Burned at the Stake as a Witch 1537 Janet Douglas Lyon Campbell Lady Glimas

 

Janet Douglas Lady Glimas (c 1504-1537)

Burned at the Stake as a Witch Edinburgh Castle, Scottland 1537

On 17th July 1537, Janet Douglas, Lady Glamis, a Scottish noblewoman was accused of witchcraft. She was burned to death on the castle hill at Edinburgh after being found guilty of two counts of treason. She had been charged with plotting to assassinate by poisoning King James V of Scotland. Lady Glamis was also charged of corresponding with her brothers, Sir George Douglas and Archibald Douglas, 6th Earl of Angus.

The Douglas family was far from favoured by King James V of Scotland: Janet's brother, Archibold Douglas , 6th Earl of Angus, was the King's stepfather, and Angus had imprisoned the young James. James' hatred for Angus extended to his whole family, including Janet. After James had broken free of the Douglas family, in December 1528, Janet was summoned for treason. She was accused with others for bringing supporters of the Earl of Angus to Edinburgh in June. However, James called her "our lovittis Dame Jonat Douglas" in a licence of 1529, allowing her and a co-accused Patrick Charteris of Cuthilgurdy to go on pilgrimage, and be exempt from legal proceedings. (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: Janet Douglans, Lady Glamis)

A recent historian, Jamie Cameron, thinks it unlikely that Janet went on pilgrimage, as she was the subject of a number of legal actions culminating in a charge of poisoning her husband John Lyon, 6th Lord Glamis who had died on 17 September 1528. This case was dropped, and Janet was free to marry her second husband, Archibald Campbell of Skipness by the summer of 1532. However, on 17 July 1537, Janet was convicted of planning to poison the King, and communicating with her brothers, the Earl of Angus and George Douglas. (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: Janet Douglans, Lady Glamis)

James [V] had Janet accused of witchcraft against him, although it was clear that the accusations were false. She was imprisoned with her husband (who escaped but was later killed) in a dungeon of Edinburgh Castle. It was easy for James to imprison Janet, but actually convicting her was more difficult. To gain "evidence", James had Janet's family members and servants subjected to torture. Janet was convicted and burned at the stake on 17 July 1537 by Edinburgh Castle, which her young son [John Lyon 7th Lord of Glamis] was forced to watch. (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: Janet Douglans, Lady Glamis)

[John Lyon 7th Lord of Glamis (c. 1521 – 1558)] Along with his mother [Janet Lady of Glamis], who had married as her second husband Archibald Campbell of Skipnish, Glamis and others were in July 1537 placed on trial on the charge of conspiring to cause the death of James V of Scotland by poison. His mother Janet was found guilty and burnt at the stake. Glamis, then only in his sixteenth year, confessed, and was placed in prison. Some time later he was released from prison, but on 3 December 1540 his estates were annexed to the crown by act of parliament. On 13 March 1543 the forfeiture was rescinded, and he was restored to his titles and estate. (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: John Lyon, 7th Lord of Glamis)

Janet Douglas was the daughter of the Scottish nobleman, George Douglas, Master of Angus, and his wife, Elizabeth Drummond. Janet was born c. 1504 and her father died at the Battle of Flodden on 9th September 1513. Janet's siblings included Archibald Douglas, 6th Earl of Angus, who married Margaret Tudor, widow of James IV, and Sir George Douglas of Pittendriech. Janet married John Lyon, 6th Lord Glamis, when she was about sixteen years of age, in 1520. The couple had four children before Lyon died in 1528. Janet married her second husband, Archibald Campbell of Skipness, younger son of Archibald Campbell, 2nd Earl of Argyll by July 1532. The marriage [may have been] was childless. (The Tutor Society, Janet Douglas Lady Glimas (c. 1504-1537) Author Claire Ridgway) 

James V became King of Scotland on 9th September 1513, following his father's death at the Battle of Flodden; he was just one year old. His mother, Margaret Tudor, sister of King Henry VIII, married Archibald Douglas, Janet's brother, in August 1514, making Archibald the young king's stepfather. According to Janet Douglas's biographer, C. A. McGladdery, by 1528, the king had come to hate his stepfather, who had been acting as his guardian, and a proclamation was issued stating that Angus was not allowed to come within 7 miles of the king. This breakdown in the relationship between king and stepfather had a knock-on effect for the whole Douglas family and in late 1528 and early 1529, Janet was summoned before Parliament accused of treason for witchcraft and supporting her brothers. Janet was let off the hook at that time, being granted licence to go on a pilgrimage overseas. However, Janet was still in Scotland in the winter of 1529/1530 because she took legal action against John Lyon of Knockany, and by early 1532 she was being implicated in the death of her husband, Lord Glamis, who, some said, died of poisoning. (The Tutor Society, Janet Douglas Lady Glimas (c. 1504-1537) Author Claire Ridgway) 

The case against Janet was dropped but in June 1537, her son, John Lyon, 7th Lord Glamis, was taken to Edinburgh Castle as a ward and on 17th July 1537 Janet was convicted of plotting to poison King James V and assisting and corresponding with her brothers. She was condemned to death and executed on the same day. On 18th July 1537, Janet's husband, Campbell, died after breaking his neck in an escape attempt from imprisonment in Edinburgh Castle. Janet's son, the 7th Lord Glamis, was found guilty of concealing his mother's plot to kill the king but his death sentence was commuted to imprisonment. (The Tutor Society, Janet Douglas Lady Glimas (c. 1504-1537) Author Claire Ridgway) 

Janet Douglas Lyon, Lady Glamis was one of as many as two thousand Scots, mostly women, burned at the stake as a witch at Castlehill between 1479-1722, when Edinburgh was the witch-burning capital of Europe. In his Ancient Criminal Trials in Scotland, Alexander Pitcairn contends that Lady Glamis was innocent; she had been falsely accused of conspiring to poison King James V. (OddScottland.com Lady Glimas (Janet Douglas) Burned as a Witch 1537, by Nancy Lyon)

Lady Glamis' accuser, William Lyon, was the king's confidante and a blood relative of her first husband, John Lyon, the Sixth Lord Glamis, who she was also wrongly accused of poisoning seven years after they were married. Pitcairn describes the accuser William Lyon as a spurned suitor who framed Lady Glamis out of spite, because she refused to marry him. (OddScottland.com Lady Glimas (Janet Douglas) Burned as a Witch 1537, by Nancy Lyon) 

This heartless Iago carried out his diabolical plot by playing upon King James V's paranoia about threats against his life, and the King's fear and hatred of her Douglas clan. Later, racked by guilt over all the deaths he had caused, and the ruined House of Glamis, William Lyon on his deathbed confessed to the King his heinous crime of jealousy. But it was too late. (OddScottland.com Lady Glimas (Janet Douglas) Burned as a Witch 1537, by Nancy Lyon)

...

