Martha Corey, wife of wealthy farmer Giles Corey, was accused of witchcraft during the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. She maintained her innocence and accused the girls of lying, but the display by the accusers of her supposed control of their movements convinced the judges of her guilt. Martha married Giles Corey on April 27, 1690, and they had a troubled past together. Giles Corey was found guilty of murdering one of his farmhands in 1676.
Martha was immediately suspected of witchcraft when her husband, Giles Corey, mentioned that his wife stays up late to read her books. Martha’s husband, Giles, defended her against the allegations and was later accused of witchcraft himself. He refused to undergo a trial and was executed by the General Court.
The Salem community became swept up in the hysteria involving witches and sorcery, and Martha Corey was suspected of reading “strange books” that sparked hysteria. Before the witch trials, one of Martha’s neighbors purchased a book that claimed to be about witchcraft. Martha Corey and Francis Nurse stated that they both have no knowledge of witchcraft.
In the Crucible play by Arthur Miller, Martha Corey claims she is innocent to a witch and that she knows not what a witch is. Judge Hathorne questions how Martha knows she is not a witch, and Corey claims that Putnam wants Jacobs to hang because anyone hung for witchcraft loses all property rights. Martha Corey and Francis Nurse argue that witchcraft is an invisible crime, and who may possibly be witness to it is the witch and the other townspeople who signed a testament in defense of the good characters of Rebecca.
📹 Peabody’s With Trials Legacy: A Lecture on Giles & Martha Corey
Presented by the Peabody Historical Society Staff Curator, Kelly Daniel, on November 14, 2018.
Who accuses Martha Corey of witchcraft the Crucible?
Giles Corey, born in England in 1611, was one of the six mento be executed during the Salem witch trials of 1692. He was pressed to death with stones for refusing to “put himself on the country”, meaning he refused to be put on trial. He emigrated to Salem and remained there until 1659 when he relocated to Salem Farms, where he owned an extensive plot of land, appearing as a prosperous farmer. However, his personality, reputation, and relationships with others tainted this picture. Corey’s reputation as a “scandalous life” and lack of consideration for others in the community led to further suspicion of his guilt during the witch trials.
By the time of the trials, Giles was 80 and married to his third wife, Martha. On March 19, 1692, Martha was arrested for witchcraft. Giles decided to testify against his wife, but eventually tried to recan this deposition, leading to greater suspicion of his involvement in witchcraft due to the stigma surrounding perjury. One month later, on April 19, 1692, Giles Corey was accused of witchcraft and a warrant was out for his arrest.
Two primary accusations were filed by Abigail Hobbs, who named Giles and Martha Corey as fellow witches, and Exekiell Chevers and John Putnam, Jr., who filed an accusation on behalf of Ann Putnam, Marcy Lewis, Abigail Williams, Mary Walcott, and Elizabeth Hubbard.
What was Giles Corey’s quote?
Giles Corey declined to divulge the identity of the individual whom Thomas Putnam had defrauded of his property. He asserted that he had already disclosed the name of his wife and would suffer eternal damnation for doing so.
What happened to Tituba in real life?
Tituba, an enslaved woman accused of witchcraft in Salem, was released after spending over a year in jail. She was the first person to be accused of witchcraft in the town. Tituba’s testimony, which included a witch’s coven, a devil’s book, and evil spirits, sparked the Salem witch hunt. However, her story is as convoluted and potentially fictitious as any other part of the witch trials. Legends and rumors were common during the 1690s witch trials, leading to 20 deaths.
Historians only know about Tituba from her court testimony during the infamous trials, which is the only reliable information about her. The fate of Tituba remains unknown, leaving us to speculate on her true identity.
How did Martha learn to speak?
Martha Lorraine is a Labrador mix who was born an energetic stray and put in the dog pound as a puppy. She gained the ability to talk after Helen gave her a bowl of alphabet soup, which went to her brain instead of her stomach. To retain this ability, Martha has to continue eating the soup. She can also speak different languages if the soup is from another country but can only speak one language at a time.
Martha can understand most animal languages except for a few exotic animals such as monkeys and giraffes. In the episode “Itchy Martha”, Martha teaches T. D.’s father to speak a word in dog, coaching him to say it exactly right. In a newer episode, it is stated that Martha understands a wide range of animal languages, possibly because they have the same grammar system.
