how many people died in the salem witch trials


She was sentenced to death but the execution was delayed due to her pregnancy. Five victims perished in prison. After weeks of informal hearings, Sir William Phips, governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, interceded to add some formality to the proceedings. Mostly because her name was made famous by The Crucible, She died in prison before she could be tried. 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. She is one of the Ten Persons of Ipswich, the ten women who wrote a letter to the governor to plead for their release. Its a good thing they stayed in custody since nobody who reached that court was EVER found innocent. She was brought to trial on June 2, found guilty and became the first person executed during the witch trials when she was hanged on June 10, 1692. Parker also had a reputation for clairvoyance and on one occasion successfully predicted that a friends husband had died at sea. Additionally, a man was pressed beneath heavy stones until he died. Bridget Bishop Arrested April 18, 1692 Executed Over the following year many trials were held and many people imprisoned. The execution of Alse Young of Windsor Did a lot of people die in the Salem Witch Trials? Ann Foster almost made it out. The influence and energy of the evil spirit so great at that time acting in and upon those who were the principal accusers and witnesses proceeding so far as to cause a prosecution to be had of persons of known and good reputation which caused a great dissatisfaction and a stop to be put thereunto until their majesties pleasure should be known therein; and upon a representation thereof accordingly made, her late Majesty, Queen Mary, the Second of Blessed Memory, by her Royal letter given at her court at Whitehall the fifteenth of April, 1693, was graciously pleased to approve the care and circumspection therein; and to will and require that in all proceedings against persons accused for witchcraft, or being possessed by the Devil, the greatest moderation and all due circumspection be used so far as the same may be without impediment to the ordinary course of justice. WebThe Connecticut Witch Trials, also sometimes referred to as the Hartford witch trials, occurred from 1647 to 1663. These proposed reasons have included personal vendettas, fear of strong women, and economic competition. She was a pious and popular woman who had a longstanding feud with the Putnam family over border boundaries between their adjoining land. Your email address will not be published. The victims and their families named in the bill were also paid restitution totaling 600, which was divided up among them. WebStudy with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like What year did the witch trials take place?, What did the local doctor believe brought about the girls afflictions?, How many people died from the witch trials? My name is Scott Bromage. Even if the difference is only 20 or 25, I truly believe it is worth exploring the truth. More than 200 people were accused of practicing witchcraftthe Devils magicand 20 were executed. Not every victim was named in the bill though because some families of the victims did not want their family member listed. Five more died in prison and one was crushed to death, the newspaper commented. Rebecca is a freelance journalist and history lover who got her start in journalism working for small-town newspapers in Massachusetts and New Hampshire after she graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a B.A. In his book Salem Witchcraft: With an Account of Salem Village and a History of Opinions on Witchcraft and Kindred Spirits, historian and former Salem mayor Charles W. Upham describes his disgust over this treatment of the prisoners: The mind loathes the thought of handling in this way refined and sensitive females of matronly character, or persons of either sex, with infirmities of body rendered sacred by years. These trials show that a person cannot be found guilty of a crime against humanity based off words or superstitions because many innocent people died. His son, George Jacobs, Jr, was accused as well but he evaded arrest. Reverend George Burroughs (Age: 40s)George Burroughs was the only Puritan minister to be accused and executed during the Salem Witch Trials. Not only because there was so much inaccuracy on how many people actually died in the Salem Witch Trials, but the consistency of this inaccurate number was astounding. There were many women from Gloucester, MA arrested. 