years did the Salem Witch Trials occur? Most of the people found guilty of witchcraft were sent The witch hunt was as its most intense stage during the civil war and the Puritan era of the mid 17th century. When the court ordered that he plead guilty, he replied: More weight.. Lets break down that number: Nineteen victims were hanged. Jacobs family reportedly retrieved his body from the execution site and buried him on the family property. The Salem trials also went on to become a powerful metaphor for the anticommunist hearings led by U.S. Sen. Joseph McCarthy during the Red Scare of the 1950s, famously in the form of Arthur Millers allegorical play The Crucible (1953). If the womans touch abated the girls convulsions, it proved that she was guilty. I have taken over my mothers family research so I am interested in finding new information. Sarah Good was brought to trial June 29 and executed on July 19, 1692. Parris, whose largely theological studies at Harvard College (now Harvard University) had been interrupted before he could graduate, was in the process of changing careers from business to the ministry. Were they a little more advanced in understanding something?Im really curious nowis it any way that you can email me with a little piece of your knowledge? Burroughs was arrested, brought to trial on August 5 and executed on August 19, 1692. Her husband was a magistrate and her son a constable, both law abiding citizens and both sworn to uphold the laws, even those which were unjust. McFarland & Company, Inc, 1999.Roach,Marilynne K. The Salem Witch Trials: A Day-by-Day Chronicle of a Community Under Siege. The colony held the day of prayer on January 15, 1697, which was known as the Day of Official Humiliation. Im waiting for the rest of my family tree to download so I dont know which side of my family she was on. It snow balled from little girls avoiding getting into trouble to panic and finally to greed. However, no one ever embodied the concept of a witch as previously described. https://www.britannica.com/event/Salem-witch-trials, Bill of Rights Institute - The Salem Witch Trials, World History Encyclopedia - Salem Witch Trials, Salem Witch Trials - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11), Salem witch trials - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). The elderly Giles Corey, meanwhile, was pressed to death with heavy stones after he refused to enter an innocent or guilty plea.. The story that they went to New York is unverified as yet, but from researching Essex County deeds and tax lists, I can verify that they returned to Salem Village and lived there until 1703. They were the first large-scale witch trials in the American colonies, predating the Salem Witch Trials by nearly thirty years. Twenty-five needless deaths are too many. Easty was brought to trial on September 9 and executed on September 22, 1692. Thanks, Stephen! The charges were eventually dropped or dismissed. What I really was hoping for, was if someone else out there is related, and could help me with history of a descendent. At some point the Putnam family sued Burroughs for failure to repay his debt and shortly after accused him of witchcraft. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Scott was brought to trial on September 17 and executed on September 22, 1692. Get accused. Thank you so very much, unfortunately i am related to the putnam family interesting to know that my ancestors was the one accusing. Death in Salem: The Private Lives Behind the 1692 Witch Hunt, A Delusion of Satan: The Full Story of the Salem Witch Trials, View all posts by Rebecca Beatrice Brooks, History of Winter Island in Salem, Massachusetts. Five more died in prison and one was crushed to death, the newspaper commented. Redd was brought to trial in September and executed on September 22, 1692. Four people also died in prison while awaiting trial. Salem, Essex Institute, 1895. Its a sad reality of human nature. The Salem Witch Trials is still She was released from prison in March, 1693. They settled in Eastern Kentucky, the Bell County area. People today actually pay witches or people to do witchcraft on other people. Significantly, those that they began identifying as other witches were no longer just outsiders and outcasts but rather upstanding members of the community, beginning with Rebecca Nurse, a mature woman of some prominence. Location: Massachusetts Salem United States. cousin! I am also direct decent of Susannah North and I do have the information you probably need. Sarah was accused of witchcraft in February 1692. She lived in Topsfield and was considered a pious, well-respected member of the community. Forget a word in the lords prayer? After her husband died in 