The “Witches” of Massachusetts – D
The chilling history of the Salem Witch Trials continues to fascinate and horrify centuries later. While Salem Village is often the focal point, the accusations and ensuing hysteria spread throughout the Massachusetts Bay Colony, ensnaring individuals from various towns and social strata. This article, focusing on names beginning with the letter "D," delves into the lives of several individuals caught in the web of suspicion and fear that defined this dark period in American history. The tragic stories of the accused, the accusers, and those caught in between offer a glimpse into the complex social dynamics and religious fervor that fueled the witch hunt. This article will delve into the stories of individuals such as Reverend Francis Dane, Deliverance Haseltine Dane, Lydia Dustin and others, all connected to the harrowing events of the Salem Witch Trials.
Reverend Francis Dane (1615-1697)
A figure of considerable standing in the Andover community, Reverend Francis Dane occupied a unique position during the witchcraft trials. Born in 1615, Dane served as the second pastor of the North Parish Church in Andover, Massachusetts, for an impressive 48 years. Ironically, despite his role as a spiritual leader, he was himself accused of being a witch. However, unlike many others during this tumultuous time, Reverend Dane was never formally charged.
His stance on the burgeoning witchcraft accusations was decidedly skeptical, setting him apart from many of his contemporaries. While details of his specific arguments against the witch trials are scarce, the fact that he was suspected and yet remained uncharged suggests a degree of influence or respect within the community, or perhaps a lack of credible evidence against him. His long tenure at the North Parish Church speaks to his established presence and the trust placed in him by his congregation. The story of Reverend Francis Dane provides a fascinating counterpoint to the prevailing narrative of mass hysteria, demonstrating that not all members of the clergy blindly accepted the accusations of witchcraft. The "Witches" of Massachusetts included individuals from all walks of life, even those who held positions of power and influence within their communities.
Deliverance Haseltine Dane (1653-1735)
The story of Deliverance Haseltine Dane offers a stark contrast to that of her father-in-law. Living in Andover, the epicenter of much of the witch hysteria, Deliverance was born in Rowley on January 15, 1653. She later married Nathaniel Dane, the son of Reverend Francis Dane, thus connecting her directly to a family both respected and, in the case of the Reverend, suspected.
Deliverance’s experience epitomizes the vulnerability and manipulation inherent in the witch trials. On September 7, 1692, she was accused of witchcraft during a "touch test" meeting conducted by Reverend Thomas Barnard. The touch test was a crude method used to determine guilt, based on the belief that an afflicted person would react physically to the touch of a witch. The following day, Deliverance was examined and, under duress, confessed to witchcraft. Her confession was particularly damning, as she claimed that she and other witches had conjured her father-in-law’s specter to torment the afflicted. This accusation, whether genuine or coerced, implicated a respected member of the community and further fueled the flames of paranoia.
As a result of her confession, Deliverance was indicted and imprisoned. However, the tide eventually turned. Later, she recanted her confession, asserting that she had "wronged the truth." The reasons for her initial confession and subsequent retraction remain unclear, but it is likely that fear, exhaustion, and the pressure of the situation played a significant role. She was released in December 1692, when the case against her was dismissed, marking a turning point in the trials as doubts began to surface. Deliverance lived for many years after her ordeal, passing away in Andover on June 15, 1735. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the devastating impact of the witch trials on individuals and families. The "Witches" of Massachusetts were often ordinary people caught in extraordinary circumstances, forced to make impossible choices under immense pressure.
Dane Male Slave
Tragically, the historical record is incomplete, leaving many stories untold. Such is the case with a male slave belonging to Nathaniel Dane, son of Reverend Francis Dane. His name has been lost to time, but his story, however fragmented, is a poignant reminder of the marginalized individuals who were particularly vulnerable during the witch trials.
It is known that this unnamed slave was accused of witchcraft and subsequently imprisoned. The scant details available highlight the inherent power imbalance of the era. Slaves, lacking legal rights and social standing, were easy targets for suspicion and accusation. Without a voice or the means to defend themselves, they were at the mercy of their masters and the prevailing prejudices of the community. The fact that his name is unknown further underscores his dehumanization within the historical narrative. While the details of his accusation and imprisonment remain shrouded in mystery, his story serves as a crucial reminder of the diverse individuals who were impacted by the witch trials. The "Witches" of Massachusetts included those whose stories were never fully recorded, lost to the passage of time and the biases of history.
Mary Bassett DeRich (1657-1712)
Mary Bassett DeRich was another individual ensnared in the accusations that plagued Massachusetts. The sister of Elizabeth Bassett Proctor, who was found guilty of witchcraft and sentenced to death, Mary’s connection to a convicted "witch" made her a target of suspicion. Her story highlights how accusations could spread through families and communities, creating an atmosphere of fear and mistrust. Further details about Mary Bassett DeRich’s specific involvement in the witch trials can be found in the linked article. The "Witches" of Massachusetts often found themselves accused simply by association, demonstrating the irrationality and injustice of the trials.