King James V enjoyed Glamis Castle's fabulous rooms and gardens until his death in 1542. In 1543 the Queen released Sir John Lyon and his brother George from prison. Sir John brought a formal legal process of Reduction of his Forfeiture, against the crown. (OddScottland.com Lady Glimas (Janet Douglas) Burned as a Witch 1537, by Nancy Lyon)

Names in BOLD PRINT are our grandparents 

Glamis Castle

By 1372 a castle had been built at Glamis, since in that year it was granted by Robert II King of Scotland to Sir John Lyon, Thane of Glamis (1340-1382) husband of the king's daughter Princess Joanna (Jean).Stewart. 

Glamis Castle has been the home of the Lyon since the 14th century, though the present building dates largely from the 17th century. Glamis Castle was the childhood home of the late Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. Her second daughter, Princess Margaret was born there in 1930.

Relationship to me:

• Janet Douglas * second daughter of George master of Angus 1498-1537
  13th great-grandmother
• Sir John Lyon 7th Lord Glamis * 1510-1592
  Son of Janet Douglas * second daughter of George master of Angus
• Margaret Countess of Cassillis Lyon * Marchioness of Hamilton 1547-1626
  Daughter of Sir John Lyon 7th Lord Glamis *
• James Lord Aven 2nd Marquess of Knight of the Hamilton * Knight of the Garter 1589-1625
  Son of Margaret Countess of Cassillis Lyon * Marchioness of Hamilton
• Lady Margaret Hamilton *Countess of Crawford and Lindsay 1612-1666
  Daughter of James Lord Aven 2nd Marquess of Knight of the Hamilton * Knight of the Garter
• Sir James William Lindsay * 18th Earl of Crawford, 2nd Earl of Lindsay 1644-1698
  Son of Lady Margaret Hamilton *Countess of Crawford and Lindsay
• Lady Elspeth Lindsay * 1667-1733
  Daughter of Sir James William Lindsay * 18th Earl of Crawford, 2nd Earl of Lindsay
• James GIBSON * 1687-1764
  Son of Lady Elspeth Lindsay *
• John Gibson * 1707-1762
  Son of James GIBSON *
• Judith Gibson * 1742-1808
  Daughter of John Gibson *
• Robert GIBSON * 1778-1860
  Son of Judith Gibson *
• George Washington GIBSON * 1800-1871
  Son of Robert GIBSON *
• Sarah Jane GIBSON * 1863-1936
  Daughter of George Washington GIBSON *
• John Andrew WOOD * 1883-1932
  Son of Sarah Jane GIBSON *
• Kirt DeMar WOOD * 1923-1987
  Son of John Andrew WOOD *
• Me
  You are the child of Kirt DeMar WOOD *

Susanna NORTH MARTIN

Rather than retype this I share it as jpeg pages. The last line appears on the page above and below.

The Puritans in America: a narrative anthology
Edited by Alan Heimert, Andrew Delbanco

Examination of Suanna Martin (1692)









See and read documents at: http://famhist2.blogspot.com/2009/03/murder-in-salem.html

Ancestry Chain: Richard NORTH and Joan BARTRAM / 10th great-grandmother Susannah NORTH-b.1621-d.1692 and George MARTIN / Jane MARTIN- b.1656 / Samuel HADLEY-b.1677 / Martha HADLEY-b.1704 / Martha SARGENT-b.1725 / Moses QUIMBY-b.1755 / Betsey QUIMBY-b.1795 /Almeda Sophia ROUNDY-b.1829 / Charles PARKER-b.1853 / Laura Elizabeth PARKER-b.1889 / Kirt DeMar WOOD-b.1923 / Lark / TR.

PUTNAM

Danvers is located in upper most eastern Massachusetts

Family of Immigrant Ancestors Capt. John PUTNAM and
his immigrant parents John PUTNAM and Priscilla GOULD

[The PUTNAM parentage back from Herny and Richard is not found to be consistent. See 1-Rootsweb, 2-The Early Putnam Lineage in England and 3-Historic homes and institutions and genealogical and personal ..., Volume 2. ]

Historic homes and institutions and genealogical and personal ..., Volume 2 By Ellery Bicknell Crane, New York Lewis Historical Publishing Company 1915

Pg.1075
(XIII) Henry (3) Putnam, son of Nicholas Puttenham [or son of John], born between the years 1460-75, died after 1526, probably in Eddlesborough. Children; Richard, mentioned below; John, of Slapton and Hawridge; Thomas, of Eddlesborough.

(XIV) Richard, son of Henry (3) Putnam [or son of John], probably the eldest son, was born between the years 1490-1500, and lived at Eddlesborough and Woughton. His will is dated December 12,1556, proved February 25,1556. He directed that his body be buried in the church yard at Woughton. Children; John, mentioned below; Harry, of Woughton, whose will was dated July 13,1579, and proved October 3 following; Joan, married prior to 1556.

(XV) John (2) son of Richard Putman, was born between the years 1520-25, was of Rowsham, in Wingrave, and was buried in Wingrave. October 2,1568. His wife was probably Margaret, who was buried January 27,1568. His will was dated September 19,1568. His will was dated September 19,1568. His will was dated September 19,1568, and proved November 14 that year. He directed that he be buried in the churchyard at Wingrave. Children: Nicholas, mentioned below; Richard, of Wingrave, died without Issue; Thomas, of Rowsham, died without issue; Margaret, married, at Wingrave, June 14,1573, Godfrey Johnson.

Pg.1076
(XVI) Nicholas (2), son of John (2) Putnam, was born between the years 1540-50, died 1598. He lived at Wingrave until about 1585, when he removed to Stewkeley. He inherited property from his father and both his brothers. His will was dated January 1,1597, and proved September 27,1598. He married at Wingrave, January 30,1577, Margaret, daughter of John and Elizabeth Goodspeed. She was baptized at Wingrave, August 16,1556, and was buried at Aston Abbotts, January 8,1618-19. She married (second) December 8,1614 [or 8 Jan 1618] , William Huxley. Children: John [PUTNAM] Mentioned below; Elizabeth, February 11,1581; Thomas September 20, 1584; Richard, living in 1597.

[Immirgant] (XVII) John (3), son of Nicholas (2) Putnam, was baptized at Wingrave, county Bucks, England, January 17, 1579. He was the immigrant ancestor. He inherited the estates of Aston Abbotts. He probably lived in Stewkeley with his parents until his father’s death, when he took possession of the estates at Aston Abbots, where he lived until he went to New England. He was called husbandman in 1614. He is supposted to have married Priscilla [GOULD], in 1611 or 1612. He was an early settler at Salem, Massachusetts, and according to family tradition came there in 1634, but the first record of him is March 21, 1640-41, when his wife was admitted to the church, and in the same year he received a grant of land. He was admitted to the church, April 4, 1647. He was a farmer. His handwriting indicated a good education. He was well-to-do, one of the wealthy men compared to his neighbors. Before his death he gave farms to his sons John, Nathaniel, and probably to the others also. John received his by deed, March 31, 1653. John Putnam died in Salem Village now Danvers, December 30, 1662, aged eighty years. Children: Elizabeth, baptized in England, December 20,1612; Thomas, mentioned below; John, baptized July 4,1617, died young; Nathaniel, baptized October 11,1619; Sarah, baptized March 7,1622-23 Phebe, baptized July 28, 1624; John, baptized May 27.

