~*The Salem Witch Hysteria of 1692*~
Due to the vast amount of information available on this subject, it is recommended that this page be read in several sittings. The page is currently under construction and more will be added to it in the near future, yet there is enough material here for anyone interested to begin learning about this historical event. I hope you enjoy!
In January of 1692, in the small village of Salem, a Massachusetts Bay Colony, the daughter and niece of the town's preacher, Reverend Samuel Parris became ill, as did other girls in the village. The girls began having "fits", yelling out, babbling, thrashing and at times, barking like dogs. When the village doctor, William Griggs, was called in to examine the sick girls, and when no medical diagnosis could be determined, they were said to be "bewitched". Due to this diagnosis, the people of Salem and surrounding towns in Massachusetts, began accusing friends and neighbors alike of being witches.
History - The Afflicted
Due to the highly structured lifestyle of those in the Massachusetts Bay Colony during the seventeenth century, there was often no time for childhood idleness. Days were spent occupied with home chores and religious studies. The church and bible were the main source of focus outside of home tasks for children. Just like the adults of the village, children were dressed in proper Puritan attire at all times, keeping busy to avoid getting into the devil's mischief. Marriage occurred young, usually at sixteen or seventeen. As the adults worked, children, despite having duties to do themselves, had no play time to speak of. In 1692, there were many girls who were in the village yet to be married and during the long winter days, were seeking something to occupy their time.
Tituba, the Parris family's slave, said to be half Carib and half black, was a native of Barbados. With the Rev. and Mrs. Parris busy, Tituba spent a lot of time speaking with Betty Parris and Abigail Williams, entertaining them with stories from her homeland. As the girls were always under foot while she did her household duties, she fascinated them with tales of magic and folklore from a country far away. Soon, the girls invited their friends from the village to join in these fireside tales, as it was something to pass the dreary New England winter days.
It can be said that based on these innocent tales, the girls of Salem learned of ways other then those of their strict upbringings. Tituba opened their eyes to things strange and foreign, and some of the older girls in the group encouraged the woman to tell fortunes, which was strictly forbidden, yet thoroughly enjoyable for them. Now, due to the defined beliefs of the Puritans and the frequent preachings on the subject of the black arts, the girls knew that this was highly inappropriate behavior and was against Puritan beliefs.
In January, nine year old Betty Parris, Tituba's "favorite", became noticeably ill. She began babbling or sitting motionless in a glazed stare. She often was absent minded, unlike a normal child. Abigail soon after also fell ill, as did other village girls who sat in on the fireside circles. Rev. Parris became quite concerned after his daughter and neice did not speedily recover and summoned the village doctor, who was unable to diagnose what was wrong with them. Dr. Griggs stated that the girls were bewitched.
Out of concern, Mary Sibley asked Tituba and John Indian, Parris' other slave, to bake a witch cake to help persuade the girls to accuse their tormentors. The cake was made from rye meal and the childrens urine, unknown to the Rev. Parris. Unrelenting questioning began from the Reverend, wanting to know who was causing the bewitching. Upon questioning as to who was doing this to her, Betty eventually replied "Tituba...she...oh Tituba." This was the first person to be "pointed out", yet it can be assumed that Betty, due to her closeness with the kind hearted slave, was simply calling out for her nurse. Upon additional questioning, the names of Sarah Good and Sarah Osbourne were also persuaded out of the girls. To no surprise, as these three were likely candidates for a witch hunt.
- Tituba, a black slave who was not of Puritan upbringing
- Sarah Good, hardened by years and time in jail, known as the village hag
- Sarah Osbourne, who took a man into her home after the death of her first husband, was seldom in church and the victim of many rumors
History - The Accused (Tituba, Sarah Good & Sarah Osbourne)
After the initial accusations, testimonies against the three women were taken from the girls and on February 29, 1692, and warrants were issued. The accused were taken to Ipswich Prison and preparations for their trials began in Salem Village. Two magistrates, both "assistants" of the General Court of the colony were sent from Salem Town to conduct the investigation. Jonathan Corwin and John Hathorne, both of whom had no legal training, were sent to begin examination.