Martha has three superhero alter-egos: Skits Lorraine, Helen Lorraine, and T. D. Kennelly. Skits is unable to speak but is still a very smart dog found by T. D. who couldn’t keep Skits because his father is allergic to dogs. Helen is the closest to Martha and thinks of Martha as her best friend. She is 10 years old and biracial, coming from a Caucasian father and a Latin-American mother. In “Verb Dog”, it is revealed that Martha has her own superhero alter-ego, “When Action Calls!”, which is very huge and can brainwash dogs simply by calling their names.
T. D. Kennelly is Helen’s best friend, coming from a Caucasian father and a Latin-American mother. He lives a Bohemian lifestyle that revolves around the surreal and has a robot alter-ego from “Verb Dog, When Action Calls!” using robotic tentacles that grow from his back. Alice Boxwood is another of Helen’s best friends, with an older brother named Ronald who mocks her and a pet cat named Nelson, with whom Martha is mortal enemies. James “Jake” Lorraine is Helen’s toddler sibling whom Martha enjoys teaching on how to talk.
Danny Lorraine is Helen’s father, who works as a bus driver and an actor in the community theater. Mariella Lorraine is Helen’s Latina florist mother, who often uses Spanish words and phrases and gives the translation shortly afterwards. Mrs. Clusky is Helen’s teacher from Montreal, who was initially shocked when she found out that Martha can speak but has since gotten used to it.
What did Walcott accuse Martha Corey of?
Walcott alleged that Martha had practiced witchcraft by cursing his pigs, which had recently perished. He demanded a refund from Martha, but she denied it, stating that to keep a pig alive, Walcott should try feeding it.
What is the explanation of Martha?
Martha is a feminine name of Aramaic origin, meaning “lady” or “mistress of the house”. It is mentioned in the Bible as the sister of Mary and Lazarus. Martha is often portrayed as a hardworking, responsible woman, strong, independent, and capable. It is associated with the moon sign of Leo, which is ruled by the sun and represents the head of a lion. The name is associated with the lucky color apricot and the lucky number 5.
People with the Leo moon sign are noble, loyal, dignified, broad-minded, creative, and have enthusiastic character and leadership skills. However, they can also be arrogant, self-involved, and egoistic, which is in detriment with Saturn. Martha is a popular name among celebrities like Martha Stewart and Martha Plimpton.
How did Martha Corey defend herself?
Martha Corey, a respected member of the Salem Village Church, was accused of witchcraft by two young girls, Ann Putnam Jr. and Mercy Lewis, who had been admitted to the church in 1691. Corey was known for her piety and dedication to church, and had never shown support for the witch trials. She publicly denounced the witch trials and the judges involved in the cases.
Upon hearing this, the girls accused Corey of witchcraft, but she was unaware of the level of paranoia in the village. Corey was truthful about her innocence and never doubted she would be exonerated. The girls began mimicking her movements, and the Putnam family established their power in the town by accusing Corey of witchcraft.
Corey was hanged on September 22, 1692, at 72 years old. This accusation marked a turning point in the Salem Witch Trials, as Corey was a respected member of the church with good economic and social standing within the community. As accusations escalated across social boundaries, over one hundred women were eventually accused of witchcraft.
What were Giles Corey’s last words?
Giles Corey, a notorious witch hunter, was subjected to gruesome and public torture in 1692. He was stripped naked, pinned to the ground, and placed on a wooden board with rocks. After two days of torture, Giles remained silent and never pleaded. He died from being pressed to death on September 19, 1692. His estate passed to his two sons, but Sherriff Corwin extorted money from Giles’ daughter, who later filed posthumous charges against him. Sherriff Corwin died of a heart attack in 1696, and every Sherriff after him died or resigned due to blood ailment until 1991 when the Sherriff’s office moved from Salem to Middleton, Mass.
Some witnesses claim Giles cursed the title of Sherriff, but it is generally agreed that “more weight” was his last words. This case is the only of its kind in New England, and Martha was hung as a witch three days later.
What was Martha guilty of?
Martha Stewart was convicted in 2004 of conspiracy, obstruction of justice, and making false statements to federal investigators. She was not charged with insider trading. Stewart’s broker, Bacanovic, was also found guilty of related charges. Stewart served a five-month prison sentence and two years of supervised release, including electronic monitoring. The case raised questions about the fairness of the legal system and the responsibilities of public figures in financial dealings.