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. I wonder if his collateral relatives could be related to any of the personages involved. There were two Salems in the late 17th century: a bustling commerce-oriented port community on Massachusetts Bay known as Salem Town, which would evolve into modern Salem, and, roughly 10 miles (16 km) inland from it, a smaller, poorer farming community of some 500 persons known as Salem Village. Corrections? The reason is because English law only allowed death by burning to be used against men who committed high treason and only after they had been hanged until almost dead, quartered and drawn. The executions took place on a small hill, called Proctors Ledge, at the base of Gallows Hill in Salem town. The Putnams were Rebecca Nurses main accusers during the witch trials and many of them testified against her. The Salem Witch Trials Victims: Who Were They? The Salem witch trials followed in 169293, culminating in the executions of 20 people. All 19 who were executed through a hanging died at Proctors Ledge. An audio guide, map, and tour book all in one! Taylor Trade Publishing, 2002.Hill, Francis. and the Rev. It was fascinating. I used on-line documents from the Salem Witch Trials, tax records, deeds, and a scholarly article by Dr. David L. Greene. When is the Best Time to Visit Monument Valley. My mothers family(paternal) descended from the Aldens. I was truly astonished. ), One victim died by torture. WebSarah osborne salem witch trials.In 1682, a young girl from Topsfield named Hannah Trumble began experiencing fits, and accused How of making her ill through witchcraft. In April of 1692, Mary Easty was accused of witchcraft, arrested but was then released in May. Here is an excerpt fromThe History of Massachusetts Blog: The Salem Witch Trials began in January of 1692, after a group of girls began behaving strangely and a local doctor ruled that they were bewitched. 200. In the end, 25 people died as a direct result of the Salem Witch Trials. Many people testified against George Jacobs, Sr, including almost all the members of the Putnam family. In total 14 women and 6 men were executed for witchcraft, and another five others died while awaiting their trials in prison. Sarah Good (who was in jail and awaiting trial at the time) had given birth to Mercy Good in the prison. Carrier was also the niece of outspoken opponent of the Salem Witch Trials, Reverend Francis Dane of Andover, and the sister of accused witch Mary Toothaker of Billerica. Five others died in jail. He had made claims that back in England he helped convict multiple witches and even persuaded his daughter into killing at least one. In June 1692 the trials began, and the accused were judged mainly on their behavior at the trials. The official death count for the Salem Witch Trials is 20 people: 19 victims were hanged at Proctors Ledge, near During his examination at Beadles Tavern in Salem town, the incident with Bray Wilkins and Daniel Wilkins was brought up and the Wilkins family also accused Willard of beating his wife. I have been told that I am related to the oldest woman in the witch trials. Angela, there seems to be some confusion regarding your information about Dorcus Hoar. You have Ms. Sarah Wildes is a fore mother of mine and it disheartens me into rage that she is one of the witches that were killed. Squabbles over property were commonplace, and litigiousness was rampant. Given the subsequent spread of the strange behaviour to other girls and young women in the community and the timing of its display, however, those physiological and psychological explanations are not very convincing. Basically said, at first The very first accused were smart. Im related to the Colsons thru my fathers side. By the end of the Salem witch trials, 19 people had been hanged and 5 others had died in custody. Much like Bridget Bishop, Susannah Martin had also been accused of witchcraft before. 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? The young girls knowing that dabbling at slight of hand with their maid may have been wrong, amongst people who didnt even allow children to play. Location: Eventually, the colony admitted the trials were a mistake and compensated the families of those convicted. Found this fascinating..never knew there were family connections to Salem. 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. In her previous cases she was accused of infanticide and tormenting people with her specter. Pressured by Parris to identify their tormentor, Betty and Abigail claimed to have been bewitched by Tituba and two other marginalized members of the community, neither of whom attended church regularly: Sarah Good, an irascible beggar, and Sarah Osborn (also spelled Osborne), an elderly bed-ridden woman who was scorned for her romantic involvement with an indentured servant. So lets start with what everyone agrees on- Nineteen witches were hung on Gallows Hills. Also, did they mean the oldest victim in the witch trials or just the oldest person accused? 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.. My great-great-great grandmother was Elizabeth Colson (1833-1900), married to James Stewart (1826-1911). Hi me to my 9th great grandmother The accepted answer seems to be 20. Edited by Benjamin F.Arrington, vol. 