John and Joan Carrington – Executed for Witchcraft
The annals of early colonial America are etched with tales of hardship, religious fervor, and, tragically, the chilling specter of witch hunts. Less than three years after the trial of Mary Johnson in Wethersfield, Connecticut, the shadow of suspicion fell upon another unfortunate couple: John and Joan Carrington. Their story, a somber reflection of the anxieties and beliefs of the time, culminated in their execution for witchcraft in 1651, forever marking them in the history of early New England.
To understand the tragic fate of John and Joan Carrington, it’s crucial to delve into the context of their lives and the society in which they lived. John Carrington Sr. was born in England around 1610. He and his first wife, Mary, embarked on a journey to the New World aboard the Susan and Ellen, arriving in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1635. Records at the time indicate they were both 33 years old and traveling without children. Later, they welcomed a son, John Carrington Jr., born in Simsbury, Connecticut, around 1640. Eventually, the family settled in the Puritan community of Wethersfield, Connecticut, a town characterized by its strict religious code and unwavering belief in the presence of the supernatural.
Following Mary’s death, John Carrington remarried to Joan (sometimes recorded as Joann), a woman from Wethersfield. Together, they had a daughter named Rebecca in 1650. Records suggest John Carrington worked as a carpenter, purchasing land in Wethersfield in 1643. His name appears in court documents as a defendant in a civil action in Hartford in 1644. In 1650, he was fined ten pounds for bartering a gun with a Native American, an act that likely reflected his limited economic resources. While he acquired more land in 1647 and received a small grant from the town in 1649, his social standing appears to have been modest, as he never held any official positions in Wethersfield. His livelihood seemingly evolved to include farming as well.
The accusation of witchcraft against John and Joan Carrington arose from unknown origins. On February 20, 1651, both were formally charged at a court hearing. The indictment against John Carrington read: "Thou art indicted by the name of John Carrington of Wethersfield, carpenter, that not having a fear of God before thine eyes thou hast entertained familiarity with Satan, the great enemy of God and Mankind; and by his help has done works above the course of nature, according to the laws of God and the established laws of this commonwealth thou deservest to Dye." A similar indictment was levied against his wife, Joan, effectively sealing their fate.
The trial of John and Joan Carrington proceeded swiftly. On March 6, 1651, they were both convicted of witchcraft and sentenced to death. On the very same day, they were hanged in Hartford, marking a tragic end to their lives. The speed of the trial and execution underscores the prevailing climate of fear and suspicion surrounding witchcraft in colonial Connecticut.
The aftermath of the execution of John and Joan Carrington paints a bleak picture of their circumstances. Their estate was valued at a mere 23 pounds, while their debts amounted to 13 pounds. This suggests they lived a life of relative poverty, further highlighting the social vulnerabilities that could make individuals susceptible to accusations of witchcraft. The lack of substantial wealth or influence likely offered them little protection against the accusations leveled against them.
The case of John and Joan Carrington serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of mass hysteria and the fragility of justice in the face of deeply held beliefs. The Puritan community, driven by its unwavering faith and fear of the Devil’s influence, readily accepted accusations of witchcraft, often with little or no concrete evidence. The consequences were devastating, leading to the unjust persecution and execution of innocent individuals.
Following the Carrington trial, Wethersfield experienced a respite from witchcraft proceedings for more than a decade. However, the underlying anxieties and superstitions remained, a simmering undercurrent in the lives of the colonists. The story of John and Joan Carrington is a cautionary tale, a testament to the dark side of early American history and the enduring need for critical thinking and due process in the face of fear and prejudice.
The tragedy of John and Joan Carrington is a complex tapestry woven with threads of religious fervor, social anxieties, and the very real fear of the unknown. Their story, though shrouded in the mists of time, continues to resonate as a reminder of the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of protecting individual rights, even in the face of widespread fear. Their lives, though tragically cut short, offer a glimpse into the harsh realities of early colonial life and the devastating consequences of the witch hunts that gripped New England.