The “Witches” of Massachusetts – A
The chilling history of the Massachusetts witch trials is a dark chapter in American history, one that continues to fascinate and horrify centuries later. Beyond the infamous events of Salem, a wider net of accusations and fear was cast across the Massachusetts Bay Colony, impacting numerous individuals and communities. This article delves into the stories of some of those accused of witchcraft, beginning with names from the letter "A," offering a glimpse into the lives disrupted and the societal paranoia that fueled the witch hunt. The legacy of the “Witches” of Massachusetts serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of mass hysteria, religious extremism, and the fragility of justice.
The accusations of witchcraft in Massachusetts were often rooted in complex social dynamics, personal vendettas, and religious anxieties. The strict Puritan society of the time viewed the world as a battleground between good and evil, with the devil constantly seeking to corrupt souls. Any deviation from societal norms, unusual behavior, or personal misfortune could be interpreted as evidence of demonic influence. This climate of fear and suspicion created a fertile ground for accusations to spread, often targeting the vulnerable and marginalized members of society. Understanding the context of this era is crucial to comprehending the events that transpired and the devastating impact they had on the accused.
The individuals listed below represent a small fraction of those who were swept up in the whirlwind of accusations during the late 17th century in Massachusetts. Their stories, though often incomplete, offer a poignant reminder of the human cost of the witch trials. The lives of these individuals, branded as “Witches” of Massachusetts, were forever altered by the accusations leveled against them, leaving lasting scars on their families and communities. Let’s begin with those whose surnames start with the letter "A."
Nehemiah Abbott, Jr. (1665?-??) – From the town of Topsfield, Massachusetts, Nehemiah Abbott, Jr. found himself caught in the web of accusations. He was brought in for a preliminary examination, suggesting that the accusations against him were serious enough to warrant official investigation. However, the outcome of this examination was ultimately in his favor, as he was released. The reasons behind the accusations against Nehemiah Abbott, Jr. remain unclear, but his case highlights the pervasive nature of the witch hunt, which extended beyond Salem and into neighboring communities. The ordeal undoubtedly left a mark on him, a reminder of the ever-present threat of accusation in those turbulent times. The experience of Nehemiah Abbott, Jr. is a reminder that the fear of being labeled one of the “Witches” of Massachusetts permeated the entire colony.
Arthur C. Abbott (1639-??) – Another resident of Topsfield, Massachusetts, Arthur C. Abbott faced a more severe fate than his namesake. Accused of witchcraft, he was imprisoned, indicating a higher level of suspicion against him. The records, unfortunately, are silent on the final outcome of his case. Whether he was eventually tried, acquitted, or remained in prison is unknown, leaving a frustrating gap in his story. Arthur C. Abbott’s case underscores the arbitrary nature of the accusations and the lack of due process afforded to the accused. The uncertainty surrounding his fate serves as a chilling reminder of the vulnerability of individuals during the witch trials. The tale of Arthur C. Abbott shows how easily people could be branded as “Witches” of Massachusetts.
Captain John Alden, Jr. (1623-1701) – The story of Captain John Alden, Jr. is perhaps one of the most well-documented among those accused of witchcraft in Massachusetts. A prominent sea captain and merchant, Alden was a man of considerable standing in the community. Born to John Alden, Sr. and Priscilla Mullins Alden, who famously arrived on the Mayflower in 1620, he was a respected figure in Boston. His age, however, did not protect him from the rising tide of accusations. In May 1692, at the age of 69, he was accused of witchcraft, a charge that threatened to unravel his life and reputation.
Several factors may have contributed to Alden’s targeting. His connections with the Native Americans of Maine, particularly his alleged trade with the Wabanaki Indians, raised suspicion among some colonists who viewed the Native Americans as enemies. Rumors also circulated that he was providing supplies to the French, further fueling the distrust. His marriage to Elizabeth Phillips, who owned sawmills in Saco, Maine, solidified his ties to the region and may have made him a target for young female accusers who had suffered losses in the Indian Wars in Maine. These young women, orphaned and traumatized, may have seen Alden as a convenient scapegoat for their pain and anger.