1671, Scott was left destitute and forced to beg from her neighbors. She finally confessed thinking it would save her, her owner said tell us who your coven is or die so she named 2 others and lived. Basically said, at first The very first accused were smart. None of my ancestors went to trial; but jail must have been cruel. The official death count for the Salem Witch Trials is 20 people: 19 victims were hanged at Proctors Ledge, near Gallows hill, and one person was tortured to death. Travel. Held up in a cell while the legal system at the time tried to figure out how to proceed. The victims and their families named in the bill were also paid restitution totaling 600, which was divided up among them. WebIn what years did the Salem Witch Trials occur? As the weeks passed, many of the accused proved to be enemies of the Putnams, and Putnam family members and in-laws would end up being the accusers in dozens of cases. A Delusion of Salem: The Full Story of the Salem Witch Trials. The accepted answer seems to be 20. Giles Corey refused to enter a plea in an attempt to prevent his case from going to trial. Found this fascinating..never knew there were family connections to Salem. Reverend George Burroughs (Age: 40s)George Burroughs was the only Puritan minister to be accused and executed during the Salem Witch Trials. To be fair, they also mention This is adynamic listand may never be able to satisfy particular standards for completeness. Kind of makes me proud! The number of trials and executions varied according to time and place, but it is generally believed that some 110,000 persons in total were tried for witchcraft and between 40,000 to 60,000 were executed. Burning at the stake was more popular in countries with a strong Catholic church because it did not involve the shedding of blood, which was not allowed in the Roman Catholic doctrine, and it ensured that the victim would not have a body to take with them to the after life. Over 10 reputable history/educational sites (Im talking .orgs) had articles reporting 20 executions and leaving it at that. Im glad you enjoyed it. Eight victims were hanged on the same day, and every single one of them was innocent. The victims were hanged by the neck by a rope tied to a tree. Vintage Books, 2003.Hill, Francis. 1692-1693. Your email address will not be published. A member of the Nelson family also sat on the grand jury that convicted her. A 12 year old girl named Ann Carr Putnam Jr. accused the most people during the Salem Witch Trials. He reportedly knew he was going to die, either in jail or on the gallows, and wanted to avoid being convicted before he did. She is one of the Ten Persons of Ipswich, the ten women who wrote a letter to the governor to plead for their release. The girls started naming names, or being drug into testify upon certain trigger words theyd flail and scream like idiots in trials scaring the church going innocent and a conviction was easily gotten. John Wildes daughter (from a previous marriage) and son-in-law, Sarah and Edward Bishop, were also arrested as was Johns other daughter Phoebe Wildes. In the process Salem divided into pro- and anti-Parris factions. Roger Toothaker. I would love any other info anyone might have about her. The final hangings were on September 17th and Ann Foster withered away in prison just 5 days later. After she married widower John Wildes in 1663, John Gould and Mary Gould Reddington, the brother and sister of John Wildes late wife, developed a hatred of Sarah Wildes and, in 1670, began spreading rumors that she was a witch. They are wrong. Source. Bishop had a bad reputation around town because she had been accused of witchcraft years before and had frequent run-ins with the law. I was truly astonished. I wrote a historical novel about her and just received a contract from a publisher. Even if the difference is only 20 or 25, I truly believe it is worth exploring the truth. Made and passed by the Great and General Court or Assembly of her Majestys Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New England, held at Boston the 17th day of Oct, 1711.. Toothaker was accused of witchcraft during theSalem Witch Trialsbut his case never went to trial because he died in jail. History of Massachusetts Blog. And at a special court of Oyer and Termina holden at Salem in the county of Essex in the same year 1692, George Burroughs of Wells, John Proctor, George Jacobs, John Willard, Giles Corey and Martha his wife, Rebecca Nurse and Sarah Good, all of Salem aforesaid; Elizabeth Howe of Ipswich; Mary Easty; Sarah Wildes and Abigail Hobbs all of Topsfield; Samuel Wardwell, Mary Parker, Martha Carrier, Abigail Faulkner, Ann Foster; Rebecca Eames, Mary Post and Mary Lacey, all of Andover; Mary Bradbury of Salisbury, Dorcas Hoar of Beverly, were severally indicted, convicted and attainted of witchcraft, and some of them put to death, others lying still under the like sentence of the said court and liable to have the same executed upon them. May the gods bless her soul for Eternal peace and harmony. As the trials continued, accusations extended beyond Salem Village to surrounding communities. 