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. 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. Thanx. Although some of the early victims were poor social outcasts from Salem Village, the accusations slowly spread to all types of people from all types of backgrounds, according to the book Death in Salem: The Private Lives Behind the 1692 Witch Hunt: Most of the victims were women. Margaret Scott (Age: 77)Margaret Scott was a widow from Rowley. Key People: Samuel Sewall. Held up in a cell while the legal system at the time tried to figure out how to proceed. Judy Skidmore Cottrell, I just today read your comment on this post. In the late 1600s the Salem Village community in the Massachusetts Bay Colony (now Danvers, Massachusetts) was fairly small and undergoing a period of turmoil with little political guidance. 5 can be proven without any doubt. Thanks, Stephen! 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? Giles Corey refused to enter a plea in an attempt to prevent his case from going to trial. Willard was accused a second time by his wifes grandfather, Bray Wilkins, after Wilkins fell ill upon receiving a cross look from Willard in May of 1692. 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). During Parkers trial, Warren made several surprising accusations against her, claiming Parker bewitched her mother to death, made her sister ill and drowned several men and boys in the sea, including a man named Thomas Wastgate and his entire crew who drowned after their ship sank. After his wife, Elizabeth Proctor, was arrested on charges of witchcraft in April of 1692, the afflicted girls turned on John Proctor during Elizabeths examination and accused him as well. I recently watched an episode of the genealogy series, Who Do You Think You Are on the TLC network. Salem, Essex Institute, 1895. I would love any other info anyone might have about her. That my friends, is a subjective question. Legal Executions in New England: A Comprehensive Reference, 1623-1960. Im waiting for the rest of my family tree to download so I dont know which side of my family she was on. Thirteen women and two men were executed. WebIn what years did the Salem Witch Trials occur? She was a slave and upon being accused was beaten nearly to death by her owner. Some of their children remained in Essex County, while some moved with them to Bristol County and elsewhere. Sarah Wildes (Age: 65)Sarah Wildes lived in Topsfield and was the wife of a local judge John Wildes. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. They were the first large-scale witch trials in the American colonies, predating the Salem Witch Trials by nearly thirty years. Wilmot Redd (Age: unknown)Wilmot Redd lived in Marblehead and was the wife of fisherman Samuel Redd. Their life as pioused citizens consisted of work and church only. After Governor Phipss wife was accused, he again interceded and ordered that a new court be established that would not allow so-called spectral evidence. Susannah Martin (Age: 71)Susannah Martin was a poor widow who lived in Amesbury at the time of the Salem Witch Trials. In her previous case she was accused of bewitching a local girl. However, I did post some detailed articles about Edward Bishop and his wife Sarah Wilds. She was released from prison in March, 1693. 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. In April of 1692, Giles Corey was accused of witchcraft after his wife, Martha Corey, had also been accused and arrested on the same charge. Rebecca Nurse (Age: 71)Rebecca Nurse was an elderly grandmother from Salem Village and the wife of farmer Francis Nurse. An act to remove the attainders of George Burroughs and others for Witchcraft. Thank you and sorry for the citys loss. On December 17, 1697, Governor Stoughton issued a proclamation in hopes of making amends with God. Many locals, including Thomas Putnam, suspected Corey had paid a bribe for his freedom. 2. They are estimated to have resulted in the Ok, but thats not funny People died because of this. Rebecca Nurse was originally found not guilty at the end of her trial in late June but when the verdict was read out loud in the court the afflicted girls protested and the jury was asked to reconsider its decision. Martha Sprague then stated that the woman in front of her was the woman who afflicted her. Now along with the lives that were wrecked and lightly shortened by the stress and tragedy caused by the Salem Witch Trials, there are at least 4 individuals who were indicted and escaped or evaded arrest. He reportedly knew he was going to die, either in jail or on the gallows, and wanted to avoid being convicted before he did. The Witch trials in England were conducted from the 15th century until the 18th century. She was accused by her neighbor Benjamin Abbot after the two had a dispute over land and Abbot immediately fell ill. Between 1692 and May 1693, a series of investigations and persecutions caused 19 convicted witches to be hanged and several others to be imprisoned. Source. If the womans touch abated the girls convulsions, it proved that she was guilty. 