The accusation against Alden came during a period of intense paranoia and religious fervor, making it easier for personal grievances and political rivalries to be disguised as legitimate concerns about witchcraft. The accusations were made by young women who claimed to be afflicted by his spectral presence, exhibiting fits, seizures, and other dramatic behaviors. The court, influenced by the prevailing beliefs of the time, often accepted this "spectral evidence" as proof of guilt.
Following his accusation on May 28, 1692, Alden was arrested and imprisoned in Boston. However, demonstrating his resourcefulness and determination to clear his name, he managed to escape and flee to New York. He later returned to Boston and posted bail, awaiting his trial. By the time his trial was scheduled on April 25, 1693, the tide had begun to turn against the witch hunt. The hangings had ceased, and public opinion was shifting, and his case was eventually dismissed. John Alden, Jr. lived out his days in Boston, passing away on March 14, 1701. His survival stands as a testament to his resilience and perhaps to the growing skepticism surrounding the trials in their final stages.
Alden’s own account of his examination reveals the absurdity and injustice of the proceedings. He described the "juggling tricks" of the accusers, who fell down, cried out, and stared at people. He recounted how one accuser, prompted by another individual, identified him as her tormentor, despite admitting that she had never seen him before. This firsthand account exposes the manipulation and suggestibility that characterized the witch trials, highlighting the dangers of relying on the testimonies of impressionable and potentially biased individuals. The case of Captain John Alden, Jr. serves as a powerful example of the social and political factors that contributed to the witch hunt, as well as the arbitrary and often unjust nature of the accusations.
Daniel Andrew (1643-1702) – From Salem Village, Daniel Andrew’s story is intertwined with the complex political landscape of the time. Accused of witchcraft, he fled before he could be arrested, a decision that likely saved his life. The accusations against Andrew, along with those against Philip and Mary English, are believed to have been orchestrated by the powerful Putnam family of Salem Village. The Putnam family, known for their influence and ambition, had a long-standing rivalry with the Porter family, to whom Andrew was related by marriage.
Daniel Andrew was a respected member of the community, working as a bricklayer and involved in numerous construction projects in Salem Village. He held various town offices, including juryman, selectman, and constable. His involvement in local government likely made him a target for the Putnams, who sought to consolidate their power and eliminate their rivals. The Putnams saw Daniel Andrew as an obstacle to their ambitions and used the witch trials as an opportunity to remove him from the political scene.
In 1689, Nathaniel and John Putnam were elected as Town selectmen, leading Israel Porter, Daniel Andrew, and others to resign in protest. In 1692, Porter, Andrew, and Philip English were re-elected, much to the dismay of the Putnams. Shortly after, warrants were issued against English and Andrew, based on complaints filed by Thomas Putnam and his brother-in-law, Jonathan Walcott. The timing of these accusations strongly suggests a political motivation behind them.
The accusers who implicated Daniel Andrew included Ann Putnam, Jr., Mary Walcott, and Mercy Lewis, all of whom were prominent figures in the witch trials. Their accusations, fueled by the Putnams’ influence and the prevailing hysteria, were enough to drive Andrew into hiding. After the fervor surrounding the witch trials subsided, Daniel Andrew returned to Salem Village and resumed his role as a town selectman, demonstrating his resilience and the community’s eventual recognition of his innocence. His story highlights the political machinations that underpinned the witch trials, as well as the importance of resisting fear and upholding justice. The tale of Daniel Andrew reveals the depth of the paranoia surrounding the “Witches” of Massachusetts.
The stories of Nehemiah Abbott, Jr., Arthur C. Abbott, Captain John Alden, Jr., and Daniel Andrew provide a glimpse into the lives of those accused of witchcraft in Massachusetts. Their experiences, though diverse, share a common thread of fear, suspicion, and injustice. These individuals, like many others, were victims of a system that prioritized accusation over evidence and fear over reason. The legacy of the witch trials serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the importance of critical thinking, due process, and the protection of individual rights. The fear of the “Witches” of Massachusetts reminds us of the importance of critical thinking and justice.