Pg.54
PUTNAM FAMILY. [Immigrant] John Putnam, [our] immigrant ancestor...came from Ashton Abbotts, County Buckinghamshire, England. He was born [17 Jan 1579 at Wingrave, Buckingham, England] and died at Salem Village, now Danvers, December 30, 1662, aged eighty years. The earliest record of him in America is in 1640 when he had a grant of land at Salem. He was admitted to the church April 4, 1647, and a freeman the same year. He was a prosperous farmer and was apparently well educated, judging from his writing. He deeded land to his son John, March 31,1653 and later to son Nathaniel. (See sketch of Putnams of Worcester and Sutton).

He married Priscilla Gould. Their children were; Elizabeth, baptized at Ashton Abbots, England, December 20,1612; Thomas, baptized March 7, 1614, ancestor of the Sutton Putmans; John, baptized July 24, 1617 [died in Salem Village now Danvers, December 30, 1662, aged eighty years] ; Nathaniel, baptized October 11, 1619, of whom later; Sarah baptized March 7, 1622-23; Phebe, baptized July 28, 1624; John, baptized May 27, 1627, died April 7, 1710.

[Immigrant John PUTNAM baptized July 24, 1617 [died in Salem Village now Danvers, December 30, 1662, aged eighty years] son of Immigrant John and Priscilla (Gould) Putnam, married Rebecca RRINCE she was the daughter of Immigrant parents Thomas PRENCE and Patience BREWSTER. John and Rebecca were the parents of ten children their third child was Priscilla PUTMAN who married Joseph BAILEY.

Our ancestral line is as follows: daughter of Priscilla PUTNAM and Joseph BALILEY is Lydia BAILEY wife of John JEFFORDS, their son John JEFFORDS and Martha BROWN, their son John JEFFORDS and Mary SANGER, their daughter Lucretia JEFFORDS married Abner RAWSON, their son Amariah RAWSON married Betsy CARPENTER, their daughter Adaline RAWSON she was the first wife of Simeon Adams DUNN, their daughter Mary DUNN ENSIGN mother of Harriet Camilla ENSIGN SMITH was mother of George Ensign SMITH who was father of Camilla SMITH WOOD.]

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First built 1643
General Israel Putnam house
one of the oldest buildings in Massachusetts

Historical Overview

[The General Israel Putnam House in Danvers, Massachusetts is recorded in the National Register of Historic Places. The house is also sometimes known as the Thomas Putnam House after Lt. Thomas Putnam (1615-1686), who built the home circa 1648. His grandson, Israel Putnam, the famous general of the American Revolution, was born in the house. Lt. Thomas Putnam was the father of Sgt. Thomas Putnam Jr., (Israel's half-uncle), a notorious figure in the Salem Witch Trials. The Putnam House is now operated by the Danvers Historical Society and open by appointment.]

The Putnam House served as home to twelve generations of a prominent local family. The original property consisted of 100 acres of farmland owned by Thomas Putnam in what was then Salem Village. In 1692, Joseph Putnam lived on the property and spoke out against the witchcraft hysteria gripping the village.

In the 1850’s, Daniel Putnam operated a shoe-making shop here.

A century later, passing motorists stopped for candies and ice cream served in the Putnam Pantry. The best known resident of the house was General Israel Putnam, who commanded troops at the Battle of Bunker Hill.

The property was accepted into the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. In 1991, the Putnam Family descendants gave over the stewardship to the Danvers Historical Society.

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Pg.1076 (XVIII) Lieutenant Thomas [10th great-grandfather of Justin CK / our 12th great-grand Uncle], (2) Putnam, son of John (3) Putnam, was baptized at Aston Abbotts, county Bucks, England, March 7,1614-15, died at Salem Village, May 5,1686. He was an inhabitant of Lynn in 1640; freeman, 1642; selectman in 1643. In 1640 he received from the town a grant of fifty acres of upland and five acres of meadow. In 1645 he was appointed by the general court to end small causes, an office which was renewed in 1648. On November 11,1648, he was chosen as grand juryman in Salem, and December 10,1655, constable for the same town, He was also the first parish clerk in Salem Village and was prominent in the local military and ecclesiastical affairs. Besides the offices mentioned he held various positions, as “layer out of high wasys,: inspector of bridge, “to care for rates for the minister,” etc. On October 8, 1662, the general court confirmed his appointment as lieutenant in the troop of horse. When the general court permitted the inhabitants of Salem Farms to become a separate parish, October 8,1672, Lieutenant Thomas Putnam was made chairman of the committee chosen to carry on the affairs of the new parish, and on November 25, 1680, he and Jonathan Wolcott were chosen deacons, the first mention of deacons in the village records. On December 27,1681, they were continued in office. In 1682 occurs the first list of taxpayers at the village headed by Thomas Putnam. He and his two brothers, according to this list, and their sons-in-law, were by far the richest men in the village. Besides inheriting a double portion of his father’s estate, he came by his second marriage into possession of considerable property in Jamaica and Barbadoes. The homestead of Thomas Putnam, although somewhat enlarged, is still standing and is now known as the “General Israel Putman house.” It is situated east of Hatherne’s Hill in the northern part of Danvers, and was occupied by his widow in 1692. His son Joseph also lived there, during his opposition to the withchcraft proceedings. There was also a town residence in Salem, situated on the north side of Essex street extending back to North river. Thomas Putnam died at Salem Village, May 5, 1686. His will was dated February 8,1682-83, and proved at boston, July 3,1689; in it he gave to his son Thomas the eastern half of his estate in Salem Village; to son Joseph the western half; to son Edward another estate on the western side of St. Peter’s street. To each of his children he gave a large estate in Salem Village and a valuable piece of meadow. Mr. Upham in his “Salem Witchcraft: thus sums up the character and position of Thomas Putman: “Possessing a large property by inheritance, he was not quite so active in increasing it (as his brothers), but enjoying the society and friendship of the leading men, lived a more retired life. At the same time he was always ready to serve the community when called for as he often was, when occasion arose Pg.1077 for the aid of his superior intelligence and personal influence.” He wrote a very fine hand, and had evidently received a good education. Thomas Putnam married (first) at Lynn, October 17,1643, Ann, daughter of Edward and Prudence (Stockton) Holyoke. Her father was the great-grandfather of Edward Holyoke, president of Harvard College, 1737-69. The Holyoke family was one of the most prominent and aristocratic in the colony. Ann (Holyoke) Putnam died September 1, 1665. He married (second) at Salem, November 14,1666, Mary Veren, widow of Nathaniel Veren a rich merchant formerly of Salem. She died March 16 or 17, 1694-95. In 1684, Mrs. Putnam in the apportionment of seats in the meeting house at the village, was seated in the first or principal pew reserved for women. The will of his widow, Mary, was dated January 8,1695, and proved May 20,1695. Children of first wife [Ann HOLYOKE], all except Sarah recorded at Salem; Ann, born August 25,1645; Sarah, baptized July 23,1648, at Salem; Mary, October 17,1649; Thomas, mentioned below; Edward, July 4,1654; Deliverance, September 30,1659; Prudence, February 28,1661. Child of Second wife; Joseph, September 14, 1669 father of Major-General Israel Putman. (XIX) Sergeant Thomas (3) Putnam [9th great-grandfather of Justin CK / our 11th great-grand Uncle], son of Lieutenant Thomas (2) Putnam, was born at Salem, March 24,1652, and baptized at the First Church, April 16,1652. He died in Salem, May 24, 1699. He received a good education for the times. His wife was the sister of Mary Carr, wife of Mr. James Bailey [our 10th great-grand uncle], the minister of the church, who was the cause of much dissention in the church and indirectly aggravated the bitterness of the witchcraft persecutions. Ann Putnam, daughter of Sergeant Thomas Putnam, was the most prominent child in the affair and she was the cause of more of the imprisonments than was any other one person. The “bewitched” children met at the houses of Sergeant Thomas Putnam and of Rev. Mr. Parris and with them was a servant of Mrs. Ann Putnam, Mary Lewis by name. Mrs. Putnam was evidently weak and excitable, for at trials she often gave strange evidence, undoubtedly produced from her imagination under the excitement. She and her husband were firm believers in the delusion, and easily influenced by their daughter. Ann Putnam made a public confession which was read August 25,1706, showing that she had completely deceived many prominent members of the colony. Both Sergeant Putnam and his wife died shortly after the trials were over. He married, November 25,1678, Ann, daughter of George and Elizabeth Carr, of Salisbury, born June 15,1661, died at Salem village, June 8,1699. Children, born in Salem Village: Ann, October 18,1679; Thomas, February 9,1681; Elizabeth, May 29,1683; Ebenezer, July 25,1685; Deliverance, September11,1687; Child, died December 17,1689, less than four months old; Timothy, baptized in Salem Village, April 26,1691; Abigail, baptized October 30,1692; Susanna, 1694, baptized November 20,1698; perhaps another daughter, for August 23,1694, Sarah, daughter of Thomas Putnam, died aged 6 months; Seth, mentioned below; Experience, baptized November 20,1698