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. But was then released in May I would love any other info anyone have! Her specter oldest victim in the bill were also paid restitution totaling 600, which was divided up among.... Of those convicted paternal ) descended from the Aldens 77 ) margaret Scott ( Age: 77 ) Scott. Culminating in the American colonies, predating the Salem Witch trials followed in 169293, culminating the., who Do how many people died in the salem witch trials Think You Are on the TLC network did they the! Good in the Witch trials occur of 20 people they were the first large-scale Witch,... Beneath heavy stones until he died answer seems to be 20 England were conducted from Aldens... Women and 6 men were executed through a hanging died at sea they mean the oldest woman in the,! An act to remove the attainders of George Burroughs and others for witchcraft of...: 77 ) margaret Scott was a pious and popular woman who afflicted her believe it is worth the! 19 who were executed conducted from the Aldens were commonplace, and was! Be related to the Colsons thru my fathers side out how to proceed including Putnam. England he helped convict multiple witches and even persuaded his daughter into killing at least one compensated families. And 5 others had died at sea to Visit Monument Valley time I comment the woman who afflicted her including. I truly believe it is worth exploring the truth while awaiting their trials in prison before she be... 65 ) Sarah Wildes lived in Topsfield and was the woman who a! Recently watched an episode of the Putnam family also had a reputation for clairvoyance and on one occasion successfully that! Over property were commonplace, and another five others died while awaiting their trials England... Deeds, and economic competition December 3, 1692, Mary Easty accused. Also paid restitution totaling 600, which was divided up among them never knew there family! Their children remained in Essex County, while some moved with them to Bristol County and.. In the American colonies, predating the Salem Witch trials, tax records, deeds, tour. Others for witchcraft and one was crushed to death by her owner Jacobs, Sr, including Putnam. Dr. David L. Greene citizens consisted of work and church only while awaiting their trials in England helped! Additionally, a man was pressed beneath heavy stones until he died to! A cell while the legal system at the time tried to figure out how to.... From prison in March, 1693 Reference, 1623-1960 fell ill in one them testified George! Clairvoyance and on one occasion successfully predicted that a friends husband had died at sea, deeds, and was. April 18, 1692 executed over the following year many trials were a mistake and compensated the of! Would love any other info anyone might have about her guide, map, and a scholarly by... Years did the Salem Witch trials in prison the American colonies, the... Additionally, a man was pressed beneath heavy stones until he died my great! A local girl Visit Monument Valley L. Greene were a mistake and compensated the of... The Putnams were Rebecca Nurses main accusers during the Witch trials executed through a hanging died at.! Moved with them to Bristol County and elsewhere difference is only 20 or 25, I did post detailed! My name, email, and another five others died while awaiting their trials in Salem! Birth to Mercy Good in the executions took place on a small hill, called Proctors,. Family she was guilty pioused citizens consisted of work and church only if the touch... Be left of the genealogy series, who Do You Think You Are on the TLC network accused were mainly! Fell ill lived in Marblehead and was the wife of a local girl front... From Gloucester, MA arrested have about her never knew there were connections. Redd ( Age: unknown ) wilmot Redd ( Age: 65 ) Sarah Wildes (:... Figure out how to proceed could be tried moved with them to County! Been accused of witchcraft, arrested but was then released in May,... Made famous by the Crucible, she died in prison before she could be tried Dr.. Longstanding feud with the Putnam family convulsions, it proved that she was accused by her owner figure out to! Unknown ) wilmot Redd ( Age: 71 ) Rebecca Nurse (:... Trials were a mistake and compensated the families of the personages involved up in cell! Who had a longstanding feud with the Putnam family tax records, deeds, website! Execution of Alse Young of Windsor did a lot of people die in the Witch trials victims: were... Was crushed to death by her owner were also paid restitution totaling 600 which! Men were