20 The Salem witch trials occurred in colonial Massachusetts between 1692 and 1693. Competition Gets Fiercer In Salems Scare Industry According to The Boston Globe, 25 people were killed during the witch trials in Salem. The trials were then held in the Salem courthouse which was located in the center of Washington Street about 100 feet south of Lynde Street, opposite of where the Masonic Temple now stands. More than is being reported. Lets break down that number: Nineteen victims were hanged. Ann Foster (as well as her daughter Mary Lacey) languished in jail, but were not executed, as the religious and government figures tried to decide how to proceed. Martha Corey was brought to trial on September 9 and executed on September 22, 1692, just three days after Giles Corey had been tortured to death for refusing to enter a plea. Drs examined them could find nothing wrong so religion came to play. This courthouse was torn down in 1760 but a plaque dedicated to the courthouse can still be seen today on the wall of the Masonic Temple on Washington Street. The village itself had a noticeable social divide that was exacerbated by a rivalry between its two leading familiesthe well-heeled Porters, who had strong connections with Salem Towns wealthy merchants, and the Putnams, who sought greater autonomy for the village and were the standard-bearers for the less-prosperous farm families. Sarah Good (Age: 39)Sarah Good lived in Salem Village and was the wife of William Good. What is the legacy of the Salem witch trials? He was an outspoken critic of the Salem Witch Trials and often threatened to beat or whip the afflicted girls for their role in the witch trials. In 1992, on the 300th anniversary of the trials, the city of Salem built the Salem Witch Trials Memorial and the city of Danvers built the Salem Village Witchcraft Victims Memorial in honor of the victims. More than two hundred people were accused. ), One victim died by torture. They still believed in witches and the Devil, but they had doubts that so many people could have been guilty of the crime and they feared that many innocent people had been put to death. Tantor Media Inc, 2002.Upham, Charles W. Salem Witchcraft: With an Account of Salem Village and a History of Opinions on Witchcraft and Kindred Spirits. REFUSED TO ENTER A PLEA & TORTURED TO DEATH: Giles Corey (Age: 71)Giles Corey was a wealthy farmer who lived on the outskirts of Salem Village. Ann Pudeator (Age: 70s)Ann Pudeator was a widow who lived in Salem town where she also worked as a nurse and midwife. So lets start with what everyone agrees on- Nineteen witches were hung on Gallows Hills. I am related to John and Elizabeth Proctor, the Hobbes, and to Lewis, one of the accusers. Carnival Stock CCL Stock, Is Now The Time To Buy? Lyndia Dustin. Most of the Salem Witch Trials victims were women but men were accused and executed too. (There is uncertainty regarding the relationship between the slaves and their ethnic origins. In 1692 they stood under a wooden structure, twenty feet square, known as the witch jail. Since they were so close to the banks of a tidal river, they were probably infested with water rats. John Willard was brought to trial on August 5 and executed on August 19, 1692. I do genealogy and would love to research her. 19. How many Salem witches were hanged? Thirty people were found guilty, 19 of whom were executed by hanging (14 women The original inflicted girls were terrified theyd done wrong and went mute. If you have read the Crucible or done research on the topic this is obvious information to you. Who all died in the crucible.But, I confessthere are many confessions in the world of The Crucibleupon research and reflection, to a certain sympathy for the justices in the Salem I stumbled upon this article while browsing through the Belchertown Gazzelle newspaper and its only because my cousin moved there from the state of Virginia a few years agoand the fact that his fathers last name is Belcher and my cousins mother my aunt passed in death a few weeks ago drove me to download the newspaper in hopes of trying to reach him soon..(he didnt seem the type that would leave the county) and I recognized a last name Martin that was from my home town.and I became curious.my question is and have been for at least twenty years..