The magistrates gathered a small working library to use as reference material for their cases, as no where does the Bible noteably define witchcraft. The books gathered were as follows:
Collection of Sundry Tryals in England and Ireland - Glanvil
Guide to Jurymen - Benard
Common Law - Kebble
Kingdom of Darkness - R. Burton
Certainty of the World of Spirits - Baxter
Memorable Providences - Cotton Mather
Corwin and Hathorne used such things as the "devils mark" and spectral evidence in processing their witchcraft cases. The mark, being any birthmark, mole or skin blemish, which was believed to be given to the accused from the devil himself. Spectral evidence, used throughout the trials, was the unseen "spirit" of the accused causing upset and turmoil to the accusers. Girls throughout the trials would scream out and lash in the air, swaying at unseen spirits.
On March 1, 1692, the trials of Sarah Good, Sarah Osburne and Tituba, the Parris slave woman, all accused of witchcraft began. The entire town was in a state of excitement, as they watched the magistrates enter Salem Village for the trials, unsure of what to expect.
Sarah Good was first to take the stand, and is noted to have stated, "I scorn it.", as she was presented the charges. Sarah Osburne attempted to feign affliction, in hopes that she would be seated amongst the girls who were writhing and yelling throughout the testimony of both herself and Sarah Good, yet she lacked drama and conviction in her act.
Tituba was then brought to the stand. Upon her seating, the afflicted girls began acting in demonically frightening manners, yelling and writhing increasing. Upon learning of her witch cake, Tituba had been beaten severely by Rev. Parris, until the "truth" came out of her. For fear of further punishment at his hand, Tituba began telling the people of Salem what they wanted to hear. Her testimony took three days, under the quiet hush of the courtroom, a hush which even encompassed the afflicted girls.
Tituba told of a tall man who made her do things to the girls. If she refused to obey, Sarah Osburne and Sarah Good were sent to force her to do so. Tituba claimed her "spectral shape" went on journeys, pinching girls, and attacking others (one with a knife) during the night.
Of the three accused, Tituba was the only one who confessed. Sickly Sarah Good (who died on May 10th), pregnant Sarah Osburne (who gave birth just after the trial), and Tituba were sent to the dark, filthy prison, accused of being Salem's first witches.
After the Initial Trials - Martha Corey
Things seemed to quiet down after the first three were sent off to jail. The people of Salem seemed pleased to be able to put this whole situation behind them and busy themselves with the tasks of the upcoming planting and harvesting, the dreary cold winter ending.
The magistrates, did continue asking the girls "Who afflicts thee?" and "What tall man of Boston hath appeared to thee?" On March 11, 1692, Ann Putnam saw and named yet another witch. The town was shocked when it was not a man of Boston, but one of their own, Martha Cory.
Martha Cory was wife of Giles Cory. Martha is said to have suffered an episode of demonic possession, as she threw her head back and laughed. She was then said to have prevented her husband, Giles, from going to the village to watch the examinations. Although Giles was in his eighties, he was a large man, who often was quick tempered. Martha feared he would lash out during the examinations, thus the attempt to keep him home. Yet, he went despite her efforts.
Martha was known as a "professor of faith" amongst villagers. She was quick spoken, smart, and often right in her word, which left some upset with her. Her outspokenness regarding witchcraft was considered many to be downright heresy. Due to her involvement with the church, Ezekiel Cheever and Edward Putnam went to pay Martha Cory a private visit. Upon their arrival, her skepticism regarding the entire witchcraft accusation was overwhelming to the gentlemen, Martha stating blasphemously "I do not believe there are witches.", despite Ann Putnams' allegations. The men left her home outraged.
On March 19, 1692, a warrant was issued for her arrest on the charge of witchcraft. As that date fell on a Saturday, Martha was able to attend church on Sunday and properly display "her craft", as her arrest was held off until until March 21, 1692, Monday.
Minister of Salem Village, Deodat Lawson, who preached at both meetings, was sent to investigate the recent happenings in Salem. During his preaching, he saw Mary Walcott act out, stating a witch was biting her. A man of precaution, he went to speak with Rev. Parris. Entering the Parris home, he witnessed Abigail Williams in full possession, lashing out, flailing her arms, crying "Whish! Whish!". The child then claimed that a shape had entered the room, but neither Lawson, Parris or the women who were trying to calm her were able to see it. The men examined Abigail, asking who the shape was. She ranted and babbled, but did not accuse Tituba, Sarah Good, or even Sarah Osburne. Abigail then ran to the fireplace, and tried to fly up the chimney.
The following day at the pulpit, Lawson did a sermon on "Suffer little children", obviously taken aback by the previous day's events. He saw Witch Corey seated amongst the Christians, which upset him greatly, as Marthas presence in church was only to defy God. The children began wailing, crying and ranting, stating that they were being bitten, choked and pinched by the witch, although in her spectral shape.