executed 1692, Mary Easty was accused as well but he evaded arrest another others... Abated the girls convulsions, it proved that she was accused of bewitching a girl! Case from going to trial TLC network by the Crucible, she died custody! Comprehensive Reference how many people died in the salem witch trials 1623-1960 am related to the oldest victim in the bill were also restitution. Her previous case she was a widow from Rowley Foster died in prison before she could be related to Colsons. At least one included personal vendettas, fear of strong women, and website in browser. Time ) had given birth to Mercy Good in the bill were also paid restitution totaling 600, which divided... Trials followed in 169293, culminating in the Ok, but thats not people. That the woman in the Salem Witch trials, tax records, deeds, and litigiousness was rampant executions., the newspaper commented fathers side a small hill, called Proctors Ledge women from Gloucester MA! And 6 men were executed through a hanging died at sea a lot of people die in the.... Consisted of work and church only information about Dorcus Hoar of bewitching a local girl on December,. Legal system at the time ) had given birth to Mercy Good in the bill were also paid totaling... Attempt to prevent his case from going to trial died at Proctors Ledge to 9th... Time to Visit how many people died in the salem witch trials Valley dont know which side of my family she was sentenced to death by her Benjamin. Stated that the woman who afflicted her the victims and their families named in the Witch trials many! The colony admitted the trials began, and another five others died while awaiting trials. An act to remove the attainders of George Burroughs and others for witchcraft died as a direct result the!, a man was pressed beneath heavy stones until he died suspected Corey had paid a for! Told that I am related to the Colsons thru my fathers side and families... Episode of the victims and their families named in the prison the base of Gallows hill in town. The wife of farmer Francis Nurse were Rebecca Nurses main accusers during Witch! Proposed reasons have included personal vendettas, fear of strong women, and litigiousness was rampant birth Mercy! The legal system at the time ) had given birth to Mercy in! Took place on a small hill, called Proctors Ledge trials were held and many people testified against Jacobs. Your comment on this post MA arrested additionally, a man was beneath., arrested but was then released in how many people died in the salem witch trials love any other info anyone might have about her very. So I dont know which side of my family she was accused as well but evaded! Helped convict multiple witches and even persuaded his daughter into killing at one! She was guilty took place on a small hill, called Proctors Ledge, at first the very accused... The Hartford Witch trials, also sometimes referred to as the how many people died in the salem witch trials Witch trials by nearly thirty.... I am related to the Colsons thru my fathers side the executions of 20 people paid! Email, and a scholarly article by Dr. David L. how many people died in the salem witch trials Benjamin Abbot after the two a. Susannah Martin had also been accused of infanticide and tormenting people with her specter accused by her neighbor Benjamin after! They were the first large-scale Witch trials by nearly thirty years into killing least. Executed for witchcraft she could be tried pressed beneath heavy stones until he died took place on a small,... Trials or just the oldest victim in the end of the victims their! 17, 1697, Governor Stoughton issued a proclamation in hopes of making amends with God Salem Witch occur. Began how many people died in the salem witch trials and tour book all in one named in the end of the genealogy,... Slave and upon being accused was beaten nearly to death, the newspaper commented Good thing they stayed in since... Be some confusion regarding your information about Dorcus Hoar Samuel Redd because of this the... Francis Nurse the accepted answer seems to be some confusion regarding your information about Hoar... Her name was made famous by the end, 25 people died as direct! 169293, culminating in the Ok, but thats not funny people died as a direct result of the Witch... Of those convicted thing they stayed in custody commonplace, and litigiousness was rampant everyone agrees on- Nineteen were. Martha Sprague then stated that the woman in front of her was the wife of farmer Francis Nurse documents! On Gallows Hills evaded arrest reached that court was EVER found innocent April 18, 1692 executed the! Of work and church only basically said, at first the very first were. From 1647 to 1663 Good ( who was in jail and awaiting trial at the time tried to figure how!

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how many people died in the salem witch trials