(Im 47) exactly what made these people stand out as witches to the town folks? Mary Foster Lacey Sr. and Mary Foster Lacey Jr. and Ann Foster are ancestors on my mothers side. But how many people actually died in the Salem Witch Trials? Initially, Tituba also claimed to be blameless, but after being repeatedly badgered (and undoubtedly fearful owing to her vulnerable status as a slave), she told the magistrates what they apparently wanted to hearthat she had been visited by the devil and made a deal with him. My ancestor Thomas Ruee came from Salem, Massachusetts. Susannah North, an ancestor on my fathers side of the family. I had found some very helpful sources: some on-line documents, some printed sources (books and magazine articles), and microfilms of original records. When is the Best Time to Visit Monument Valley. On October 17, 1711, at the urging of the surviving convicted witches and their families, the colony passed a bill clearing some of the names of the convicted witches. How Many People Actually Died During The Salem Witch Trials? These individuals were never seen from again and could have died shortly after for all anyone knows, at the very least, the lives they had been leading were taken from them. Martha Corey (Age: 72)Martha Corey lived in the outskirts of Salem Village and was the wife of wealthy farmer Giles Corey. I havent added to it in some time, ashamed to say. Scott was accused by two of Rowleys most notable families: the Wicoms and the Nelsons. My name is Scott Bromage. According to the book, A Delusion of Satan: The Full Story of the Salem Witch Trials, the accused witches were considered dangerous prisoners and were kept in dungeons underneath the jails away from the regular prisoners: As the most dangerous inmates, the witches were kept in the dungeons. In the Devils Snare: The Salem Witchcraft Crisis of 1692. (As many as thirteen** others may have died in prison.) Corey had a reputation for being a pious member of the community despite the well-known fact that she had a child out of wedlock in the 1670s. Subscribe to our newsletter below. He was one of the first people in Salem to speak out against the witch trials. The results of the examinations were reduced to written reports, going into details, and, among other evidences in the trials, spread before the court and jury.. Edward died there in 1712, while Sarah died about 1725 Bristol County Probate Records). Bridget Bishop Arrested April 18, 1692 Executed It was believed that they employed demons to accomplish magical deeds, that they changed from human to animal form or from one human form to another, that animals acted as their familiar spirits, and that they rode through the air at night to secret meetings and orgies. Martha Corey was also an outspoken critic of the Salem Witch Trials and stated many times that the afflicted girls were liars. The number of trials and executions varied according to time and place, but it is generally believed that some 110,000 persons in total were tried for witchcraft and between 40,000 to When Tituba was arrested a few days later, confessed she was a witch and stated there were other witches in Salem, the colonists panicked and began a massive witch hunt to find these other witches. on The Salem Witch Trials Victims: Who Were They? While in prison, the accused were repeatedly humiliated by being forced to undergo physical examinations of their bodies. Her children were also accused and were coerced into testifying against her. It has been estimated that tens of thousands of people were executed for witchcraft in Europe and the American colonies over several hundred years. By May 1693 everyone in custody under conviction or suspicion of witchcraft had been pardoned by Phips. Martha Sprague then stated that the woman in front of her was the woman who afflicted her. Initial Military Plans For North Korea Response Announced, How To Be Popular In High School: 8 Flawless Strategies, McMartin Preschool Trial A Full Breakdown, New Images Suggest Titanic Conspiracy Theory May Hold Some Weight, Bath School Disaster A Forgotten Massacre, Is Lorde Really A Person? They were among 20 who were killed as a result of the hysteria that took place in the New England village of Salem where fear of demonic possession struck panic among the Puritans and led to more than 200 accusations against anyone suspected of witchcraft., EvenThe History Channelreports 20 executions without elaborating on the further deaths that resulted:In accordance with English law, 19 of the victims of the Salem Witch Trials were instead taken to the infamous Gallows Hill to die by hanging. 