Villages of the Salem Witch Trials
The infamous Salem witch trials, a dark chapter in American history, are often associated primarily with Salem Village (now Danvers) and Salem Towne (now Salem). However, the hysteria of 1692 extended its tendrils far beyond these two communities. While Salem Village served as the epicenter where the accusations initially arose, and Salem Towne functioned as the legal and administrative center where trials and executions took place, numerous other villages in Essex County, Massachusetts, were deeply affected by the witchcraft allegations and subsequent investigations. These villages, each with its own unique history and character, became unwilling participants in the tragic events that unfolded.
Although not the first instances of witchcraft executions in New England, the sheer magnitude of accusations and convictions during the Salem witch trials solidified its place as a notorious example of mass hysteria in American history. Several other towns experienced the dark shadow of witch accusations. Villages like Andover, Ipswich, Beverly, Haverhill, Topsfield, and Gloucester, among others, found themselves grappling with fear, suspicion, and the devastating consequences of the witch hunt. Each of these Villages of the Salem Witch Trials has its own story to tell, a narrative woven with threads of historical context, community dynamics, and the individual experiences of those caught in the maelstrom of accusations.
This article delves into some of the key Villages of the Salem Witch Trials beyond Salem itself, exploring their origins, their involvement in the events of 1692, and their present-day identities. By examining these communities, we gain a broader understanding of the scope and impact of the Salem witch trials, recognizing that the tragedy extended far beyond the confines of Salem Village and Towne. Let’s embark on a journey through these historic locales, unraveling the stories of those who lived, accused, and were accused during this tumultuous period.
Amesbury
Nestled in Essex County, Amesbury’s story begins in 1655 as part of Salisbury. However, in 1666, it distinguished itself, becoming the town of Amesbury in 1668. Initially a modest farming community, Amesbury blossomed into a hub of maritime and industrial activity. The Powwow River’s dramatic 90-foot drop provided the power for sawmills and gristmills, fueling its early development. Shipbuilding, shipping, and fishing also played vital roles in its growing economy. The ferry service across the Merrimack River to Newburyport thrived until bridges connected to Deer Island.
During the harrowing Salem witch trials of 1692, Amesbury saw only one resident accused: Susannah North Martin. This 71-year-old, impoverished widow was unjustly hanged on July 19, 1692, a grim reminder of the period’s pervasive fear and injustice.
Today, Amesbury thrives as a primarily residential community, home to over 16,000 people, its history etched into its landscape.
Andover
Located approximately 15 miles northwest of Salem Village, Andover’s origins trace back to 1634 when land was allocated for an inland plantation. In the frenzy of the Salem witch trials of 1692, Andover found itself deeply embroiled in the hysteria. Tragically, Andover bore the brunt of the accusations and arrests, suffering more than any other town in New England. By the time the hysteria subsided, an astonishing 80% of the town’s inhabitants had been drawn into the witch hunt. Andover holds the unfortunate distinction of having the most confessed witches and the highest number of children arrested. The story of Andover is one of intense community disruption and the devastating impact of mass hysteria.
Beverly
Beverly, also in Essex County, began as part of Salem Towne, situated within the Naumkeag Territory. However, religious differences with Governor John Endicott led to its separation and official incorporation in 1668. The town took its name from Beverley in Yorkshire, England. In 1675, King Philip’s War erupted, with Native Americans seeking to expel the white settlers. Many of Beverly’s men fought in this conflict.
Beverly’s role in the Salem witch trials is notable. The Reverend John Hale, pastor of the Church of Christ in Beverly, was a prominent figure initially supporting the trials until his wife, Sarah Noyes Hale, was accused. This accusation prompted a change of heart, and he later critiqued the trials. Though his wife was never charged, others in Beverly faced a different fate. Dorcas Galley Hoar, a widow known for fortunetelling, was the first accused in Beverly. Found guilty and condemned, her confession and the intervention of ministers led to a reprieve. Other accused Beverly residents included Sarah Murrell, Sarah Morey, Sarah Riste, Susanna Rootes, and Job Tookey.
Today, Beverly is a thriving community of nearly 40,000 people. The Reverend John Hale’s house, built in 1694, still stands and welcomes visitors, while his remains rest at the Ancient Burial Ground.
Billerica
Billerica, located in Middlesex County, was originally an Indigenous village called Shawshin. In 1638, Massachusetts Bay Governor John Winthrop and Lieutenant Governor Thomas Dudley were granted land along the Concord River, paving the way for a European settlement. Facing financial difficulties, the settlement’s progress was delayed. Finally, in 1652, about a dozen families from Cambridge and Charlestown Village began settling Shawshin, later joined by families from Woburn. The settlers, seeking a more familiar name, chose Billerica, after a town in England. The town was officially incorporated in 1655.
During the Salem witch trials, Billerica, situated about 20 miles west of Salem Village, soon had citizens accused. Dr. Roger and Mary Allen Toothaker were accused by their niece, Sarah Carrier of Andover. Their daughters, Margaret Toothaker and Martha Toothaker Emerson of Haverhill, were also accused. While undocumented, many believe John Durrant and Rebecca Chamberlain were also victims, dying in prison in Cambridge. Other Billerica residents were called to testify, including John Rogers and Captain Jonathan Danforth.
Today, Billerica boasts a population of about 40,000 people.
Boxford
Located in Essex County, Boxford was initially settled in 1646 as part of Rowley Village by Abraham Redington. It gained official incorporation in 1685, when about 40 families resided in the settlement. Farming was the primary occupation, supplemented by the skills of various craftsmen. Lacking its own church until 1701, residents likely attended services in nearby villages.