Connecticut Witch Trials

10th great grandmother Rebecca Steele 1590-1663 married first Abraham Elson they were the parents of Sarah Elson. Sarah Elson married to James Ensign. Rebecca Steele married second Jarvis Mudge. Rebecca Steele married third Nathaniel Greensmith.

The Witchcraft Delusion In Colonial Connecticut (1647-1697)
by John M. Taylor

NATHANIEL AND REBECCA [STEELE ELSON MUDGE] GREENSMITH

Nathaniel Greensmith lived in Hartford, south of the little river, in
1661-62, on a lot of about twenty acres, with a house and barn. He also
had other holdings "neer Podunk," and "on ye highway leading to
Farmington."

He was thrifty by divergent and economical methods, since he is credited
in the records of the time with stealing a bushel and a half of wheat,
of stealing a hoe, and of lying to the court, and of battery.

In one way or another he accumulated quite a property for those days,
since the inventory of it filed in the Hartford Probate Office, January
25, 1662, after his execution, carried an appraisal of L137. l4s.
1_d_.--including "2 bibles," "a sword," "a resthead," and a "drachm
cup"--all indicating that Nathaniel judiciously mingled his theology and
patriotism, his recreation and refreshment, with his everyday practical
affairs and opportunities.

But he made one adventure that was most unprofitable. In an evil hour he
took to wife Rebecca, relict of Abraham Elson, and also relict of Jarvis
Mudge, and of whom so good a man as the Rev. John Whiting, minister of
the First Church in Hartford--afterward first pastor of the Second
Church--said that she was "a lewd, ignorant and considerably aged
woman."

This triple combination of personal qualities soon elicited the
criticism and animosity of the community, and Nathaniel and Rebecca fell
under the most fatal of all suspicions of that day, that of being
possessed by the evil one.

Gossip and rumor about these unpopular neighbors culminated in a formal
complaint, and December 30, 1662, at a court held at Hartford, both the
Greensmiths were separately indicted in the same formal charge.

"Nathaniel Greensmith thou art here indicted by the name of Nathaniel
Greensmith for not having the fear of God before thine eyes, thou hast
entertained familiarity with Satan, the grand enemy of God and
mankind--and by his help hast acted things in a preternatural way beyond
human abilities in a natural course for which according to the law of
God and the established law of this commonwealth thou deservest to die."

While Rebecca was in prison under suspicion, she was interviewed by two
ministers, Revs. Haynes and Whiting, as to the charges of Ann Cole--a
next door neighbor--which were written down by them, all of which, and
more, she confessed to be true before the court.

(Note. Increase Mather regarded this confession as convictive a proof of
real witchcraft as most single cases he had known.)

THE MINISTERS' ACCOUNT--_Promise to Satan--A merry Christmas
meeting--Stone's lecture--Haynes' plea--The dear Devil--The corvine
guest--Sexual delusions_

"She forthwith and freely confessed those things to be true, that she
(and other persons named in the discourse) had familiarity with the
devil. Being asked whether she had made an express covenant with him,
she answered she had not, only as she promised to go with him when he
called (which she had accordingly done several times). But that the
devil told her that at Christmas they would have a merry meeting, and
then the covenant should be drawn and subscribed. Thereupon the
fore-mentioned Mr. Stone (being then in court) with much weight and
earnestness laid forth the exceeding heinousness and hazard of that
dreadful sin; and therewith solemnly took notice (upon the occasion
given) of the devil's loving Christmas.

"A person at the same time present being desired the next day more
particularly to enquire of her about her guilt, it was accordingly done,
to whom she acknowledged that though when Mr. Haynes began to read she
could have torn him in pieces, and was so much resolved as might be to
deny her guilt (as she had done before) yet after he had read awhile,
she was as if her flesh had been pulled from her bones, (such was her
expression,) and so could not deny any longer. She also declared that
the devil first appeared to her in the form of a deer or fawn, skipping
about her, wherewith she was not much affrighted but by degrees he
contrived talk with her; and that their meetings were frequently at such
a place, (near her own house;) that some of the company came in one
shape and some in another, and one in particular in the shape of a crow
came flying to them. Amongst other things she owned that the devil had
frequent use of her body."

Had Rebecca been content with purging her own conscience, she alone
would have met the fate she had invoked, and probably deserved; but out
of "love to her husband's soul" she made an accusation against him,
which of itself secured his conviction of the same offense, with the
same dire penalty.

THE ACCUSATION--_Nathaniel's plea--"Travaile and labour"--"A red
creature"--- Prenuptial doubts--The weighty logs--Wifely tenderness and
anxiety--Under the greenwood tree--A cat call--Terpsichore and Bacchus_

"Rebecca Greenswith testifieth in Court Janry 8. 62.