Lydia Dustin/Dastin (1626?-1693)
The story of Lydia Dustin is a particularly tragic one, highlighting the vulnerability of elderly women and the devastating consequences of false accusations. Born around 1626, little is known of her early life. At the time of her arrest, she was a widow, her husband, Josiah, having died in 1671. Despite her husband’s prominent position as one of the founders and leading landowners of Reading, Lydia was not immune to the accusations of witchcraft.
A complaint was filed by Captain Jonathan Walcott and Thomas Putnam, alleging that she had afflicted Mary Walcott, Ann Putnam, Mercy Lewis, and Abigail Williams – some of the most prominent accusers in the Salem witch trials. She was arrested in Reading on April 30, 1692, and examined on May 2 by magistrates Jonathan Corwin and John Hathorne. Despite her advanced age and her late husband’s standing, she was subjected to the humiliating and often coercive examination process.
Following her examination, Lydia was sent to Boston’s jail. Later, her daughters, Sarah Dustin and Mary Colson, were also arrested, further demonstrating how accusations could ripple through families. A warrant was even issued for her granddaughter, Elizabeth Colson, who fled and could not be found, highlighting the pervasive fear that gripped the community.
It is unknown why Lydia was not immediately tried, but she remained imprisoned throughout the year. Despite being found not guilty by the Superior Court of Judicature in January 1693, Lydia and her daughter, Sarah, could not be released until they paid their jail fees. Tragically, Lydia was unable to pay the fees and died in jail on March 10, 1693. Her death in prison, despite being acquitted, is a stark indictment of the injustice and cruelty of the witch trials. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the hysteria. The "Witches" of Massachusetts were often victims of a system that prioritized accusation over evidence and punishment over justice.
Sarah Dustin/Dastin
Sarah Dustin, the unmarried daughter of Lydia Dustin, was arrested shortly after her mother. Her father was Joshia Dustin, one of the founders and leading landowners of Reading, Massachusetts. Like her mother, she was accused of witchcraft, specifically of afflicting Elizabeth Weston, the daughter of John Weston of Reading.
Neither Sarah nor her mother were immediately tried, and both remained imprisoned throughout the year. In January 1693, they were found not guilty. However, unlike her mother, Sarah was able to pay the prison fees and was released. The circumstances of her release and her subsequent life remain unknown, but her story highlights the precariousness of survival during the witch trials. While she escaped the tragic fate of her mother, she undoubtedly bore the emotional and social scars of her experience. The "Witches" of Massachusetts faced not only the threat of execution but also the stigma and ostracism that followed even after acquittal.
John Durrant (??-1692)
The story of John Durrant is pieced together from fragments of historical records, offering a glimpse into the interconnectedness of the accused and the suspicions that arose from familial ties. Though no legal documents directly accuse him of witchcraft, it is known that he lived in Billerica at the time of the trials and died in the Cambridge prison on October 27, 1692.
On November 16, 1670, John Durrant married his neighbor Susanna Dutton, daughter of Thomas Dutton. After Susanna’s death in 1684, he married a widow named Ruth Hooper. Ruth’s stepdaughter was Sarah Hooper Hawkes Wardwell of Andover, who was accused of witchcraft in August 1692. Sarah’s husband was Samuel Wardwell, Sr., who was hanged for witchcraft on September 22, 1692. Sarah and Samuel’s daughter, Mercy Wardwell, was also accused of witchcraft.
The timing of John Durrant’s imprisonment and his familial connections to other alleged "witches" have led historians to believe that he was imprisoned on the charge of witchcraft. His story illustrates how suspicion could spread through families and communities, ensnaring individuals based on their associations rather than any concrete evidence. The "Witches" of Massachusetts often found themselves targeted due to their relationships with others who had been accused.
Thomas Dyer
From Ipswich, Thomas Dyer is known to have been accused of witchcraft and imprisoned, but no further information is known about him. His story serves as a reminder of the many individuals whose experiences during the witch trials remain shrouded in mystery, their names appearing in historical records with little or no context. The "Witches" of Massachusetts included countless individuals whose stories have been lost to time, leaving behind only fragments of their lives and experiences.
The stories of these individuals, all connected by the letter "D," offer a poignant glimpse into the complexities and tragedies of the Salem Witch Trials. From the respected Reverend accused of witchcraft to the enslaved man whose name has been lost to time, these narratives highlight the diverse experiences of those caught in the web of fear and suspicion that gripped Massachusetts in the late 17th century. The tragic tale of The "Witches" of Massachusetts serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of mass hysteria, the importance of due process, and the enduring need for critical thinking and tolerance.