Salem Witch Trials
Alyssa Von Ruden
Who were the first accusers? What happened that made them start to accuse people? What are the explanations for their behaviors?
The first accuser was William Griggs. They first accused young girls.In January of 1692, the daughter and niece of Reverend Samuel Parris of Salem Village became ill. When they failed to improve, the village doctor, William Griggs, was called in. He diagnosed bewitchment. This then led to 19 deaths of both men and women. Some abnormal behaviors were to be sick and not get better and not being able to recite the Lord’s prayer.
Who did they accuse?
They first accused was on June 10 and her name was Bridget Bishop. On July 19 Rebecca Nurse, Sarah Good, Susannah Martin, ‘Elizabeth Howe, and Sarah Wildes. On August 19 George Burroughs, Martha Carrier, John Willard, George Jacobs, Sr., and John Proctor. On September 22 Martha Corey, Mary Eastey, Ann Pudeator, Alice Parker, Mary Parker, Wilmott Redd, Margaret Scott, Samuel Wardwel.
What was used as evidence to show someone was a witch?
First they had to say the lords prayer. If they passed that test they would look for blemishes on the body where Satan could enter. Third all someone had to do to prove that a person was a witch was to testify what you saw the “witch” doing something out of the ordinary or something that they did to you. Lastly, if anyone saw the ghost of the “witch” they would use that of evidence that they were a witch.
Where did this event take place?
This event took place in the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
When was the time period of the event?
This time period was between 1692 and 1693.
How were people executed?
They were executed by being hung, and by being crushed by rocks.
What was the importance of the Lord’s Prayer?
The Lord’s prayer helped prove if the men or women were possessed. If they could not recite the Lord’s prayer that meant that they were possessed.
Why might the economy of Massachusetts have caused the hysteria?
Anxiety. Settlers were afraid of death of starvation, by exposure, and the Native Americans. There was also a fear that women were gaining independence. They feared losing the puritans religious traits. They believed that the Native Americans and the devil allied. They also said that women were more likely to tempt sin.
Rebecca Nurse
Hung on July 19,1692.
Sarah Good
Hung on July 19, 1692 along with Rebecca Nurse.
Susannah Martin
Hung on July 19, 1692 with Rebecca Nurse and Sarah Good.