"1. That my husband on Friday night last when I came to prison told me
that now thou hast confest against thyself let me alone and say nothing
of me and I wilbe good unto thy children.

"I doe now testifie that formerly when my husband hathe told me of his
great travaile and labour I wondered at it how he did it this he did
before I was married and when I was married I asked him how he did it
and he answered me he had help yt I knew not of.

"3. About three years agoe as I think it; my husband and I were in ye
wood several miles from home and were looking for a sow yt we lost and I
saw a creature a red creature following my husband and when I came to
him I asked him what it was that was with him and he told me it was a
fox.

"4. Another time when he and I drove or hogs into ye woods beyond ye
pound yt was to keep yong cattle severall miles of I went before ye hogs
to call them and looking back I saw two creatures like dogs one a little
blacker then ye other, they came after my husband pretty close to him
and one did seem to me to touch him I asked him wt they were he told me
he thought foxes I was stil afraid when I saw anything because I heard
soe much of him before I married him.

"5. I have seen logs that my husband hath brought home in his cart that
I wondered at it that he could get them into ye cart being a man of
little body and weake to my apprhension and ye logs were such that I
thought two men such as he could not have done it.

"I speak all this out of love to my husbands soule and it is much
against my will that I am now necessitate to speake agaynst my husband,
I desire that ye Lord would open his heart to owne and speak ye trueth.

"I also testify that I being in ye wood at a meeting there was wth me
Goody Seager Goodwife Sanford & Goodwife Ayres; and at another time
there was a meeting under a tree in ye green by or house & there was
there James Walkely, Peter Grants wife Goodwife Aires & Henry Palmers
wife of Wethersfield, & Goody Seager, & there we danced, & had a bottle
of sack: it was in ye night & something like a catt cald me out to ye
meeting & I was in Mr. Varlets orcherd wth Mrs. Judeth Varlett & shee
tould me that shee was much troubled wth ye Marshall Jonath: Gilbert &
cried, & she sayd if it lay in her power she would doe him a mischief,
or what hurt shee could."

The Green smiths [and Mary Barnes] were convicted and sentenced to suffer death. In [25] January, 166[3], they were hung on "Gallows Hill," on the bluff a little north of where Trinity College now stands--"a logical location" one most learned in the traditions and history of Hartford calls it--as it afforded an excellent view of the execution to a large crowd on the meadows to the west, a hanging being then a popular spectacle and entertainment.

-----------------------------------------------
Other family connection to this witch trial:
The magistrates holding the court were Matthew Allyn, moderator, Samuel Wyllys, [likely our grandfather] Richard Treat, [possible uncle] Henry Wolcott, Daniel Clark, secretary, John Allyn. The jury were [likely our grandfather] Edward Griswold, Walter Filer, Ensign Olmsted, Samuel Boardman, Gregory Winterton, John Cowles, [likely our grandfather] Samuel Marshall, Samuel Hale, Nathaniel Willett, John Hart, [possible uncle] John Wadsworth and [likely our grandfather] Robert Webster.
-----------------------------------------------
Ancestral Chain:
Rebecca STEELE-b.1590-1663 /Sarah ELSON Emigrant-b.1611 / David ENSIGN-b.1644 / David ENSIGN-b.1688 / Datus (Datis) ENSIGN-b.1729 /Isaac ENSIGN Rev.WarVet-b.1756 / Horace Datus ENSIGN-b.1797 / Martin Luther ENSIGN-b.1831 / Harriett Camilla ENSIGN-b.1859 / George Ensign SMITH-b.1898 / Camilla SMITH-1b.1926 / Lark / J.R.

Accused of Witchcraft

I continue to find and add more relatives accused of witchcraft so check back.

Mary (Clements) Osgood

related through Betsey Quimby lines

[9th great grand aunt Mary CLEMENTS OSGOOD wife of Capt. John OSGOOD daughter of 10th great grand parents Robert CLEMENTS and Lydia DRUMMER.]
Mary Clements is mentioned as "a remarkabley pious and good woman," and yet Mary was accused of witchcraft in 1692 when the girls from Salem were sent to Andover to determine who had “bewitched” the wife of Joseph Bullard. Blindfolded, the girls fell into fits whenever the hands of witch were laid upon them. Mary and many others were accused as a result of this.

She was arrested in 1692, imprisoned, probably tortured, and confessed to being a witch. She was released after three months. Although her husband, ever the gentleman, testified in court that he could not tell when she was possessed and when she was not. A large bond was posted for her appearance.)

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Mary (Perkins) Bradbury
related through Betsey Quimby lines

[10th great grand aunt] Mary PERKINS BRADBURY was daughter of [our 12 great-grandparents] John and Judith (Gater) Perkins, baptized in 1615 at Hilmorton, County Warwick, England. Her family immigrated to America in 1630, sailing on the "Lion" from Bristol. In 1636 she married Thomas Bradbury of Salisbury, Massachusetts, considered one of its most distinguished citizens. Mary was the wife of Thomas Bradbury.

In the notorious witch trials of 1692, Mary Bradbury was indicted for (among other charges):

"Certaine Detestable arts called Witchcraft & Sorceries Wickedly Mallitiously and felloniously hath used practiced and Exercised At and in the Township of Andivor in the County of Essex aforesaid in upon & against one Timothy Swann of Andivor In the County aforesaid Husbandman -- by which said Wicked Acts the said Timothy Swann upon the 26th day of July Aforesaid and divers other days & times both before and after was and is Tortured Afflicted Consumed Pined Wasted and Tormented..."

Witnesses testified that she assumed animal forms; her most unusual metamorphosis was said to have been that of a blue boar.

Another allegation was that she cast spells upon ships.

Over a hundred of her neighbors and townspeople testified on her behalf, but to no avail and she was found guilty of practicing magic and sentenced to be executed.

Through the ongoing efforts of her friends, her execution was delayed. After the witch frenzy had passed, she was released. By some accounts she was allowed to escape. Others claim she bribed her jailer.

Mary Bradbury died of natural causes in her own bed in 1700.

----------------------------------------------------
Just Added


John and Elizabeth PROCTOR
related through Betsey Quimby lines

10 great grand uncle - John PROCTOR son of 11th great grandparents John and Martha PROCTOR.
John Proctor (1632–1692) was a farmer and tavern keeper in 17th century Massachusetts. During the Salem witch trials he was accused of witchcraft, convicted and hanged.

10 great grand aunt - Elizabeth BASSETT PROCTOR wife of John PROCTOR (born 1652 in Lynn, Massachusetts) was accused of witchcraft in the Salem Witch Trials and convicted. Part of her life was dramatized as part of Arthur Miller's play, The Crucible, which was later adapted into a film and opera.