During the witch trials of 1692, three Boxford residents were accused. Rebecca Blake Eames was the first, accused in August. Examined on August 19, 1692, along with Mary Lacey, Sr., of Andover, she confessed, claiming the Devil had bewitched her. She also implicated her son, Daniel Eames. Condemned to die on September 17, 1692, she was imprisoned until her release in May 1693. Her son, Daniel, was also imprisoned for a time. The only other case was Hannah Post, sister of Mary Post of Andover, who was examined and indicted but later found not guilty and released.
Boxford is now home to approximately 8,000 people.
Gloucester
Situated on Cape Ann in Essex County, Gloucester was founded in 1623 by the "Dorchester Company," chartered by King James I. It was one of the first English settlements in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, predating Salem and Boston. However, life in this first settlement was harsh and short-lived. Around 1626, it was abandoned, and the people moved to Naumkeag, later called Salem. The original location was slowly resettled, and Gloucester was formally incorporated in 1642. It took its name from the city of Gloucester in southwest England.
By 1692, Gloucester was still an isolated farming community. Unlike Salem Village, Gloucester had resolved most of its earlier conflicts and achieved the stability Puritans desired. However, this model Puritan community produced 17 witchcraft accusations, more than most area villages, except Andover, Salem Village, and Salem Towne.
Most of those accused were of high social and economic status, leading to the belief that envy played a role. Others were known as troublemakers or were related to other accused witches. Margaret Skillings Prince and Elizabeth Dicer were the first Gloucester residents accused, followed by Mary Prince Rowe, Phoebe Day, Rachel Vinson, and Joan Penney. Others accused included Rebecca Dike, Esther Elwell, Abigail Rowe, William Brown, Ann Higginson Dolliver, Joseph Emons, and Abigail Somes. Four women, Agnes Evans, Grace Dutch, Elizabeth Perkins, and Sarah Vinson, successfully fought back by filing a legal action for slander. The banning of spectral evidence and the disbanding of the Court of Oyer and Terminer led to the release or acquittal of most accused.
Today, Gloucester is an important center of the fishing industry and a popular summer destination. It is home to a population of almost 29,000 people.
Haverhill
Located about 24 miles north of Salem, on the Merrimack River, Haverhill began as a farming community, founded in 1640 by settlers from Newbury. Initially known as Pentucket, a Native American word for "place of the winding river," it was later renamed for the town of Haverhill, England. Haverhill has played a role in nearly every era of American history, including the Salem witch trials of 1692.
Haverhill resident Judge Nathaniel Saltonstall was chosen to preside over the Salem witch trials but recused himself due to his objections. Some historians believe this reluctance prevented the witch hysteria from taking deep root in Haverhill, unlike in Andover. However, several women from Haverhill were accused of witchcraft.
Today, Haverhill is home to almost 61,000 people.
Ipswich
Ipswich, a coastal town in Essex County, was founded in 1633 by John Winthrop the Younger. In 1634, the town was incorporated and called Ipswich, after a town in Suffolk County, England. Nathaniel Ward wrote Massachusetts’s first code of laws in town. Early settlers became farmers, fishermen, shipbuilders, and traders.
Ipswich saw some of its citizens arrested for witchcraft, but the hysteria did not impact it as severely as Salem Village and Andover. This is credited to the ministers of the settlement who disagreed with the witch trials. Rachel Clinton was arrested for witchcraft, indicted, and imprisoned until 1693. Mehittable Braybrook Downing was also arrested and imprisoned. Others accused were Thomas Dyer, Anna Edmunds, Margaret Read, and Thomas Wells. No one from Ipswich was executed.
Today, Ipswich is a residential community with a vibrant tourism industry. It is home to about 13,000 people.
Lynn
Lynn, located in Essex County, was first settled in 1629. In 1631, the settlement was incorporated as Saugus. In 1637, the settlement’s first official minister, Samuel Whiting, arrived from King’s Lynn, England. The settlers changed the name of their community to Lynn in his honor. Mostly an agricultural community, early settlers also relied on shellfishing, and many were skilled in making leather shoes.
Lynn had its first "witch scare" in 1669 when Ann Holland Basset Burt was charged with witchcraft. Apparently, no action was taken against Ann Burt as a result of these charges. However, some of her descendants would not be so lucky. During the witch hysteria, there were a number of people from Lynn who were accused of witchcraft.
Today, Lynn is the largest city in Essex County. It is home to more than 90,000 residents.
Malden
Malden, situated in Middlesex County, is about 16 miles southwest of Salem Village. Settled by Puritans in 1640, it was incorporated as a separate town in May 1649. The name Malden was selected by Joseph Hills, and was named after a small parish in Surrey County, England.
During the witch hunts of 1692, several Malden residents were accused.
Today, Malden is a large and prosperous town situated just four miles north of Boston. It is home to more than 59,000 people.
Marblehead
Marblehead, located in Essex County, was first settled as a plantation of Salem in 1629. Twenty years after John Peach, Sr. had settled his plantation, enough people had come to the area that a town was incorporated in 1649. It was first called Massebequash. Later, the town’s name was changed to Marblehead by settlers who mistook its granite ledges for marble.
In 1650, a fisherman claimed that he had seen the “Goodwife James” step aboard a boat and put to sea “in the likeness of a cat!” Though she was never convicted, her reputation in the “court of public opinion” was forever ruined. Marblehead’s sole victim during the witch hysteria of 1692 was Wilmot Redd, who was executed on September 22, 1692.
Today, Marblehead displays much of its early architecture from its heydays as a commercial fishing era. It is home to almost 20,000 people. Several sites from the witch hysteria of 1692 can be seen.