Martha then stated to the entire congregation, knowing the following day she would have to face her accusers, "I will open the eyes of the magistrates and the ministers." To no avail, as Abigal Williams then yelled out "Look ! There sits Goody Cory on the beam suckling a yellow bird betwixt her fingers!" Ann Putnam then chimed in claiming the yellow bird then flew and landed upon the ministers hat. Although the parishners looked upwards to the beams, they saw nothing.
The following morning, Monday, Martha Corey was examined by the magistrates. "I don't afflict them", she said self righteously. "I am a Gospel woman." The children yelled "She is a Gospel witch, a Gospel witch!"
The examination continued, Martha all the while denying that she had done anything wrong. "We must not believe these distracted children.", she said. Yet, despite her meaning of this, magistrate Hathorne wanted to know who was responsible for distracting them, if not her. Angered by Martha, who was tired from the repeated questions and leaning against the magistrates desk, a member of those witnessing the events threw a shoe in her direction.
Marthas husband, Giles, slow minded as he was, was called to the stand. He attempted to answer the magistrates honestly and stated then when Martha was around, he found it difficult to pray. People wanted to know under what disguise was Giles using his stupidity and what was he hiding? Although none of the testimony of husband nor wife proved Martha a witch, she was dragged off to jail pending trial yelling "You can't prove me a witch!"
Rebecca Nurse
A day prior to the examination of Martha Corey, Elizabeth and Israel Porter went to see the Nurses, a well respected family, yet not known in Salem as "gentry". The hardworking members of the Nurse family moved upwards financially, although their efforts were not recognized by those in Salem, and their means often questioned.
Rebecca, matriarch of the family, often spoke of the Scriptures in her poetical, simple speech, often speaking in triple negatives, as did Chaucer. Now in her elder years, she was hard of hearing and often confused as to what was going on around her. Although a devoted and loving mother, proud of her children and her sons and daughters in law, a woman who was the essence of Puritan upbringing, she was not a saint. She did lose her temper on rare occasion, perhaps due to her being unaware in entirety of what was happening in her midst.
Upon their arrival, the Porters were not welcomed by Rebecca as usual, as she was lying in bed and had been ill with stomach complaints the last few days. Deaf as she was, she did not hear them arrive. When Rebecca Nurse saw her visitors, she smiled and allowed herself to be propped up with pillows, delighted to see them, despite her health. The Porters told Rebecca of the recent happenings in Salem Village, of the afflicted girls and the accused. "I go to God with them.", she said, "But I am troubled, oh I am troubled at some of their crying out. Some of the persons they have spoken of are, as I believe, as innocent as I."
The Porters looked at each other, then Rebecca in shock, as Ann Putnam had "cried-out" Rebeccas name. Ann had said Rebeccas name hesitantly at first, but with more enthusiasm as the other afflicted girls chimed in with her. Additionally, Abigail Williams had thrust the "devil's book" towards Lawson, claiming Rebecca Nurses shape was holding it out to her. The Porters explained all of this to Rebecca, who calmly replied "Well, if it be so, the will of the Lord will be done."
The Porters were deeply moved as Rebecca questioned why the children had accused her in her old age and remarked that they would make note of their impressions to be given as testimony for the court, which they did.
During Martha Coreys examination, Rebecca's name was freely used in front of hundreds of witnesses, as if the old woman was present herself, despite being ill and in bed. So, on March 23, 1692, a warrant was issued for her arrest.
So, on the 24th of March, Rebecca Nurse took the stand while she was examined on the charge of witchcraft. Frail, old, and as sickly as she was, she stated "I can say before my eternal father that I am innocent, and God will clear my innocence." Upon examination by Corwin, Kenny stated he was in an "amazed condition" upon visiting the Nurse house, and Edward Putnam stated that he had witnessed spectrally Rebecca torturing his niece. Rebecca replied to these statements "I never afflicted no child, no, never in my life. I am innocent and clear and have not been able to get out of doors these eight-nine days".