Letter to Boston
John Proctor wrote a letter to the authorities in Boston, Massachusetts to alert them to the issues taking place in Salem and asking them to intervene. In this letter he claimed that if a woman as well respected as Rebecca Nurse could be convicted, then no restraint was left in the town, and he asked that the trials be moved to Boston, Massachusetts or that new judges be appointed. His letter brought about a meeting of eight ministers at Cambridge, Massachusetts on August 1, 1692. No records survive of what took place at this meeting, but when the ministers emerged, they had drastically changed their position on spectral evidence, having previously decided that the devil could take on the form of innocent people. Unfortunately for John Proctor, their decision made no practical difference until after his execution. In early March 1692, the Proctors' servant, Mary Warren, began to have fits, saying she saw the specter of Giles Corey. John Proctor was dismissive of her claims (as he was of all the accusations) and made her work harder; he felt that witchcraft should be suspected of the bewitched girls themselves and not of the respectable women of the village. His negative reactions to the girls' accusations caused Elizabeth to become one of the next accused of practicing witchcraft.

A petition was signed by 32 neighbors in his favor. The signatories stated that Proctor had lived a 'Christian life in his family and was ever ready to help such as stood in need..'

John and Elizabeth Proctor were tried on August 5, 1692. They were both found guilty and sentenced to hang. Still maintaining his innocence, Proctor prepared his will to secure the welfare of his sons but left his wife with nothing. He was executed on August 19, 1692 along with George Burroughs, John Willard, George Jacobs, Sr. and Martha Carrier.

Elizabeth, who was then pregnant, had her execution postponed until she had given birth. The baby was born in January and her execution was overlooked. She was released in May 1693 in a general release of those remaining in jail.

Accusations towards others in the Proctor family
In 1692 141 complaints were filed; twelve were against relatives of the Proctor family. Only John and Elizabeth (Bassett) Proctor were convicted, and only John was executed.

• John Proctor, husband of Elizabeth (Bassett) Proctor and the father of Benjamin, William and Sarah Proctor.
• Elizabeth (Bassett) Proctor, third wife of John Proctor
• Benjamin Proctor, son of John and his first wife Martha Giddons
• William Proctor, son of John and Elizabeth (Bassett) Proctor
• Sarah Proctor, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Bassett) Proctor
• Mary DeRich, maiden name Bassett, was the sister of Elizabeth (Bassett) Proctor
• Sarah Bassett, Elizabeth's sister-in-law (wife of William Bassett, Jr., Elizabeth's brother)
• Extended family:
  • Thomas Farrar, Sr., father-in-law of Elizabeth (Hood) Farrar, sister of Sarah (Hood) Bassett
  • Elizabeth Hart, wife of Isaac Hart whose sister, Deborah Hart, was married to Benjamin Proctor, brother of John Proctor
  • Rebecca Nurse, maiden name Towne, was the sister of Sarah (Towne) Cloyce & Mary (Towne) Esty and the wife of Francis Nurse. Elizabeth Proctor, daughter of John Proctor and Elizabeth Proctor, married Thomas Very in 1681. His sister, Elizabeth Very was the second wife of John Nurse, the eldest son of Rebecca Nurse.
  • Mary Easty, maiden name Towne, was the sister of Rebecca (Towne) Nurse and Sarah (Towne) Cloyce and the wife of wife of Isaac Esty.
  • Sarah Cloyce, maiden name Towne, was the sister of Rebecca (Towne) Nurse and Mary (Towne) Esty and the wife of Peter Cloyce.
  There was also one family member among the accusers; John DeRich, son of Mary (Bassett) DeRich.

Aftermath
In January 1693, while still in jail, Elizabeth (Bassett) Proctor gave birth to a son, John Proctor III. Elizabeth and John III remained in jail until May 1693, when a general release freed all of those prisoners who remained jailed. Unfortunately, even though the general belief of the people was that innocent people had been wrongly convicted, Elizabeth had in fact been convicted and was considered guilty. In the eyes of the law she was considered a "dead woman" and could not claim any of her husband's estate.

__________________________________

I continue to find and add more relatives accused of witchcraft so check back.

Earlier post about our family being involved in witchcraft Trials:
Susannah Martin
Mary Bliss
Mary Webster
Royal Governor William PHIPS

"Witch! Goodwife Webster is a Witch!"

Mary REEVE WEBSTER
We are Related to William Webster husband of Mary Reeve
through both Martin Luther ENSIGN's father and mother
[9th and 10th Great-Grand Aunt]

In the winter of 1684 the colonial town of Hadley Connecticut was stunned by the death of Phillip Smith [10 Great-Grand Uncle], one of their most prominent and upstanding citizens. He was "killed by an hideous witchcraft!"

The "Witch" was Mary Webster, Wife of William Webster who lived near Hadley. Her maiden name was Reeve. She and William were married in 1670. William was 53, she is believed to have been somewhat younger. They were poor but when by members of the local church came to help them, Mary ordered them to leave. The church people believed that Mary's unacceptable behavior caused by the devil, who was at work bringing evil into their community. They began to look for other signs that she was a witch and had "entered into a covenant with the devil."

News of strange incidents begin to circulate through the small community. Once a team of horses stopped outside Mary Webster's home and refused to go any further. The driver threatened Mary with his whip and then the horses continued on their way. Another story tells of a wagon over-turning nearby. The driver went to punish her for the deed and returned to find his wagon turned upright again.

Mary was visiting a neighbor when a chicken fell down the chimney and was scalded in a pot of water over the fire. The neighbor noticed that Mary had also been scalded. These stories were told as evidence when she was sent to Boston on May 22, 1683 for a hearing. The charges brought against her was as follows:

...that she, not having the fear of God before her eyes, and being instigated by the devil, hath entered into covenant and had familiarity with him in the shape of a warraneage, (fisher or wild black cat of the woods) and had his imps sucking her, and teats or marks found on her, as in and by several testimonies may appear, contrary to the peace of our sovereign lord, the king, his crown and dignity, the laws of God and of this jurisdiction

She was imprisoned and held over for trial. On Sept 4, 1683, a jury found her- Not Guilty.

This did not put matters to rest. Phillip Smith continued to have problems with the woman, and blamed her for his declining health. He saw visions of Mary Webster at this bedside. His friends went and "disturbed" Mary, and while they were with her, Phillip was reportedly able to rest at ease, but when they returned to him, his case continued to worsen. They heard noises, and felt the bed shake, and sensed a presents in the room. Finally they pronounced him dead.

Mr. Smith dies: The Jury that view's his Corpse, found a Swelling on one Breast, his Privities wounded or Burn'd, his Back full of Bruises, and several Holes that seemed made with Awls. After the Opinion of all had pronounced him dead, his Countenance continued as Lively as if he had been Alive; his Eyes closed as in a Slumber, and his Nether Jaw not falling down. Thus he remained from Saturday Morning about Sunrise, till Sabbath-day in the Afternoon; when those who took him out of the Bed, found him still warm, though' the Season was as cold as had almost been known in any Age: And a New England Winter does not want for Cold.

