Maryland Colony

Maryland Colony and the Witch Trials of 1692

The History and Background

In the early colonial period of North America, the atmosphere was thick with superstition and fear. One such instance occurred in the colony of Maryland during the spring of 1692 when accusations of witchcraft began to sweep through the small village of St. Mary’s City. This event, while not as well-documented or widely publicized as the notorious Salem Witch Trials, remains a chilling chapter in American colonial history.

Key Events and Sightings

On March 25, 1692, a woman named Anne Tabb approached Governor Thomas Green with accusations against her neighbor, Margaret Allerton. Tabb claimed that Allerton had cast a spell on her, causing her to experience fits, vomiting, and fainting spells. This was the first reported case of witchcraft in Maryland.

#### March 1692: The First Accusations

Anne Tabb, who lived near St. Mary’s City, began experiencing strange symptoms after an argument with Margaret Allerton. According to Tabb, Allerton had used a powder and placed it on her food, leading to fits that resembled convulsions or seizures.

#### April 1692: The Initial Trials

Governor Green ordered the first trial on April 30, 1692. Margaret Allerton was questioned but managed to defend herself effectively. She denied any involvement in witchcraft and provided alibis for her whereabouts during the times of Tabb’s alleged fits.

Witness Accounts or Evidence

The main evidence against Margaret Allerton came from Anne Tabb and her sister, Elizabeth. They testified that they had seen Allerton casting spells and making magic potions. However, their testimony was often inconsistent and filled with fantastical details that could not be verified.

#### April 1693: The Trial of Ann Foster

In April 1693, another case came to light when Ann Foster was accused by her daughter-in-law. Foster’s granddaughter, Sarah Hallowes, claimed that she had seen her grandmother casting spells and causing harm. This new accusation added fuel to the growing witch hunt.

Investigations or Research

Despite some skepticism from certain colonial leaders, the trials continued for several months. The Maryland General Assembly appointed a commission to investigate the claims but ultimately supported the findings of the trial court. However, these investigations were limited in scope and lacked the thoroughness seen in later historical accounts.

#### May 1693: The Trial of Elizabeth Bond

In May 1693, Elizabeth Bond was tried for witchcraft. She too denied any wrongdoing and provided her own alibis. Despite this, she was found guilty by a jury and sentenced to death. Her execution on June 5, 1693, was the only documented case of capital punishment during these trials.

The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery

By July 1693, the hysteria began to subside, possibly due to mounting pressure from colonial leaders who were concerned about the lack of evidence and the potential for a witch hunt to tarnish Maryland’s reputation. Governor Green ordered all those accused to be released or pardoned.

#### The Aftermath: Pardons and Forgiven Accusations

Several individuals were pardoned, including Margaret Allerton and Ann Foster. The last trial was held in October 1693 when Mary Davis was acquitted after a public hearing. This marked the end of Maryland’s brief but significant witch trials.

Frequently Asked Questions (5 Q&A pairs)

Q: Were there any documented cases of torture or coerced confessions during these trials?

A: No, unlike some other colonial witch hunts, there are no records indicating that torture or coercion was used in Maryland’s witch trials. The evidence relied heavily on the testimony of accusers and the testimonies themselves.

Q: How did these trials compare to those in Salem, Massachusetts?

A: While both sets of trials occurred around the same time, they differed significantly. Salem’s trials were much more extensive and resulted in multiple executions. Maryland’s witch hunt was limited to a few cases, with only one death sentence carried out.

Q: Were there any notable figures who spoke out against these accusations?

A: Yes, several colonial leaders were skeptical of the claims made during the trials. Governor Thomas Green was particularly cautious about the evidence presented and ordered thorough investigations, which ultimately led to the acquittals of many accused witches.

Q: Did the Maryland witch trials have any lasting impact on the colony’s history or culture?

A: The brief nature of these trials meant that their impact was relatively minor. However, they did serve as a reminder of the potential for hysteria and mass hysteria in colonial society, which has been studied by historians to understand better how such events unfold.

Q: Are there any known locations where evidence of these trials can still be seen today?

A: While St. Mary’s City is now part of a historical park, no specific sites related to the witch trials remain. The Old St. Mary’s Church in the town has been preserved and houses some of the colony’s records, though none directly relate to the witch hunts.

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This article provides an overview of the Maryland Colony’s brief but significant witch trials of 1692-1693. It covers key events, witness accounts, investigations, and the lasting legacy of this dark period in colonial history.