Hathorne seemed to be taken by Rebeccas pleas, and further questioned her, yet being as elderly as she was, and straining to hear the Magistrates words, she was unable to answer, as the girls began screeching and noisily crying out. Upon hearing the screams of the afflicted, Rebecca cried out "Oh, Lord help me!". These very gestures sealed her own fate. Hawthorne asked of her "It is awful for all to see these agonies (speaking of the afflicted) and you an old professor thus charged with the devil by effects of it, and yet to see you stand with dry eyes when many are so wet." Yet, Rebecca held to her innocence and refused to confess, as Tituba did. She did not cry and through her own actions, crying out to her Lord, she was found guilty and ordered to prison to stand trial for witchcraft.
After Rebecca's examination, honest townsman, John Proctor, despite the newest sermon from Lawson and despite the rest of the afflicted girls (obvioulsy content that the newest "witch" was now imprisoned), cried out "Hang them! Hang them! They should be at the whipping post! If they are let alone we should all be devils and witches." He was mocking the trials and openly professed that he felt the entire charade of the girls was nothing but the accusation of innocent people. His actions brought about additional afflictions from the suffering girls.
Sarah Cloyce, Elizabeth Proctor & John Proctor
After the examination of Rebecca Nurse, the Nurse family took time in solitude away from the villagers and the church sermons. The Nurse family was also shocked by the fact that neither of their pastors took to Rebeccas defense was also alienating the family, as Rebecca had been a member of the congregation for years. Sarah Cloyce, Rebecca's sister, had also stopped attending church services since the arrest and imprisonment of her sister. However, on April 3, 1692, neighbors persuaded Sarah to attend the sermon, as it was Sacrament Sunday.
The congregation was quiet that Sunday, even the afflicted girls seemed to be in a state of calm. Rev. Parris named his text for the day, "Have I not chosen you twelve and one of you is a devil?" Upon hearing this, Sarah Cloyce got up, stormed down the aisle in the church and exited the building, the door slamming behind her. Upon completion of the services, all the congregation were talking about was Sarah Cloyce and her behavior. Soon after, the girls once again fell into their fits, crying the name of Sarah Cloyce. This was enough, as a warrant was issued on Monday for her arrest.
On Friday, Sarah faced the magistrates, demanding of John Indian, who was testifying against her, "When did I hurt thee?" and stating "Oh, you are such a grievous liar!". Upon being called a liar, John Indian fell onto the floor convulsing. The magistrates saw this and realized that Sarahs spectral shape was attacking John Indian. The girls claimed to see the Black Man's familiar yellow bird flutter over Sarahs head. Sarah was held for trial and sent to be with her sister, Rebecca to receive final judgement.
Sarah Cloyce was not alone that day in her examination. John Indian had accused Elizabeth Proctor of being a witch, stating "There is the woman who came in her shift (shape) and choked me!" The girls began moaning and making choking sounds immediately. One of the girls exclaimed that Elizabeth was perched upon a high beam in the building and several claimed that she had been after them to sign the Black Mans' book. "Dear child, it is not so", said Elizabeth in her own defense. She tried to reason with the girls with tenderness, but to no avail. The girls continued screaming, but only louder. John Proctor yelled out in an attempt to be heard over the noise they were creating.
Abigail Williamson then cried, "Why he can pinch as well as she!" Although John Proctor was a highly regarded member of the community, all eyes turned upon him, as he tried to defend his wife, Elizabeth. He tried to reason with the magistrates, but his reasoning was considered blasphemy, as he was never a man to be known to hold his tongue, he and Elizabeth were both sent off to await trial, as well.
Later in the day, six were carted off to a prison in Boston to await trial; Mr. and Mrs. John Procter, Rebecca Nurse, her sister, Sarah Cloyce, Martha Cory and Dorcas Good, a child, sent to join her mother, Sarah Good.
Mary Warren
Being John Proctors "jade", doting on the titan of a man he was, Mary Warren, the Procters maidservant, thoroughly respected and loved her master. It was she, with the other girls, who first accused his wife, Elizabeth, of being a witch. With Mrs. Proctor now in jail, Mary was left in the Procter household to tend for the five children in the absence of both of their parents.
Given this, the local sheriff took it upon himself to go to the Proctor home and seize whatever goods, provisions and cattle they could. Mary, witnessing this misery, proclaimed that the afflictions of the girls, herself included, had been "for sport." Yet, Mary did not go to the magistrates directly. Abigail Williams claimed that Mary had been forced to sign the Book by John Procter, and was now in the grasp of the devil. Afflicted had now become the Accused. Mary was given the opportunity to speak on April 19th to the magistrates, as the girls' afflictions had worsened.