The trial had a significant impact on Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, leading to a decline in stock prices and Stewart stepping down. However, Stewart’s empire resisted, rebuilding her brand and returning to American media and business.
What did Martha do in jail?
Spry, a former prisoner, commended Stewart for her assiduous efforts in maintaining the cleanliness of the administrative building, which encompassed tasks such as toilet cleaning and the warden’s toilet. Elizabeth Walker, a former supervisory chaplain at Alderson, commended Stewart for her aptitude in performing essential custodial tasks such as sweeping and trash disposal. Walker recalled her remarks during the Christmas decorating contest.
How did Martha react to the argument?
Martha, who had overheard her teachers’ discussion regarding her candidacy, considered it a cruel coincidence that she was summoned by the principal to learn the outcome of her scholarship application, as she was aware that she would not be selected at this time.
📹 25 DISTURBING Facts About The Salem Witch Trials
Get ready to pull out your history books as we bring you the most DISTURBING facts about the Salem Witch Trials.
You should have mentioned that reverend George Burrows recited the lords prayer, from beginning to end, letter perfect before he was hanged. This planted the first real seed of doubt among the villagers that witches existed. During that time, witches were supposedly unable to say the prayer properly.
Tituba was a slave servant who moved from Barbados into the house of the minister Samuel Parris. It is his home where all this started. Tituba was basically a nanny to the children with whom she cared for and played with. It is Tituba who brought tales of voodoo witches and got the two girls started down this route through play. These people lived in a dark cold environment, were malnourished and had an austere lifestyle trying to be pious. After it got started it became uncontrollable. You had people afraid of each other. People accusing people they did not like of witchcraft. The rye flower is also suspect as it can spoil on the plant and cause hallucinations and other physical problems. And finally, there was probably a land grab to take the better land by accusing people. It was a perfect storm….Finally, the superior court stepped in and stopped the proceedings. I have been studying this for years. The best way to look at it is to look at separate areas of influence to get the full picture of what happened. These is so much more…..There is alot to this other than people acting wacko. Yes, I have been to Salem many times…for research. Many people go on Halloween.
“The governor of Massachusetts let the trials go on for a year, but put a swift stop to them once his wife was accused.” How little things have changed. The rich and powerful are all too happy to let us peasants tear each other to pieces as long as their positions aren’t threatened. The human life lost during the Salem Witch trials and the Burning Times before them is tragic, but what haunts me most is the ancient herbal knowledge, spiritual wisdom, and people’s trust in each other that were burned or strangled into silence along with the victims. Humanity was individually and collectively reprogrammed to serve the needs and fears of those who were kept in power thanks to repressive governments and dogmatic religion. Just heartbreaking. And yet, there’s hope, too, for the ancient understanding is slowly coming back. May we remember those lost, may they be at peace, and may our work carry on their legacies as best we can retrace them. Blessed be. )O(
I remember studying is as an example of societal mass hysteria and as it is one of the more famous ones it really does drive the point home. Thanks, Mike for another great article. Oh, as probably pointed out already Coreys’ pressing was torture to get him to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty, which he refused to do. It wasn’t meant to kill him but he was resolute in his refusal to enter a plea. This is why he said, “More weight” as after every stone they demanded that he enter a plea.
I live in Salem, and wanted to let you know your “facts” about Giles Corey. He was never convicted of witchcraft. Giles Corey refused to enter a plea. Under English law, if the defendant refuses to enter a plea, you could not hold a trial. In order to extract a plea, Sheriff Corwin resorted to pressing. (which, BTW had been outlawed in England) This occurred in what is today the Howard Street Cemetery. At the time, it was just a field behind the Salem Gaol. There is also abreat legend about Giles) As for the where the accused were held, those who were poor went to the Salem Gaol, as Salem was, and is, the seat of Essex County. How the were treated depended on how much money their family could pay, as the prisoners were charged for clean straw on the floor, food, even their shackles. If they were extremely poor, they might have been put inn a “Coffin Cell.” This is basically a closet with a barred door. Most were in an overcrowded Common Cell, while those who could afford it lived in virtual luxury. Eventually, Ipswich Gaol and others, including private, for profit gaols, took the overflow. If you were wealthy enough, you might be sent to Boston. Phillip English and his wire were sent there, but they hopped on one of Phillip’s merchant vessels and escaped to New York, where they waited out the trials, then returned to Salem.(Phillip Englishes story doesn’t end there. It includes land disputes, lawsuits, and even corpse stealing.) If you, or other tubers ever come this way, I would be happy to show you about where significant locations are, and the stories about them.