On the Night following his Countenance was yet fresh as before; but on Monday morning, they found the Face extremely tumify'd and discoulour'd. It was black and blue, and fresh Blood seem'd running down his Cheek upon the Hairs. Divers Noises were also heard in the Room where the corpse lay, as the Clattering of Chairs and Stools, whereof no account could be given. This was the End of so good a Man.

[see: The Magnalia Christi Americana, by Cotton Mather - 1702.]

This time the people of Hadley took the law into their own hands. As Smith lay dying they took Mary Webster out and hung her. When morning came she was still alive, so they took her down, rolled her in the snow. They buried her in the snow and left her. She survived the ordeal, and lived another eleven years during which time the famous Salem Witch trials took place. History calls her "Half Hanged Mary".

http://home.comcast.net/~bluebirdsong/chesley/witch.htm

Philip SMITH is the son in-law of Nathaniel FOOTE

9th Great Grand Uncle Sir William Phips

9th Great-Grand Uncle

Sir William Phips (1651-1695)

Royal Governor of Massachusetts
1692-1694

born: 2 Feb 1651 Woolwich, Maine
died: 18 Feb 1695 (age 44) London, England
Father: James Phips co-owned and operated a trading post plantation involved in the trade of fur and weapons between local Wabanaki Indians and English settlers. (10th Great- Grandfather.)
Mother: Mary
sister: Margaret was grandmother of Isabella ARMSTRONG NEEDHAM. Isabella is the great-grandmother of Shadrach ROUNDY.

William Phips was an unusual choice to be the first Royal Governor of Massachusetts. Rather than being of royal blood, he was born near Kennebec, Maine, the youngest of twenty-six children. He was never formally educated; instead, he learned the ship-carpentry trade from his father.

So, how does such a man earn a knighthood and the first commission as Royal Governor of Massachusetts? Phips came to Boston where he would eventually captain a supply ship and make a fortune leading an expedition to recover treasure from sixteen ships lost near Haiti. As captain he kept sixteen percent of the take, the English Crown received ten percent. Phips was knighted and appointed the first Governor of the Province of Massachusetts.

Phips faced the difficult task of convincing colonists that this new royal governorship would protect the rights they had enjoyed as the Massachusetts Bay Colony. He faced a great deal of mistrust, as well as having to contend with the Salem Witch trials. Phips convened the Supreme Judicial Court to adjudicate the remaining witch trial charges. Chief Justice William Stoughton had theological training but no legal background. The trials, which he administered, accepted spiritual evidence, denied counsel to defendants, and placed judges as the prosecution. Charges of witchcraft even spiraled to Phip's own wife. Phips eventually denied enforcement of Chief Justice Stoughton's orders to execute women convicted as witches who had previously been spared due to pregnancy.

Unfortunately, Phips had little political experience. He soon found his administration facing charges of corruption, and he was recalled to London where he died the next year. He was succeeded by Lieutenant Governor and Chief Justice William Stoughton.

Early America - Susannah NORTH MARTIN

10th great-grandmother
Richard NORTH and Joan BARTRAM / Susannah NORTH-b.1621-d.1662 and George MARTIN / Jane MARTIN- b.1656 / Samuel HADLEY-b.1677 / Martha HADLEY-b.1704 / Martha SARGENT-b.1725 / Moses QUIMBY-b.1755 / Betsey QUIMBY-b.1795 /Almeda Sophia ROUNDY-b.1829 / Charles PARKER-b.1853 / Laura Elizabeth PARKER-b.1889 / Kirt DeMar WOOD-b.1923 / Lark / TR

Memorial Stone, Salem, MA

Susannah NORTH MARTIN

When Susannah Martin stood accused of "Sundry acts of Witchcraft" during the Salem witch trials of 1692, she defiantly laughed at her accusers, one of whom fell into a fit during the trial. "Well I may (laugh) at such folly," Martin told her inquisitors, according to court records. "I have no hand in witchcraft." Ten days later, July 19, 1692 Martin was hanged on Gallows Hill, Salem, Massachusetts a victim of the Salem witch trials.

Susannah MARTIN reading Bible

Susannah Martin born in (Ramsey H. England.) She was baptized in Olney, Buckinghamshire, England on September 30, 1621. Susannah was the fourth daughter, and youngest child, of Richard North and Joan (Bartram) North. Her mother died when she was a child. Her father took another wife and moved to America. Her stepmother was named Ursula. Her family first moved to Salisbury, Massachusetts around 1639. On August 11, 1646 at Salisbury, Susannah married the widower George Martin a blacksmith by profession with whom she had eight children, including daughter Jane, the great-great-great-great grandmother of Chester A. Arthur. Susannah and George Martin lived in Amesbury, Massachusetts. (see: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

Susannah (North) Martin's Cradle & Spinning Wheel on display at the Macy/Colby House, Amesbury, MA

During Susannah’s lifetime she was accused of being a witch on several different occasions. She was arrest in 1661, however the magistrates did not pursue the charge in court. Then in 1669. Again she was let go because the evidence was not substantial. When the Salem, Mass hysteria broke out in 1692, it was inevitable that she was again accused. By this time her neighbors were estranged because she had such a strong disposition.

In 1669 Susanna was required to post 100 pounds bond to appear in court on a charge of witchcraft, a capital offense. At the same time George Martin sued William Sargent, Jr. for slander for saying that "...said Martyn's wife had a child at Capt. Wiggins and was wringing its neck in Capt. Wiggins' stable, when a man entered, and she took him by the collar and told him she would be the death of him if he told"; he sued William Sargent "...for saying his wife was a witch and he would call her a witch." George also sued Thomas Sargent "...for saying that his son George Marttin was a bastard and that Richard Marttin was Goodwife Marttin's imp," (a witch's familiar.)

Charges were dropped against Thomas Sargent, William Sargent, Jr.. was found guilty of accusing Susanna of " fornication and infanticide" and George was awarded (in what appears to be a public insult) the amount of "a white wampam peague (colonial currency) or the eighth part of a penny damage" by the magistrates. William Sargent (Sr?) was acquitted of witchcraft slander, although, "the Court did not agree." The records of Susanna's first trial for witchcraft have not survived, but as she was around for another 23 years, we might assume that she was acquitted. (Susannah North Martin text complied by Bonnie Johnson - http://www.rootsweb.com/~nwa/sm.html))

By 1671, the Martin family was again involved in legal proceedings dealing with the matter of Ursula North's inheritance, most of which Ursula had left to her granddaughter, Mary Jones Winsley. October 1674 the court sided against Susannah and George, though Susannah was able to bring five further appeals, each being decided against her. (see: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

Descriptions of Susanna say that she was short, slightly plump, active, and "of remarkable personal neatness." She was also said to be very outspoken, contemptuous of authority, and defiant in the face of slander which had followed her for years.