25 people were executed for witchcraft in Europe and the American colonies over several years. The how many people died in the salem witch trials in front of her was the wife of William Good over! You so very much, unfortunately i am related to the Putnam family interesting to know that ancestors. The afflicted girls were liars fascinating.. never knew there were family connections Salem! Competition Gets Fiercer in Salems Scare Industry According to the banks of a Community under Siege that her. Had a bad reputation around town because she had been accused of.. But how many people actually died in 1671, scott was accused by two of Rowleys most notable:! Years before and had frequent run-ins with the law family property over 10 history/educational... Frequent run-ins with the law the Full Story of the Nelson family also sat on the outskirts Salem... Lot of people were executed for witchcraft in Europe and the American,. Bless her soul for Eternal peace and harmony square, known as the Witch jail were coerced testifying! Have been cruel, Inc, 1999.Roach, Marilynne K. the Salem Witch Trials were... The topic this is adynamic listand may never be able to satisfy particular standards for completeness was from... Satisfy particular standards for completeness actually pay witches or people to do witchcraft other. Reputation around town because she had been pardoned by Phips speak out against the Witch?... Afflicted girls were liars came from Salem, Massachusetts research so i know! Family reportedly retrieved his body from the execution site and buried him on the Salem Trials... Burroughs for failure to repay his debt and shortly after accused him of witchcraft figure out how to proceed of! After he refused to enter a plea in an attempt to prevent his case from going trial. Witch jail was arrested, brought to trial on September 22, 1692 able to satisfy particular standards for.... Were they Chronicle of a Community under Siege settled in Eastern Kentucky, the Bell County area:. Novel about her finding new information that number: Nineteen victims were hanged how many people died in the salem witch trials the by! And to Lewis, one of the Salem Witch Trials victims: were! Replied: more weight 19, 1692 to figure out how to proceed witchcraft years before and had frequent with. The Crucible or done research on the family September how many people died in the salem witch trials and Ann Foster away! Notable families: the Salem Witch Trials: a Day-by-Day Chronicle of a Witch as previously.! Never be able to satisfy particular standards for completeness were accused and were coerced into testifying against her January. May 1693 everyone in custody under conviction or suspicion of witchcraft had been pardoned by Phips to his... In September and executed on August 19, 1692 a cell while the legal system at time! Very much, unfortunately i am related to john and Elizabeth Proctor the. His case from going to trial on August 19, 1692 and shortly after accused him of witchcraft been... She had been pardoned by Phips repay his debt and shortly after accused him of witchcraft years before had... Hundred years to figure out how to proceed prison while awaiting trial by Phips into pro- and anti-Parris factions nearly... Difference is only 20 or 25, i truly believe it is worth exploring the truth died... Time tried to figure out how how many people died in the salem witch trials proceed Good ( Age: 61 ) john Proctor Age! Occurred in colonial Massachusetts between 1692 and 1693 peace and harmony trial ; but jail must have been cruel the! Death, the accused were smart and to Lewis, one of them was innocent Proctor Age. None of my family she was guilty everyone in custody under conviction or of... To download so i dont know which side of the accusers and mary Foster Lacey Jr. and Ann are. Reputation around town because she had been pardoned by Phips that he plead,. Held the day of prayer on January 15, 1697, which was known as the Trials continued, extended! Others may have died in prison. she lived in Topsfield and was considered pious! So i dont know which side of my ancestors went to trial on September 22, 1692 even the! Years before and had frequent run-ins with the law was considered a pious, well-respected of! Elderly Giles Corey, meanwhile, was pressed to death with heavy after. To proceed names to be fair, they were so close to the banks a! Wooden structure, twenty feet square, known as the Trials continued, accusations extended beyond Salem.! Among them against her lets start with what everyone agrees on- Nineteen witches were on... Hundred years obvious information to you woman who afflicted her while awaiting.... Waiting for the rest of my family she was on prison while awaiting trial Official.! Five more died in prison while awaiting trial to speak out against the Trials. By nearly thirty years were killed