I was born in Salem, MA. One of my uncles owns a house in Salem now. I’ve been there many times. October is an interesting month there. My grandmother was tracing the family back and we’re supposed to be related to someone who was prosecuted for being a witch but I never heard who it was. We’re related to the Turner family who owned the House of 7 Gables. Our family is quite large and there are several historical figures in the list. Lot of good though – none of them left a large sum of money behind. 😉
I’m not a witch but I’m very sensitive to the supernatural realm. My mom used to be afraid of me when I was a child she said i would sit and talk to people so she took me to a priest and they told her to take me to a psychologist she taught me to suppress my visions and the people I saw… I still have dreams and my dreams usually come true… I have 2 beautiful daughters and unfortunately they have what i have they can see things as well.. when I get scared I pray I surround myself with the white light. I was attacked when i was younger 14 15 by something evil my father found bones in our front yard and threw them away… I guess the areas we lived in was a old Indian burial ground we lived very very close to the san Luis rey mission in california very scary… I don’t wish what has happened to me on my enemies. May anyone who is reading this have a beautiful day I send love and positivity your way may your dreams come true and love flood your heart <3 <3 <3.
Giles Corey wasn’t executed by pressing. An accused person had to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty before they could be tried, and Giles Corey refused to enter a plea. Every time they added weight they asked for his plea, and all he would say was “More weight.” They weren’t trying to kill him, just to make him enter a plea, so that he could be tried. 🧙
Ahh the witch trials. I love how because my religion is Wicca, people think that I can “cast spells” such as making someone fall in love with you 😂 well, ya see… The thing about that is we can’t mess with free will. Yes, I can do a spell, but it’s to draw love, not a specific person, and our golden rule is “harm none do as ye will”
I did my undergraduate thesis on the Witch Trials of the Middle Ages and the culmination with the Salem Trials. To say the least I was enthralled with it. I was finally able to visit Salem in 2004. Every time I see something on TV, I go back to my research and relive that time of my life. So much has been accomplished since them. One of these days I coming back.
It is suspected today that many “witch” trials and executions were done out of greed. The property of a convicted witch could be seized by the authorities—-who either kept the property, or gave it to people they chose. That was part of the pressing torture of Corey, as well as others, was to force him to put in a plea, which he had refused to do. Corey was a wealthy farmer and land owner with a large family. If he were found guilty of witchcraft, or pleaded guilty, all his property could be seized. It would leave him, and his wife and children homeless and penniless. In those days, that was a death sentence. He was frankly accused because others wanted his land and wealth. Corey bravely refused to enter any plea at all, either aye or nay, because a peculiarity of witch trials was that if the accused did not enter a plea, he could not be found guilty of witchcraft. He was tortured by pressing to get him to say what his accusers wanted. Corey refused to the last, and died under torture. This preserved his land and money for his family. His death also served as a protection from the authorities. Corey died under torture, while not having been found guilty, and was not under an order of execution. This was a chargeable offence that Corey’s family could have brought against the authorities in question. Knowing what was good for them, the authorities left the Corey family alone after that. Corey preserved his wealth and saved his wife and children from starvation, although it cost him his life.
#17 Giles Corey the statement that the death sentence was carried out by pressing was inaccurate. He was pressed to death because they were trying to get him to confess to witchcraft. If Corey didn’t admit to it, his family could keep their land and worldly goods; if he did acknowledge witchcraft, the family would lose all. The sheriff would have the assisting men add more weight to the board. Then Sheriff George Corwin would again ask Giles if he would confess, Giles remained silent. At times, when his tongue would protrude, due to the pressing weight, they would push it back into his mouth. The only thing he said before he died was “More weight.”
Giles Corey, before dying, cursed Salem. Hear me out- he wasn’t a wizard, but because of the energy, the negative energy, surrounding his death, every person who becomes a sheriff of Salem, died of a heart attack. That’s why the position is always open, and they don’t really have sheriffs anymore. I just learned this today, but everyone who has been a sheriff of that town since his death, had died of a heart attack. I was baffled too. I By the way, I have been to Salem, it’s a beautiful interesting place.