Being a bit older than the other afflicted girls, she took the stand and listened to Hathorne. The magistrate began speaking to her kindly, but the girl was unable to easily speak in her defense. Hathorne soon became angered by her and claimed "What! Do you take it as a mercy to afflict others?" "I look up to God, and I take it to be a mercy of God", she replied. The girls began to cry out wailing and screaming. Mary exclaimed, "I will speak! Oh, I am sorry for it!" Yet, Mary became speechless. The girls claimed that Martha Cory and Elizabeth Procter had come to Mary Warren and left her unable to speak.
Knowing what not to do with the girl, as even in her private interview held after the examination, she was not completely coherent, Mary was sent to Salem prison. Her stay lasted from April 21st to May 12th, during which time she repeatedly confessed to whatever the magistrates asked of her. She was released on May 12, 1692, she was proclaimed to be cleansed of her sin and allowed to be freed, joining the other girls in their place of honor in the courtroom.
Bridget Bishop, Abigail Hobbs & Giles Corey
Bridget Bishop, the towns tavern-keeper and owner of a fine lace shop was the next witch named by the afflicted girls. Her flashy attire, which was against the strict code of the Puritans, and her association with fabric-dyer, a Quaker named Samuel Shattuck, as well as her allowing loitering at the tavern, disturbing the sleep of her good neighbors made her an easy mark. The sobering quality of much of Salem was not the lifestyle which Bridget kept. She stated, upon the stand "I do not know what a witch is", as she rolled her eyes as she was questioned. The girls immediately rolled their eyes. The witnesses to this were shocked, claiming that Bridget had the devil working for her, as they witnessed so many white-eyed girls in their midst. Hathorne asked Bridget if it troubled her to see the girls tortured as they were, and she cooly replied "No!". Bridget was taken off to Salem Prison.
Abigail Hobbs, of Topsfield, was next to the witness stand. She, being content with commotion, willingly began confessing to anything the magistrates wanted to hear, as the girls listened quietly. The girls nodded as she confessed cheerily to "killing both boys and girls." Knowing they could not release Abigail based on this confession, she was sent off to Salem Prison, as well.
Giles Cory took the stand bewildered with the proceedings. Being of simple mind, and responsible for convicting his own wife, Martha, he seemed bewildered and confused as to where he was and what he was doing there. "I am a poor creature and cannot help it", he declared. The magistrates asked Giles what had "frightenend him", and being a proud man, he snapped back at them. "I do not know that I ever spoke that word in my life", Giles exclaimed. The girls began wailing and crying out. He was also remanded to prison, to join Martha and the rest.
The following day, nine more arrest warrants were issued.
April 22, 1692 - The Day of Eight
Although nine arrest warrants were issued, only eight of the accused could be found and sent to Ingersoll's ordinary for examination. The records for the hearing of Edward Bishop and his wife, Sarah, have been lost, but it is obvious that Edward reacted similarly to John Procter. Edward had recently whipped John Indian, in an attempt to "beat" the fits out of him. Edward had recommended to the town that he had much success with this, and highly recommended it for treatment on the girls. The town was in shock at such a thought and Mr. and Mrs. Bishop were remanded to Prison.
Due to the testimony of Abigail Hobbs, Deliverance and William Hobbs, her parents, were sent for to testify, as well. Mrs. Hobbs was obviously panic stricken when she entered the courtroom, loud with the screaming of the afflicted. She attempted to provide the magistrates the information she felt would clear her, but her confessions only sealed her fate. Deliverance tried to name several others, but retorted one, Mercy Lewis, realizing that Mercy was in an honored position in the community. She tried, with more conviction, to blame her daughter, Abigail and Sarah Good. Yet, she rambled and her testimony was not convincing enough to free her.
William Hobbs was much sterner than his wife, yelled, "I can deny it to my dying day!" That was enough to send him to prison.
Deliverance had implicated Sarah Wild, who had little chance to defend herself against the words of Mrs. Hobbs.
Mary Black, a negro slave woman from the Putnam household, did not comprehend most of what was asked of her. She was baffled by the outcries of the girls, yet did state she did "pin my neckcloth", when asked if she "pricked others". Her testimony was not convincing.
For some reason, Nehemiah Abbot, another of the accused who was quite old in years, was dismissed as a possible "witch", after his head was examined under the light of the window. Mercy Lewis stated, "It is not the man." and after thorough examination for the witches mark, he was released.
