WITCHES NEAR FAIRFIELD, CONNECTICUT IN 1654 & 1692 Plus Notes on Other New England Witches by James Davis et al 24 Feb 1990 ------------------------------------------------ I've seen some talk of Salem Witches. I just wanted to say that Salem or Massachusetts didn't have a corner on the witch hysteria. In 1654 Goodwife BASSETT (wife of Thomas Bassett) was tried in Stratford, found guilty and executed. Also Goody KNAPP (wife of Roger Knapp) of Fairfield was executed. Mary STAPLES of Fairfield was accused but her husband sued her accusers (political rival) for slander and won. She wasn't executed. In 1692 in Fairfield (same time as the large SALEM furror) Mercy DISBOROW of Compo, Goody MILLER, goodwife Elizabeth CLAWSON or SLAWSON and Mrs. STAPLES (again) were accused. One jury failed to give a verdict. Another found them guilty. A trial by water (innocent if sink and guilty if float) found the the 1st and 3rd guilty. Three got off but DISBOROW was sentenced to death. However the towns people petitioned for her pardon and she was still alive in 1707. It seems the the stereotype witch was middle aged, married, abrasive and usually with out status (status refers to principally to wealth I think). * Origin: Time Traveler -- Sacramento, CA (Opus 1:203/42) ======================================================================= 083/182 02 Mar 90 19:50:29 From: Sandy Clunies To: David Stever Subj: Desc. of Witches Orgs. ------------------------------------------------ There are at least two groups for descendants of witch persecution - Keep in mind that, just as for DAR, etc. you must provide certified birth, marriage and death certificates back as far as you can for each person, and then verified sources for the rest. And don't forget - there were men as well as women accused of witchcraft. I believe the best book on the Salem Witch hysteria is "The Devil In Massachusetts", which I have in my home library. 1. Sons and Daughters of the Victims of Colonial Witch Trials c/o Wayne E. Higley, Jr. PO Box 164 Stoneham, MA 02180 I have correspondence dated November 1988, so hope that is still the address. 2. Associated Daughters of Early American Witches Mrs. Kline d'Aurandt Engle, President General 800 East Missouri Avenue #113 Phoenix, AZ 85014 My correspondence is dated October 1988, so the officers may have changed. Note this group is for women only. * Origin: GreyEagle_Point/346 <* Derwood, MD *> (1:109/312.346) ==================================================================== 080/617 10 Mar 90 20:18:37 From: Chuck Krause To: Sandy Clunies Subj: Re: DESC. OF WITCHES ORGS. ------------------------------------------------ Thanks for the address's of the Witch descendants orgs. I have just discovered my own "witch" ancestor in Salem. She was Sarah Cloyse, sister of Rebecca Nurse and Mary Easty. Sarah , it isn't clear how, escaped with her life, but both of her sisters were hanged. For those interested in this subject, another good book is: Salem Witchcraft with an Account of Salem Village and A History of opinions on witchcraft and Kindred Subjects by Charles W. Upham. Corner House Publishers 1971. It's a two volume set describing the incidents leading up to the hysteria, as well as a good account of the trials themselves. --- TBBS v2.1/NM * Origin: NGS/CIG BBS - Arlington, VA (703) 528-2612 *DHST/V.32* (109/302) 129/34 226/10 273/1 ==================================================================== 270/600 04 Apr 90 16:11:30 From: Linda Sibley To: Rick Rupert Subj: CLAWSON ------------------------------------------------ >Could you check your resources for any link with the surname of CLAWSON.... >I found one reference before but it was little more than just an isolated >name. All I have is this "Elizabeth Clawson, in Conn. Yr 1692." My source is Margrett Murry's book "The Witch Cult in Western Europe" Her source may help you if you can find it, it was; John Tailor, "The Witchcraft Delusion in Colonial Connecticut" New