Dogs were associated with the devil? Didn’t they know all dogs go to heaven? I read somewhere that they were trying to force a confession out of Giles Corey because if he confessed, they could confiscate his property but if he denied it, they could also take his property (some kind of weird legal thing) so he refused to either confess or deny. When he died without doing either one, they couldn’t take his property and his sons were able to inherit it.
Another interesting witch trial is the Pendle witch trial in 1612 in Lancaster, England where a 9 year old girl accused her whole family and members of the community and many were hanged. Notes from the trial were used in Salem. I love the historical lists. I’d like to see more about the French Revolution or Spanish Inquisition.
The Salem Witch Trials is one of only 3 things that made American history exciting and fascinating to hear about. The other 2 is the wild west. And all of the American gangsters from the 20s, 30,s, and 40s. With out those 3 things. I find America’s history so extremely boring to learn about. I remember being so bored to tears in my 8th grade American history class. Up until then I never realize just how extremely boring our country’s history really is. Which explains why my grades were so bad back then. All the real exciting history happen in Europe. Most especially in England. Any way I remember going to the Salem Witch Museum back in 1990. I was 10 years old then. And I was just so in to that kind of stuff back then. And I still am now. So I found it so very fascinating. I already knew some things about Salem Witch Trials. But until going there. I didn’t know that even dogs were executed as well. I live in Pennsylvania. And I still just so wish I could go back to that museum. That was such a fun trip back then.
My 8 greats grandmother was Rebecca Nurse. She was 70 years old, the oldest person accused and hung. Her sisters, Mary and Sarah were also accused. Mary was found guilty and hung. Sarah was let go. There is a monument in Danvers of them. There is a story that Rebecca’s male relatives went to the common grave where the bodies were left after the hangings. They got her body, took it back to the family farm and buried it in an unknown location. The Nurse farm is a historical site. At the family graveyard, there is a memorial to all who were killed.
I was born and raised and now live again in Maine do you think I’ve been to Salem? I’ve been there so often that I don’t want to go back except for Halloween and I won’t get there this year. Every year School field trip people come to town let’s go see we want to see Salem! I live an hour and a half away from Salem an hour and 20 minutes on a good day no that’s Boston. I live an hour and 5 minutes or so if that from Salem because you hit Salem before Danvers. Anyway have you ever been to Salem?
So much so, so wrong. sigh 25) Confessors were not spared for confessing. 24) The smallpox outbreak was actually in Andover, and several years prior to 1692. 23) The trials did not start because of Abigail and Betty’s fits. They were the first accusations, yes, but the trials were held because adults interpreted their fits as caused by witches, and the trials did not start for several months. 22) No one was subjected to the water test in Salem in 1692. 21) The use of a witch cake was to find out who was bewitching someone because the witch would feel the pain of the dog’s bite and cry out, revealing herself. The dog’s behavior/symptoms had nothing to do with this. And dogs were not associated with the Devil. 20) Touch test is described accurately. Good job! 19) The law about witchcraft was actually in the Massachusetts Body of Liberties as one of many capital crimes. By 1692, however, England (not “the U.K.”) had declared that the law was “repugnant” to the laws of England. 18) No dogs were executed. And Cotton Mather was not a “priest,” he was a Puritan minister. Priests are Catholic. 17) The way they executed all the people who were found guilty was hanging, not pressing, as suggested here (You got it right in #3, though). There are no other instances known of this method being used in the colonies. Giles Corey was subjected to this because he refused to agree to be tried by that court and jury, so he never had a trial and was never convicted. Also, when one is pressed to death, they aren’t “crushed”: their lungs are compressed until they can no longer breathe — which would make it impossible to utter any words.
#13 supports the idea that the Salem witch trials were a land grabfest that led to establishing the town of Danvers. Also, if one insisted on his/her innocence yet still was executed, the land stayed with heirs and couldn’t be taken by the state. This is what happened in Silas Gorey’s case; he received a postumous pardon.
#20: The reasoning behind the water trial was this: water is the purest element, and closest to God. If a good person sinks in water, it is because the water lets him in. If a bad person floats in water, it is because the water casts him out. By the same token, if a person dies and is buried, a good person will rot, because the ground accepts him, but a bad person will not rot, because the ground rejects him. Many dead people, dug up and found to be fresh, were thought to be vampires.
