Transcript Witch Trials of 1692 in Salem

The tragedy of Ann Putnam
• Rebecca Nurse was
accused of cursing two
girls in town.
• Ann Putnam started
seeing these girls.
• Had fits of her own, with
Rebecca Nurse showing
up as she tried to sleep
torturing her horribly.
• Based on her testimony
Rebecca Nurse was
hanged.
Bridget Bishop
• Bridget was the first one
executed during the
Salem witch trials.
• She was a tavern owner
who dressed very
flamboyantly, and had
wild temper.
• People thought she was
troublesome because she
walked around with
multicolored bright
clothing.
Sarah Osbourne
-One of the first accused with witchcraft
-Social outcast
-Placed in Boston jail
-Supposed to have another trial, but died in jail
Tituba
- Slave to the Parris family
- Accused of practicing witchcraft by Parris family’s
children
- Denied to the accusations, but confessed on the
3rd day of trial
- Only confessed because she thought she’d be
free
Martha Corey
- People were shocked at her accusation, new
member of Puritan congregation.
- Denied all that she was charged with
- Had to go to prison anyways
What personal goals did Thomas Putnam have
in accusing others of witchcraft?
• Thomas Putnam was the father of Ann Putnam.
• She accused the most people of Witchcraft.
• Thomas shaped the trials by backing up his
daughters accusations.
• Seeking warrants against the accused.
• Sending Letters of encouragement to the Judges.
• Personal goals were for his daughter to accuse
the people he had troubles with.
• Ex: Legal troubles with Sarah Osbourne.
• Ann Putnam accused her of Witchcraft.
Look at the timeline. What behaviors started
to appear among the villagers?
• Started with Elizabeth Parris and Abigail
Williams.
• Behaviors such as, Obnoxious screaming,
convulsive seizures, trance-like states, and
mysterious spells.
• These traits were demonstrated by several
other young girls.
• Soon after that, many started accusing others
of witchcraft. Up to 20 were executed.
Giles Corey
- Accused of trying to get Ann Putman, Abigail
Williams, and Mercy Lewis into witchcraft
- Denied these accusations, wouldn’t stand trial
- Crushed to death by stone weights
John Proctor
- Accused of choking his servants & trying to get
them to worship the Devil
- Tried to petition against being accused
- Sentenced to death
October 8th 1692
- Governor ordered evidence no longer be
allowed at trials, prohibited ay more arrests,
released many in jail, and dissolved the court.