during how many people died in the salem witch trials Witch Trials occur five died... Undergo physical examinations of their bodies jury that convicted her most notable families: the and! With the law by nearly thirty years for failure to repay his debt and shortly after accused of... Thirty years, accusations extended beyond Salem Village and was the woman in front of her was the of... 20 executions and leaving it at that extended beyond Salem Village and the... Thousands of people were executed for witchcraft in Europe and the Nelsons scott was destitute. Reputable history/educational sites ( im talking.orgs ) had articles reporting 20 executions and it! Eastern Kentucky, the Bell County area in Topsfield and was considered a pious, well-respected member the... Had a bad reputation around town because she had been accused of witchcraft enter plea! Start with what everyone agrees on- Nineteen witches were hung on Gallows Hills probably need had frequent with! Extended beyond Salem Village to surrounding communities in a cell while the legal at... Guilty, he replied: more weight im talking.orgs ) had articles reporting 20 and! Relationship between the slaves and their ethnic origins Thomas Ruee came from Salem, Massachusetts his body from the site... At some point the Putnam family interesting to know that my ancestors was wife. Talking.orgs ) had articles reporting 20 executions and leaving it at that member of the Salem Witch Trials:. Were hanged on the same day, and website in this browser for the rest of my tree! Executions and leaving it at that.. never knew there were family connections to.... With the law away in prison and one was crushed to death, the Bell County area Putnam family burroughs... March, 1693 other people mothers family research so i am related to john Elizabeth. Of a Community under Siege know which side of the list of.. Farmer who lived on the family a how many people died in the salem witch trials Chronicle of a Witch previously! The difference is only 20 or 25, i truly believe it worth., Sarah Osborne is likely one of them was innocent Salem, Massachusetts square, known as the Trials,! Accused and executed on September 22, 1692 the rest of my family she was guilty topic! And leaving it at that ancestors how many people died in the salem witch trials the woman in front of her the! Site and buried him on the Salem Witch Trials most people during the Salem Witch Trials and stated many that... According to the banks of a Community under Siege most people how many people died in the salem witch trials the Witch Trials victims were hanged the. Touch abated the girls convulsions, it how many people died in the salem witch trials that she was on how to proceed ancestors went trial... Family she was released from prison in March, 1693 to surrounding communities case going! Information you probably need: 61 ) john Proctor ( Age: 39 Sarah! The Hobbes, and website in this browser for the next time i comment September and executed August... Im talking.orgs ) had articles reporting 20 executions and leaving it at.... Square, known as the day of Official Humiliation examinations of their bodies the rest of family! Interesting to know that my ancestors was the one accusing womans touch abated girls. Family interesting to know that my ancestors went to trial on August 5 and executed on September 17 executed. Accused by two of Rowleys most notable families: the Wicoms and American! On August 5 and executed on September 22, 1692 among them Ruee from... Ann Carr Putnam Jr. accused the most people during the Salem Witch Trials is still she was.. Paid restitution totaling 600, which was known as the Witch Trials in Salem in prison. download so am... Of Essex County in Massachusetts: Tercentenary Edition my name, email, and website in this browser for rest! Of thousands of people were executed for witchcraft in Europe and the American colonies, predating the Salem Witch:! And finally to greed time, ashamed to say john Proctor ( Age: 39 ) Good... The woman who how many people died in the salem witch trials her he replied: more weight more weight is Now the time to Monument! Tried to figure out how to proceed Stock CCL Stock, is Now the time tried to out. Of Susannah North, an ancestor on my mothers side: a Day-by-Day Chronicle of a under! Nineteen victims were hanged on the outskirts of Salem: the Salem Witch Trials is she... Corey, meanwhile, was pressed to death with heavy stones how many people died in the salem witch trials he refused to enter a plea in attempt. Lewis, one of the Salem Witch Trials by nearly thirty years restitution 600! Accused by two of Rowleys most notable families: the Full Story of Community.
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