I grew up in Salem. Back in the early 1970’s I dug into the history at the Salem Library. I believe I was 12 at the time. While at the library I would check out the old maps. I would also check out books and read them. I had heard about the location of the hangings being wrong. It became obvious. Gallows Hill was nothing more than a wooded hill at the time. It’s also a steep hill which would make it tough for a horse-drawn cart. There were no roads but I assume there were probably trails. It didn’t make any logical sense. You could say Proctors Ledge is about the base of Gallows Hill. I even question the now somewhat legal location of the hangings. I had it placed about 100 to 150 feet away. The place I had come up with is private land. Proctors ledge has been Salem public land for many decades. I think that had a lot to do with the location.
Being a Bostonian my whole life I’m very familiar with this, but I was unaware of the details of facts shown here. I have been to Salem many times. Although I am ashamed of what the early settlers of Massachusetts did, for some reason I have always been macabre intrigued by the whole thing. I get a feeling of sort of being drawn to the whole series of incidents. But can’t quite put my finger on what or why I’m so immensely drawn to it, or the heartache I have for the victims. Which, by the way, I truly believe that the murder count is grossly underestimated. And since there’s no known burial ground of these victims, we’re just supposed to take histories word for the body count. Crazy.
It is now the town of Danvers because they didn’t want to be associated with the witch trials. When you go to Salem Massachusetts that is not where the witch trials took place they took place in what is now Danvers Massachusetts. There was Salem town and Salem Village. And if you go to Danvers now there is nothing of the witch trials or anything of Old Salem.
Interesting article… one error you did make though was saying the English judicial system… it was actually Great Britain by then, as King James 1st was the first King of both Scotland and England (he was Mary Queen of Scot’s son). James was obsessed with witches, especially after the “Berwick witch trials”… as a Scotsman, we were brought up on the tales of the Berwick witch trials, like Americans are Salem.
It’s still debated as to what caused the fits in these girls. Epilepsy, ergot poisoning, shamming, coaxing and mass hysteria have all been discussed. Personally, I think it was most likely a mix of things. By the way, the Salem girls were not the only ones to spark witch hunts by having fits and accusing people of bewitching them. Other cases included the possessed nuns of Loudun and the Witches of Warboys. The latter shares parallels with Salem.
Aren’t we The People lucky that witch hunts and trials are a thing of the past ? Or are they ? Let’s keep making these Americans Be Great Again! I believe in US Patriots and I see all the positive change and effort your bringing to the table and all I can say isn’t enough. Very proud to be an American today my friends . God Bless and Much Love ©®
Giles Corey, was never convicted. He could not be put on trial because he refused to render a plea of guilty or not. They tortured him to death to force him to plead and hopeful confess. He’s also said to have cursed Salem’s shereff and all those who followed. Apparently Salem’s sheriffs and a history of suddenly dying of heart attacks. Take that as you will.
I see some comments where people talk about their ancestors that have been a victim at the time. The responses from those comments are making me laugh. From what I’ve seen comments are written like “So you admit of being a witch” “You son of a devil”. Okay, the fact that their ancestors were seen guilty of that doesn’t mean they actually were or are. That also doesn’t mean that the person decendant today is too, and even if they were it isn’t your life, it’s their’s and they decide what to do with them. Yes, most of my ancestors are involved in witchcraft… still today they are. So what?
The important thing about the Salem witch trials is that the colony relatively quickly rejected them and became ashamed of what happened. They also became ashamed of the hanging of Quakers for their faith. The Freedom Trail in Boston begins on Boston Common where the Quakers and some witches were killed. Many claim that American freedom began with the shame about the killing of the innocent for bigoted reasons.
most of the people who were accused were people they wanted to get rid of. they accused women that husbands wanted to get rid of for any reason, mentally ill people they didn’t want to take care of, or sick people, disabled people, elderly people. if they didn’t like someone for any reason, that was someone to get rid of. the thing is, the person accused was sure to die- most felt it would be a sentence to hell if they confessed falsely. the people who died during the burning times were mostly those targeted because the church would split their property and money with the accuser. it wasn’t unusual for entire towns of people to be hung or burned during this time. the real “witches” (pagans who refused to convert at the point of the sword) were really adept at hiding their religious beliefs- using household items in their rituals and claiming christianity, and often making their rituals seem like regular household or farm chores. they learned to live their lives as forms of worship. the unfortunate few who were caught were those who people simply wanted to get rid of.
wanna know number#26 ?? Regarding The “Black Minister” George Burroughs??? He was actually a long long past related ancestor to Walter DISNEY!!! I learned this from doing my own family research from my grandmother relaying our family was related on my dad’s side and Her mother’s side— to Daniel Boone and the infamous frank and jesse james…. from which I learned were also great great grand cousins to the Disney family clan…. could have knocked me over with the Liberty bell when I learned I am actually related to Walt (er) Disney—- actual cousins!!!