Mary Esty, the sister of Rebecca Nurse and Sarah Cloyce was then lead to the stand. Graceful and courageous, she moved magistrate Hathorne with her calm presence. He asked the girls if they were sure that Mary Esty was the woman. They answered with howls and screams of torture. They mimicked Mary as she cocked her head to the side to observe the girls. The magistrates asked Mary what she thought of this and she replied, "It is an evil spirit, but whether it be witchcraft I do not know."
Mary was hauled off to prison to join her sisters, but due to her demeanor, her jailors spoke to the magistrates on her behalf. The girls were each questioned as to whether Mary Esty was the woman tormenting them, but they were unsure. Mary Esty was released from prison.
Two days later, Mercy Lewis fell violently ill. The townspeople were sure that Mercy was dying. Since Mercy had not cleared Mary Esty, the magistrates considered acting against Mary, despite her release. It was not until Ann Putnam and Abigail Williams also stated that Mary Esty was responsible for the pain of their friend, Mercy, that constables were sent. To prevent Mary Esty from further false sympathy from the poor girls, the magistrates refused to examine her again, and had her sent back to prison.
Rev. George Burroughs
Chronology of Events
January 20, 1692 - Rev. Parris' daughter, Betty Parris becomes ill. Soon after, other girls in the village also fall sick.
February 1692 - Dr. William Griggs diagnosis the girls to be "bewitched".
February 25, 1692 - Tituba and John Indian, Rev. Parris' slaves are asked by Mary Sibley, a member of Rev. Parris' church, to bake a witch cake in order to persuade the afflicted girls to name who is bewitching them.
February 29, 1692 - Warrants are issued for the arrest of Sarah Good, Sarah Osbourne and Tituba, who were named by the afflicted.
March 1, 1692 - The three accused are examined in the meeting house by Magistrates John Hathorne and John Corwin. Only Tituba confesses.
March 11, 1692 - Ann Putnam accuses Martha Cory of witchcraft.
March 19, 1692 - Abigail Williams accuses Rebecca Nurse of witchcraft.
March 24, 1692 - Rebecca Nurse is examined before the Magistrates.
April 11, 1692 - Elizabeth Proctor and Sarah Cloyce are examined. John Proctor is accused and later imprisoned.
May 4, 1692 - Rev. George Burroughs is arrested in Wells, Maine.
May 10, 1692 - Sarah Osborne dies in prison in Boston.
May 27, 1692 - The Court of Oyer and Terminer is established to try the witchcraft cases.
June 2, 1692 - Bridget Bishop is tried and condemned.
June 10, 1692 - Bridget Bishop is hanged on Gallows Hill.
July 19, 1692 - Rebecca Nurse, Susannah Martin, Elizabeth Howe, Sarah Good, and Sarah Wildes are hanged on Gallows Hill.
August 19, 1692 - George Jacobs, Martha Carrier, George Burroughs, John Proctor and John Willard are hanged on Gallows Hill.
September 19, 1692 - Giles Corey is pressed to death for refusing to stand trial.
September 22, 1692 - Martha Corey, Margaret Scott, Mary Easty, Alice Parker, Ann Pudeator, Wilmot Redd, Samuel Wardwell, and Mary Parker are hanged on Gallows Hill.
October 29, 1692 - Gov. Phips dissolves the Court of Oyer and Terminer.
November 25, 1692 - A Superior Court is created to try the remaining witchcraft cases.
January 1693 - The Superior Court condemns three of the fifty-six people accused. Death warrants are signed for those three and five others who were condemned in 1692.
January 31, 1692 - Gov. Phips pardons those still imprisoned.
1694 - Witchcraft is no longer and actionable legal offense in Massachusetts.
Credits:
Salem Witch Museum, Salem, Massachusetts (Miscellany booklet)
The Devil in Massachusetts, by Marion L. Starkey
Salem Possessed, by Paul Boyer & Stephen Nissenbaum
The Devil and the Mathers, by Edward E. Elliot
The Devil hath been Raised, by Richard B. Trask
A Delusion of Satan, by Frances Hill
The Salem Witchcraft Trials, by Peter Charles Hoffer
Images of America: Sorcery in Salem, by John Hardy Wright
A Note: Although actual transcripts were used in the making of this page, please note that there are not misspellings. Many of the names in the actual trial transcripts, such as Martha and Giles Corey are spelled both as Cory and Corey. For sake of authenticity, this page reflects the discrepancies.
©2001NyWitch
