Reverend Francis Dane of Andover, Massachusetts
The specter of the Salem Witch Trials looms large in the annals of American history, a chilling reminder of the dangers of mass hysteria and the fragility of justice. Amidst this tumultuous period, figures emerged who, through courage and conviction, dared to challenge the prevailing tide of paranoia. One such individual was Reverend Francis Dane of Andover, Massachusetts, a man whose life and actions offer a compelling study of faith, reason, and resistance in the face of societal madness. While paradoxically accused of witchcraft himself during the Salem Village hysteria of 1692, Reverend Francis Dane of Andover, Massachusetts was never formally charged, and his steadfast opposition to the trials ultimately contributed to their cessation.
Early Life and Ministry
Francis Dane’s journey began across the Atlantic in Bishop’s Stortford, England, where he was baptized on November 20, 1615, presumably born there. His formative years were marked by intellectual pursuits, culminating in his graduation from King’s College at the University of Cambridge in 1633. That same year, he embarked on a transformative voyage to the New World with his parents, John Dane and Frances Bowyer Dane, seeking a new life in the burgeoning Massachusetts Bay Colony. The family initially settled in Ipswich and Roxbury, laying the foundation for their future in this new land.
As time passed, Francis Dane married Elizabeth Ingalls, and together, they built a family that would eventually include two sons and four daughters. This familial bond would prove crucial in the events to come. In 1649, Dane accepted the call to become the second pastor of the North Parish Church in Andover, Massachusetts, a role that would define much of his life. Beyond his spiritual duties, he also demonstrated a commitment to education, founding Andover’s first school, thereby nurturing the intellectual and moral development of the community’s youth. Reverend Francis Dane of Andover, Massachusetts was very instrumental in building the town and church.
A Voice of Reason Against Superstition
Long before the infamous Salem Witch Trials, Reverend Dane demonstrated a skeptical stance toward the belief in witchcraft. In 1658, when John Godfrey was accused of afflicting Job Tyler’s wife through "Satanic acts," Dane stepped forward to testify on Godfrey’s behalf. His reasoned arguments against the likelihood of witchcraft played a significant role in Godfrey’s acquittal, showcasing his commitment to justice and his willingness to challenge popular superstitions. This early display of skepticism would foreshadow his later opposition to the Salem trials.
Growing Tensions in Andover
For the first three decades of his ministry, Reverend Dane enjoyed a harmonious relationship with his congregation. He was a respected and influential figure in Andover, guiding his flock with wisdom and compassion. However, the winds of change began to blow in 1676 with the death of his wife, Elizabeth. A year later, he remarried, taking Mary Thomas as his wife.
By 1680, at the age of 65, Dane faced growing discontent from within his church. Some members began to question his capabilities and clamored for a younger, more energetic minister. In January 1682, the congregation hired Reverend Thomas Barnard, a recent Harvard graduate and a protégé of the influential Cotton Mather. This decision created a schism within the church, further exacerbated when the congregation ceased paying Dane’s full salary, diverting funds to Barnard.
Dane, however, refused to be sidelined. He petitioned the General Court in Boston, arguing for a fair division of the church’s resources. The court ruled in his favor, mandating that Andover Church split the annual salary between the two pastors, who would then share the pastoral duties. However, the division was far from equitable, with Dane receiving only £30 per year compared to Barnard’s £50. The agreement stipulated that Barnard would receive the full salary upon Dane’s retirement or death. This arrangement, understandably, pleased neither man and sowed the seeds of further discord.
The Shadow of Salem
Following the death of his second wife in 1689, Reverend Dane married Hannah Abbot in 1690. When the Salem Witch Trials erupted in 1692, Dane was 76 years old and had served Andover for 44 years. The existing tension between him and Reverend Barnard would escalate into open conflict as Barnard embraced the witch hunt with zeal. Barnard invited accusers from Salem Village to Andover church prayer meetings, where "touch tests" were conducted to identify suspected witches. While Barnard actively promoted the hysteria, Reverend Dane resolutely refused to participate.
This stance put him at odds with a community increasingly gripped by fear and suspicion. Ironically, Reverend Francis Dane of Andover, Massachusetts, himself became a target of accusations. Moreover, his family suffered disproportionately during the trials; more members of his extended family were accused than from any other single family. Two of his daughters, Elizabeth Dane Johnson and Abigail Dane Faulkner, along with his daughter-in-law, Deliverance Haseltine Dane, were arrested. Five of his grandchildren were also accused.
A Champion of Justice
Despite the personal risks, Reverend Dane emerged as a leading voice against the trials. He initiated a petition to the governor and the General Court, condemning the proceedings and urging their termination. His actions were motivated by a deep sense of justice and a belief in the innocence of those accused.
Dane’s efforts began with securing the release of the Andover children from jail on bond in October 1692. He then rallied husbands, brothers, and fathers of the accused women to petition the General Court for their release, arguing that their presence was desperately needed at home, especially with the onset of winter.
On October 18, 1692, Dane penned a powerful petition challenging the forced and false confessions extracted from women during the "touch tests." He argued that the "extreme urgency" exerted by friends and examiners, coupled with the "fear they were then under," had coerced them into admitting to false accusations. This marked his initial condemnation of spectral evidence and the manipulative tactics employed during the trials.
His campaign continued with multiple petitions and letters to the courts and fellow ministers, denouncing the procedures as scandalous and unjust. He famously declared, "I believe the reports have been scandalous and unjust, neither will bear y light." Slander charges filed by Dane and his family members, particularly Abigail Dane Faulkner, further contributed to deterring new accusations in Andover. Reverend Francis Dane of Andover, Massachusetts stood firm in his belief that the accusations were unjust.
Legacy of Resistance
Reverend Francis Dane remained in Andover until his death on February 17, 1697. He was buried in the Old North Parish Burying Ground in North Andover, although his grave remains unmarked, a poignant reminder of the controversies that surrounded his life.
Despite the lack of a physical monument, his legacy endures. Reverend Dane’s courageous opposition to the Salem Witch Trials serves as a testament to the power of individual conscience in the face of societal pressure. His unwavering commitment to justice, his willingness to challenge authority, and his tireless advocacy for the wrongly accused make him a true hero of this dark chapter in American history. Reverend Francis Dane of Andover, Massachusetts, even when accused of witchcraft himself, stood as an icon of hope and resistance. His life reminds us of the importance of critical thinking, the dangers of mass hysteria, and the enduring need to defend the principles of fairness and due process.