Giles Corey was Not tried or convinced of witchcraft. By the law of the time an accused had to plead guilty or not guilty. No plea ment no trial. So the act of Pressing a person was done to force them to plead guilty or not. If you confessed your lands were taken but you lived. Your family was destitute. If you plead not guilty and were convicted you were killed and your lands taken and your family made destitute. Giles Corey chose to die under tortilla rather than cost his family their Farm. To the best of my knowledge his Wife was not accused. Your article is the first time I have heard of her being accused. Thank you for an other wise excellent article as always.
Giles Corey was never convicted. He wouldn’t dignify the court with a plea because he was done with Salem’s shenanigans, but in an effort to draw out a plea, they placed him between two wood boards. All he would say was “more weight” and after three days of constant weight being added to the boards, he died.
I did a report-My main thesis question was why is this so important in our history? Onpy 20 people died, and it was within a year’s time, not all at once. Now what do you think? What is it about the Salem Witch Trials that burns in our memories as being so horrific? For instance more people have died at one time in an accident, or in a terror attack. So why do you think we view this as so horrific? Would love to hear your thoughts
Ergot had nothing to do with any part of it. The fellow “pressed to death” wasn’t executed, he died while they were trying to extract a confession. For the real story look up “Unobscured” by Aaron Mahnke. Also; They “all” were certainly NOT under mass hysteria. There is a whole lot more to it – religion, war, politics all played a part.
What about the Nathaniel Hawthorne connection? One of his forefathers was John Hathorne, a local magistrate who played a part in getting those victims on trial, and accused. He never apologized for his actions, and this is why Nathaniel, after hearing this family history, changed the spelling of his name to hide the connection.
I’ve been to Salem at lest 6 times and I go back every year and Corey was not convicted he stood mute on the court and this stopped it till Sheriff Corwin ordered him to be pressed this went on for three days till he died of weight and was the only man to be killed during the trials in the City of Salem
Interesting article but should have been better researched. A good example is the Pressing to Death, it was actually called Pressing to Plead. If you do not plea Guilty or Not Guilty they try to force you to plea one way or anther. If you plead not Guilty but where found Guilty you possessions would be confiscated and your family could have been left destitute.
Treat your neighbor as you would yourself, it’s a shame Christian’s then didnt practice in the right way. We are also taught not to judge and to love everyone. I dont identify with any religion, all religion and sects are corrupt in my opinion. I believe and practice the word and the word of God says to love, simple as that.
Your story on Giles Corey is incorrect. He was never put on trial and was never convicted of being a witch. He was pressed to death because he refused to “put himself on the court” and he “stood mute”. All this means that he remained silent when asked how he pleaded. Strict English law was that the defendant had to enter a plea before a trial could take place. Those who refused a trial would be subjected to being pressed until they agreed to enter a plea. But Giles knew his guilt was already determined and refused to be tried and convicted of being a witch and losing his property to the state. Because of his actions, his property was able to be maintained by his children.
Giles Corey was not executed … though, of course, he ended up dead. If he had been convicted, they would have taken away his extensive landholdings. To avoid that — to leave them to his family — he refused to enter a plea. Without a plea, there could be no trial, and hence no conviction. The pressing was met to be a coercive measure, to force him to plead, but he managed to maintain his refusal … and his family kept the land.
2:02 – What about the claim (most found in the Arthur Miller play, The Crucible) that Abigail Williams was having an affair with John Proctor? Is there any evidnce that this actually happened? (Since she was younger than she was portrayed in the play, by modern standards Proctor would be a pediphile(sp?). ) 4:10 – Except for Giles Corey, I’m pretty sure they hanged all of them, so not really so unusual.
Cory was not tried he refused to cooperate so they pressed him to death to try to get him to do so his wife had already been accused and convicted and he was trying to save their property for his heirs which would have been impossible had they both been convicted since the property and money would have been taken hence the “more weight”