The Salem witch trials of 1692 remain one of the most haunting chapters in American history. During this dark time, hundreds of people in Salem Village, Massachusetts, were accused of practicing witchcraft and 19 were executed by hanging. The accused individuals came from a variety of backgrounds, ranging from wealthy landowners to impoverished servants, but they all shared one thing in common: their surnames. These surnames provide a glimpse into the interconnectedness of the Salem community and the social dynamics at play during this tumultuous period. Many of the accused were from prominent families in Salem, with surnames that still resonate in New England today. One such surname is "Proctor," which belonged to the husband and wife duo, John and Elizabeth Proctor.
I caused the within mentioned persons to be Executed according to the Tenour of the with[in] warrant
These accusers did not participate in a majority of the trials, although it could be argued that Thomas Putnam seemed to be in the background often due to his daughter being a primary accuser. She was accused of rejecting the puritanical expectations of self-control and discipline when she chose to torment and scorn children instead of leading them towards salvation.
One such surname is "Proctor," which belonged to the husband and wife duo, John and Elizabeth Proctor. John was a successful farmer and tavern keeper, while Elizabeth was a respected woman in the community. The Proctors' involvement in the witch trials offers a glimpse into the complex mix of personal vendettas and societal tensions that fueled the accusations.
Surnames of Salem witch trials victims
Nineteen accused witches were hanged on Gallows Hill in 1692:
June 10
Bridget Bishop
July 19
Rebecca Nurse
Sarah Good
Susannah Martin
Elizabeth Howe
Sarah Wildes
August 19
George Burroughs
Martha Carrier
John Willard
George Jacobs, Sr.
John Proctor
September 22
Martha Corey
Mary Eastey
Ann Pudeator
Alice Parker
Mary Parker
Wilmott Redd
Margaret Scott
Samuel Wardwell
One accused witch (or wizard, as male witches were often called) was pressed to death on September 19 when he failed to plead guilty or not guilty:
Giles Corey
Other accused witches died in prison:
Sarah Osborn
Roger Toothaker
Lyndia Dustin
Ann Foster
(As many as thirteen** others may have died in prison.)
**sources conflict as to the exact number of prison deaths
An example of a death warrant:
To Goerge: Corwine Gent'n High Sheriff of the county of Essex
Whereas Sarah Good Wife of William Good of Salem Village Rebecka Nurse wife of Francis Nurse of Salem Village Susanna Martin of Amesbury Widow Elizabeth How wife of James How of Ipswich Sarah Wild wife of John Wild of Topsfield all of the County of Essex in thier Maj'ts Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New England Att A Court of Oyer & Terminer held by Adjournment for Our Severaign Lord & Lady Kind Wiliam & Queen Mary for the said County of Essex at Salem in the s'd County onf the 29th day of June [torn] were Severaly arrigned on Several Indictments for the horrible Crime of Witchcraft by them practised & Committed On Severall persons and pleading not guilty did for thier Tryall put themselves on God & Thier Countrey whereupon they were Each of them found & brought in Guilty by the Jury that passed On them according to their respective Indictments and Sentence of death did then pass upon them as the Law directs Execution whereof yet remains to be done: Those are Therefore in thier Maj'ties name William & Mary now King & Queen over England &ca: to will & Command you that upon Tuesday next being the 19th day for [torn] Instant July between the houres of Eight & [torn] in [torn] forenoon the same day you Safely conduct the s'd Sarah Good Rebecka Nurse Susann Martin Elizabeth Howe & Sarah Wild From thier Maj'ties goal in Salem afores'd to the place of Execution & there Cause them & Every of them to be hanged by the Neck untill they be dead and of the doings herein make return to the Clerke of the said Court & this precept and hereof you are not to fail at your perill and this Shall be your sufficient Warrant given under my hand & seale at Boston th 12't day of July in the fourth year of Reign of our Soveraigne Lord & Layd Wm & Mary King and Queen &ca:
*Wm Stoughton
Annoq Dom. 1692
Salem July 19th 1692
I caused the within mentioned persons to be Executed according to the Tenour of the with[in] warrant
*George Corwin Sherif
Nineteen accused witches were hanged on Gallows Hill in 1692:
Another prominent surname associated with the witch trials is "Putnam." The Putnam family, led by Thomas Putnam, played a significant role in the accusations. Thomas was a powerful landowner and had a longstanding feud with the Nurse family, who were also accused of witchcraft. The inclusion of the Putnam surname in the accusations highlights the influence and power dynamics at play within the community. Not all victims of the witch trials came from wealthy or influential families. Some, like the Corey family, were of more modest means. Giles Corey, a farmer, and his wife Martha were both accused of witchcraft. Giles famously refused to enter a plea and was pressed to death as a result. The Corey surname represents the struggles faced by those on the lower rungs of society during this chaotic time. While the surnames of the Salem witch trials victims reflect the diversity of the accused, they also reveal the deeply intertwined nature of the Salem community. The fact that individuals from seemingly disparate backgrounds faced accusations illustrates how no one was immune to the hysteria that gripped the village. The events of the witch trials underscore the power of fear, social dynamics, and the lasting impact of a community torn apart by suspicion and paranoia..
Reviews for "Unearthing the Last Names: Researching the Salem Witch Trials Victims"
1. Emily - 1/5 stars - I was really disappointed with "Surnames of salem witch trials victims". I was expecting a comprehensive and informative book about the victims of the Salem witch trials, but instead, all I got were a list of surnames. There wasn't any context or deeper information provided about the individuals and their stories. It felt like a lazy attempt to capitalize on a tragic piece of history without putting in any effort to do it justice. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for a meaningful and insightful read about the Salem witch trials.
2. Michael - 2/5 stars - As a history enthusiast, I was excited to dive into "Surnames of salem witch trials victims". However, I was left disappointed. The book simply lists the surnames of the victims without providing any additional information or analysis. While it may be a useful reference for genealogists or researchers, it lacks substance for the average reader. The author missed a great opportunity to delve deeper into the lives and stories of these individuals. Overall, I found the book to be lacking in depth and would not recommend it to those seeking a thorough examination of the Salem witch trials.
3. Sarah - 2/5 stars - "Surnames of salem witch trials victims" was a letdown for me. I was expecting a detailed exploration of the victims and their stories, but instead got a simple compilation of surnames. While it may be useful for someone conducting genealogical research, it doesn't offer much substance to others seeking to understand the Salem witch trials. The lack of context or historical background left me feeling unsatisfied. I would suggest looking for other books that provide a more comprehensive analysis of this important chapter in history.