Witchcraft in New Hampshire 1692

The Witchcraft of New Hampshire in 1692

The History and Background

The year was 1692, a time when fear and superstition gripped much of colonial America, particularly the region that would later become known as New Hampshire. In the small settlement of Salem Village (now Danvers), Massachusetts, accusations of witchcraft had already erupted in January, but it wasn’t until February 1692 that the hysteria spread to neighboring towns, including Haverhill and Londonderry. The case that would come to define these events—Parris’ House in Salem Village—would eventually spill over into what is now New Hampshire, marking a dark chapter in colonial history.

In March 1692, accusations began to surface in Exeter, New Hampshire. Bridget Bishop was the first person executed for witchcraft in Massachusetts but her case had influenced the surrounding colonies. By mid-February 1692, Mary Bradbury and Mary Davis were arrested on charges of witchcraft in Haverhill, while Rebecca Nurse was taken into custody in Topsfield. These arrests soon spread to Londonderry, where accusations against Sarah Bassett led to her arrest in March.

Key Events or Sightings

#### The Arrival of Reverend Samuel Parris

Reverend Samuel Parris arrived in Salem Village in December 1689, bringing with him a contentious past and an already volatile community. His arrival coincided with a period of economic hardship and increasing tension within the Puritan community. Parris was not popular among his congregation; he had been dismissed from his previous position as a minister due to disputes over property and debt.

#### The Initial Accusations

On February 29, 1692 (a leap year), the first known accusation of witchcraft in New Hampshire came when Sarah Good’s three-year-old daughter, Dorcas, reportedly began to act strangely. She would suddenly become paralyzed or have fits, often screaming and crying out for help. The villagers speculated that these episodes were caused by witchcraft, leading to the arrest of Sarah Good, her daughter, and her sister, Sarah Osbourne.

#### Trials in Exeter

In March 1692, the trials began in Exeter. The first recorded trial was that of Sarah Good, who was accused by several children of bewitching them. The case against her was based on spectral evidence—testimony from accusers claiming to have seen or interacted with witches during visions—and physical evidence such as marks on their bodies. Despite the lack of concrete proof, Good was found guilty and executed on June 10, 1692.

Witness Accounts or Evidence

#### The Role of Spectral Evidence

Spectral evidence played a crucial role in these trials. Children like Betty Parris, Abigail Williams, and John Proctor Jr., who were thought to be bewitched by the accused witches, testified about dreams they had where witches conspired against them. These testimonies often led to further accusations as more people claimed to have been affected by the accused.

#### The Mark Test

Another form of evidence was the “mark test,” where accusers would press a suspected witch’s arm or leg to see if it left a mark that resembled a pin prick. This method, though widely discredited today, was accepted at the time as proof of guilt. Sarah Good’s marks were identified by several witnesses during her trial.

Investigations or Research

#### The Role of John Hathorne

John Hathorne, one of the judges in the Salem witch trials, played a significant role in the proceedings. His father, Governor Jonathan Corwin, also presided over some of the trials. These men’s involvement has been subject to much scrutiny; their strict adherence to spectral evidence and their reluctance to consider alternative explanations have contributed to ongoing debates about the nature of these events.

#### The Role of Cotton Mather

Cotton Mather, a prominent minister in Boston, wrote extensively on witchcraft and influenced the thinking of many in the colonial community. His work “Memorial for the Publick Good” emphasized the use of spectral evidence and played a role in shaping the legal process during these trials.

The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery

#### Aftermath of the Trials

The hysteria eventually subsided after several high-profile deaths, including that of Rebecca Nurse, who was hanged on July 19, 1692. By September 1692, the Massachusetts General Court declared a pardon for all those convicted and executed during this period.

#### Historical Controversy

The historical accuracy and motivations behind these events remain subjects of scholarly debate. Some scholars argue that economic hardship and social tensions drove much of the hysteria, while others suggest psychological factors or even mass hysteria played a role. The exact sequence of events and the extent to which fear and superstition influenced the community are still points of contention among historians.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Were there any survivors of the witch trials in New Hampshire?

A: Yes, many of those accused were eventually released or had their charges dropped. For example, Sarah Good was executed on June 10, 1692, but some like Rebecca Nurse and Giles Corey managed to survive the initial wave of accusations.

Q: What evidence supported the witchcraft claims in New Hampshire?

A: The primary forms of evidence were spectral testimony from children who claimed they saw witches in visions. Additionally, there was the “mark test,” where supposed marks on accused individuals were identified by accusers as proof of guilt.

Q: How did Reverend Samuel Parris contribute to the witchcraft accusations?

A: Reverend Parris’s arrival and his controversial history likely contributed to the instability within the community. His dismissal from a previous position, combined with financial troubles, may have fueled mistrust among his congregation.

Q: Were there any attempts at rehabilitation or support for those accused of witchcraft in New Hampshire during 1692?

A: While there were no formal rehabilitation programs, some communities did offer support to the families of those who had been arrested. However, these efforts were often overshadowed by the prevailing fear and panic.

Q: What legacy do the events of 1692 have on modern New Hampshire?

A: The witch trials are still a significant part of New Hampshire’s historical narrative. They serve as a reminder of the dangers of mass hysteria and the importance of due process in legal proceedings. Historical sites, museums, and educational programs continue to explore these dark events, ensuring that their lessons are not forgotten.