The Rev. Cotton Mather said about Susanna, "This woman was one of the most impudent, scurrilous, wicked creatures of this world; and she did now throughout her whole trial discover herself to be such a one. Yet when she was asked what she had to say for herself, her chief plea was that she had led a most virtuous and holy life." Mr. Merrill, in his History of Amesbury described Susanna differently---------- "The idea of snatching this hardworking, honest woman from her home to be tried for her life by those who never knew her , and witnesses who were prejudiced against her....is almost too much for belief. ...Allowed no counsel, she was her own lawyer, and her answers are remarkable for independence and clearness. She showed herself to be a woman of more than ordinary talent and resolution." (Susannah North Martin text complied by Bonnie Johnson - http://www.rootsweb.com/~nwa/sm.html)

George died in 1686, leaving Susannah an impoverished widow by the time of the second accusation of witchcraft in 1692. Inhabitants of nearby Salem Village, Massachusetts had named Susannah a witch and stated she had attempted to recruit them into witchcraft. On April 30, 1692 a warrant was issued for Susannah's arrest on a charge of witchcraft. When she saw Orlando Bagley approaching on the morning of May 2 little did she dream of his errand. He was a personal friend of long standing. She was arrested and taken to Ingersills Tavern in Salem Village for examination.

THE ARREST WARRANT

To the Marshall of the County of Essex of his Lawful Deputies or to the Constable of Amesbury: You are in their Majests names hereby required forthwith or as soon as may be to apprehend and bring (before us) Susanna Mertin of Amsbury in ye county of Essex Widdow at ye house of Lt. Nathaniel Ingersalls in Salem village in order to her examination Relating to high suspicion of sundry acts of Witchcraft donne or committed by her upon ye Bodys of Mary Walcot, Abigail Williams, Ann Putnam and Mercy Lewis of Salem village or farmes whereby great hurt and damage hath beene donne to ye bodys of said persons according to complt of Capt. Jonathan walcot & Serg Thomas putnam in behalf of their Majests this day exhibited before us for themselves and also for several of their neighbors and here you are not to fail at your peril.

Dated Salem Aprill 30th 1692. John Hathorn Jonathan Corwin Assistants

Susannah was tried for these charges June 26, 1692 her trial began. Susanna pleaded not guilty, but in the end she was found guilty and condemned to death. During the trial process she proved by all accounts to be pious and quoted the Bible freely, something a witch was said incapable of. Cotton Mather countered Susannah's defence by stating in effect that the Devil's servants were capable of putting on a show of perfect innocence and Godliness. (see: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

During her preliminary examination, she vigorously answered the charges against her. When the "afflicted girls" began having fits, she laughed out loud. When the magistrates asked why she laughed, she responded, "Well I may at such folly." She refused to express any thoughts on what may have ailed the girls but bluntly stated that she didn't think they were bewitched. She later stated in her testimony that she did not think the afflicted were bewitched, and stated “If they be dealing in black arts, ye know as well as I.” Her further testimony show that she realized the seriousness of her situation and she adamantly maintained her innocence.

"The mental anguish and suffering of the two and a half months while she lay in Salem jail...is beyond our power of description." Susannah Martin underwent the indignity of a physical examination on June 2 1692. These examinations were intended to discover whether the accused had any physical abnormalities, especially anything that could be used to suckle a familiar or even the devil himself. Susannah was examined twice during the same day; at neither examination was any abnormality discovered, but at the first her breasts appeared to be full and at the second slack. Doubtless the magistrates found this apparent indication that she had actually suckled even more satisfactory than an abnormal "witch's teat." (Susannah North Martin text complied by Bonnie Johnson - http://www.rootsweb.com/~nwa/sm.html)

Many of her neighbors came to court to testify to her bewitching arts. Among them were James Allen of Salisbury. He stated that he refused to help Susannah cart wooden staves because his oxen were too tired. She angrily shouted “It has been as good if you had for your oxen should never do you much more service.” James Allen then on his way home had to unyoke one of his oxen because the animal was so exhausted. The following day he drove the oxen to Salisbury Beach so they could rest. When he returned two days later, his oxen had disappeared; later finding out that they had drowned.

Multiple neighbors came to court and testified against Susannah. All the while Susannah stuck to her faith. Knowing that if she admitted she was a witch, she would save her life. At the trials end, Susannah Martin, at the age of 71, was found guilty and sentenced to be hanged on July 19, 1692

Death warrant of Susannah Martin, Sarah Good, Rebecka Nurse, Elizabeth Howe and Sarah Wild

On Tuesday, July 19, 1692 Susannah Martin, Sarah Good, Rebecca Nurse, Sarah Wilde, and Elizabeth Howe were taken from their cells, put into a cart and driven up the rocky road to Gallows Hill. While Rebecca Nurse prayed, Rev. Nicholas Noyes exhorted Sarah Good to confess saying, "You are a witch, and you know you are a witch." She replied, calling him a liar and saying that she was no more a witch than he was a wizard and...if you take away my life, God will give you blood to drink." Tradition says that Rev. Noyes died of an internal hemorrhage, bleeding profusely from the mouth. (Susannah North Martin, text complied by Bonnie Johnson - http://www.rootsweb.com/~nwa/sm.html)

"The bodies...were thrust into a shallow grave in a crevice of felsite." There is historical evidence that the body of at least one of these women, Rebecca Nurse, was secretly removed and given Christian burial; "this was the hour and the power of darkness when a son could not say where he had buried his mother."

In 1711, the General Court granted compensation to many of the victims or their heirs, but Susanna's children made no application to the authorities and they received nothing. Susanna was not among those whose attainder was lifted. (Susannah North Martin text complied by Bonnie Johnson - http://www.rootsweb.com/~nwa/sm.html))

During the entire witchcraft hysteria in Salem, 400 plus people went through the horror of being accused of witchcraft. Only 19 were hanged and one man pressed to death. On May 1693, all the people accused of witchcraft that were still jailed were released after jail and court costs were paid. This finally put an end to the hysteria of 1692.

The Witch's Daughter
about Martin.

Let Goody Martin rest in peace, I never knew her harm a fly,
And witch or not - God knows - not I?
I know who swore her life away;
And as God lives, I'd not condemn
An Indian dog on word of them.
John Greenleaf Whittier 19th Century, poet

Pardon
Boston, Massachusetts, On October 31, 2001, acting governor of Massachusetts, Jane Swift, signed a law that formally pardoned Susannah Martin, Bridget Bishop, Alice Parker, Margaret Scott, and Wilmot Redd.

(see: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, and Susannah North Martin text complied by Bonnie Johnson - http://www.rootsweb.com/~nwa/sm.html, also http://www.salemwitchchild.net/SMArticle.htm

Notes of Interest:
William Sargent Jr. Susannah’s accuser is one of our 9th great-grandfathers.
Rebecca Nurse is a grandmother to my daughter’s husband.
Ann Putnam one of the young girl accusers is our 2nd cousins 11 times removed.

Marker Stone located at the site of Susannah Martin's House in Amesbury, Massachusetts.
Marker located at the end of Martin Street, which intersects with Route 110 at the Red Pepper Restaurant about one-half mile west of the intersection of Routes 110 and 150, Amesbury, Massachusetts.

See and read documents at: http://famhist2.blogspot.com/2009/03/murder-in-salem.html