York n.d. ==================================================================== 271/600 04 Apr 90 16:13:08 From: Linda Sibley To: Beverly Conolly Subj: JACOBS ------------------------------------------------ >Linda, my husband's ancestor was George Jacobs who was hung in Salem-Danvers, >Mass. Do you by any chance have anything on old George? Beverly Conolly I've got his a lot on him, almost too much to enter here. Chadwick Hanson has the most complete account of the Salem Trials, in his book "Whitchcraft at Salem," Signet Books 1969. If you can get this book it has the True story of what happened at Salem. If you can't find it let me know and I'l copy the parts about George Jacobs Sr. By the way, He was tried on 5 Aug and executed on 19 Aug 1692. B-B Linda * Origin: NGS/CIG BBS - Arlington, VA (703) 528-2612 *DHST/V.32* ==================================================================== 272/600 04 Apr 90 16:14:42 From: Linda Sibley To: Chuck Krause Subj: CLOYES ------------------------------------------------ >Linda, does your book have anything on Sarah Cloyes, widow of Edmund Bridges? I've got his a lot on her, almost too much to enter here. Chadwick Hanson has the most complete account of the Salem Trials, in his book "Whitchcraft at Salem," Signet Books 1969. If you can get this book it has the True story of what happened at Salem. If you can't find it let me know and I'l copy the parts about Sarah Cloyes, (Pgs 85-89, 124, 140) By the way, she was the sister of Rebecca Nurse, and Mary Easty. She was charged with Witchcraft on 4 Apr, a warent for her arrest issued on 8 Apr, and Examined on 11 Apr, She was then sent to Boston Jail. Her sister Rebecca was tried on 30 Jun and executed on 16 July. ==================================================================== 463/625 10 Apr 90 17:21:09 From: Linda Sibley To: All Subj: FOR: J. DALLA & D. STEVER Attr: ------------------------------------------------ The "book" that I mentioned in the first message is actualy a whole library of books, that I have been collecting for over 10 Years, and is part of my coven's library. They were picked up from used bookstores all over the country. The "list of names" that I have was compiled from many books. I will list the main sources for you and at the same time make you an offer. If you find these books for sale pick them up and I will buy them from you, most are collectors items. (except the first) Chadwick Hansen, "Witchcraft at Salem", Signet 1969. Margrett Murry, "The Witch Cult in Western Europe", Oxford Press. Margrett Murry, "The God of the Witches", New York 1952. Kittredge, George Lyman, Witchcraft in Old and New England", Cambridge,Mass 1929. Lea, Henery Charles, "Materials Toward a History of Witchcraft" e.d. Arthur C. Howard, Phil 1939. Works Project Administration "Salem Witchcraft" 1938. --- TBBS v2.1/NM * Origin: NGS/CIG BBS - Arlington, VA (703) 528-2612 *DHST/V.32* (109/302) 132/101 300/51 ==================================================================== 625/625 13 Apr 90 11:12:58 From: Jack Sanders To: All Subj: Witches Attr: ------------------------------------------------ Several messages recently have expressed interest in information on witches, particularly in eastern Massachusetts, in the 17th century. Linda Sibley listed several titles. Here are two others that may be found in libraries, perhaps in book stores, and sometimes at used-book sales and shops: The Devil in Massachusetts: A Modern Enquiry into the Salem Witch Trials, by Marion L. Starkey, New York: Dolphin, 1961. Paperback, with extensive index and notes. Reprint of a 1949 book. Good bibliography source. Salem Possessed: The Social Origins of Witchcraft, by Paul Boyer and Stephen Nissenbaum, Cambridge:Harvard, 1974. Scholarly paperback; good index; genealogical sections on Putnam and Porter families. ==================================================================== 494/626 10 Apr 90 07:54:37 From: Betty Doremus To: Chuck Krause Subj: Re: WITCHES Attr: ------------------------------------------------ Chuck, I have accumulated quite a bit of info on this family. The three sisters, Rebecca, Sarah and Mary were daughters of William TOWNE and Joanna BLESSING m. 25Mar1620 in Yarmouth, Norfolk Co.,Eng. The date of their immigration unknown, but in 1640 they were living in Lynn, MA. In 1651 they removed to Topsfield...later to Jaffrey, NH (from History of Jaffrey, NH.) I have found one of the most available and readable accounts to be "The Devil in Massachusetts" by Marion L. Starkey in Doubleday paperback. The story of the three sisters was made for television by American Playhouse and is aired periodically on public television. It is called "Three Sovreigns for Sarah" and is shown in three one-hour segments. My line goes through Rebecca's grandaughter, Sarah who married Henry SAWYER. Sarah who married Henry SAWYER. My mail address is R. R. 5, Metamora, IL 61548. I'll be glad to send more by mail if you're interested. ==================================================================== 224/688 15 Apr 90 12:21:05 From: Carol Mann To: Thomas Johnson Subj: Witches on acid Attr: ------------------------------------------------ Yes, what you have heard is true. A group of scientists re-read some of the descriptions of the "witches" behaviours, and decided that they had been poisoned by ergot, a mold that grows on rye grains stored in damp places. Virtually all the "witches" had lived in low, swampy areas. ==================================================================== 466/755 20 Apr 90 05:44:02 From: Dianne Bell To: John Dalla Subj: Re: Witches Attr: ------------------------------------------------ John, A friend of mine is also researching Susannah (North) Martin, and has recently recieved 70+ pages of information on her from the following source: Bailey Rogers, Genealogist 10018 Regency CT. Cincinnati, Ohio 45251 Tel (513) 741-4874 I have not seen the material myself, but my friend said that it was worth the $15 or so that he paid for it. -Dianne in CT ==================================================================== 387/646 3 Aug 90 16:32:37 From: Colin Dick To: Bernard Dawe Subj: PERKINS, Mary Attr: ------------------------------------------------ Hi there cousin; >PERKINS, Mary (John 1) m ca 1632 Thomas BRADBURY Mary d. 20 Dec. 1700, was convicted of witchcraft, but not executed. Defended, and testimony proved she had not hexed a proposed wedding, rather the guy's father derailed it. Quite a famous case. Her father was John, b. 23 Dec. 1583, Warrackshire Eng, d. 1654 Ipswich. Mother was Judith Gator b. 9 Oct 1608, Warrackshire Eng. I have John's father Henry (m. 29Nov 1579 to Elizabeth ____, and d. 2 Mar 1607/08)and his father Thomas who d. 23 Mar. 1591, wife Alice Kebble. I am descended from her daughter Mary, b 17 Mar 1643 at Salisbury, m. 17 Dec 1663, to John Stanyan. The m/n is my 10th generation, where do you fit in? May have a little more. Surprisingly, no other names ring bells. Send me a group sheet, tree for that era, etc. Glad to help. and from my mail, to confuse things a bit, FROM: Gary Roth Area # 25 ( GENEALOGY ) TO: Colin Dick MSG # 100, Mar-27-90 7:22pm SUBJECT: Re: PERKINS, John, b. 1583 He sent me info some time ago but I was replying to anothers request. I go back to Mary's parents, John Perkins (b. 1590 Newent, England d. 1654 Ipswich, Massachusetts) and Judith (?). (Certain Comeoverers R929.2 C852C). Mary is also my line, she married Thomas Bradbury 1637 (Salsbury BMD R929.3744 Sa339v). Never followed up with Gary, no reason I can see. ...cgd Searching DICK DILLEN ROELANTS LEAVITT PEABODY ROBINSON CHASE HALE and LOCKE add. #3 Northmount Cr NW, Calgary, Ab T2K 2V6 --- via Silver Xpress V2.26 [NR] --- QM v1.00 * Origin: GENERATIONS BBS of Calgary, Alberta (403) 251-5540 (1:134/8.0) 24 264/160 Date: Tue Oct 16 1990 11:22:00 From: Kristi Gross To: Gene Shifflett Subj: NURSE/Witches Attr: genealogy ------------------------------- All - ...The 20 people executed during the infamous Salem witch trials of 1692 are mostly remembered in history lessons and tourist attractions, but some of their descendants are organizing to emphasize their humanity. "We want to keep their memory alive", said Howard HAY of Boston, a descendant of accused witch Susanna MARTIN. "This type of thing keeps happening around the world. People keep getting persecuted. I don't know if we'll ever learn the lesson." ...He is President of the recently formed "Sons & Daughters of the Victims of Colonial Witch Trials", c/o Howard HAY, 555 East Sixth Street, Boston, MA 02127, which has 45 members, all direct descendants of the trial victims. ...HAY founded the group with Wayne HIGLEY of Stoneham, MA, a descendant of accused witch Rebecca NURSE. They are members of numerous genealogical societies and discovered their link to the witch trial victims while researching their lineage. ...Using standard statistical formulas, they say there could be up to 20 million descendants of the accused witches in the United States. One of the more famous, according to Gary Boyd ROBERTS of the New England Genealogical Society is Joan KENNEDY, former wife of Sen. Edward M. KENNEDY, whose ancestry dates back to accused witch Mary ESTY. She is not a member of the group. ...The witchcraft hysteria began during the winter of 1691 when a girl, Tituba, told voodo tales to a group of young girls and taught them palmistry and magic. Tituba and two other women were killed as witches after a doctor examined them and pronounced them bewitched. The scare continued for about a year, resulting in the execution of 20 people and the imprisonment of 150. ...The descendant's group is concentrating on the approaching 300th anniversary of the witch trials. They hope to hold an observance on Gallows Hill in Salem, MA. ..................................................................... The above is an article that appeared in the "Muskogee Daily Phoenix, Muskogee, OK on the 30th of October 1988. I talked with Mr. HAY in the winter of 1989 and he said the group was growing then. Not sure, but the address given for him is probably still correct. Maybe this group could help you folks on Rebecca NURSE information? No known witches in my line as of yet, but found this interesting. Hope it helps - Kristi --- * Origin: Midnight Micro (918)451-3306 V.32 Broken Arrow,OK (1:170/613) Date: Thu Oct 25 1990 07:26:40 From: Ea Richards To: Gene Shifflett Subj: WITCH TRIAL JUDGE Attr: genealogy ------------------------------- What I said in essence was that one of the Judges at the Salem trial was one of the Richards noted in our Morse Book of the Richards Family, which shows our direct line from Thomas Richards 2 in 1635 to the present. Even in the book Judge Richards is criticized for his activities in the Salem witch hunts..... (Just think, if the witches truly did associate with the devil, and do so today, they probably would be allowed to pursue such activities under First Amendment rights. Unhappily for the witches, they were ahead of their bill of rights time) --- TBBS v2.1/NM * Origin: Radio Free Since 83 UFO & Paranormal 414-352-6176 HST (1:154/414) Date: Mon Feb 18 1991 17:35:42 From: Jack Sanders To: Ken Vantassell Subj: persecuted witches of Salem, Ma. Attr: genealogy ------------------------------- Ken Vantassell said in a message on Feb 11: ``1992 is the 300th anniversary of the Witch trials of Salem, ``Ma.Does anyone know of any events being planned? Is there any ``organizations for this group? Try: 1. Sons and Daughters of the Victims of Colonial Witch Trials c/o Wayne E. Higley, Jr. PO Box 164 Stoneham, MA 02180 2. Associated Daughters of Early American Witches Box 50304 Palo Alto, Calif., 94303 3. Essex Institute 132 Essex Street Salem, Mass., 01970 4. Salem Witch Museum Washington Square Salem, Mass., 01970 5. Salem Chamber of Commerce Old Town Hall 32 Derby Street Salem, Mass., 01970 --- msged 2.07 * Origin: SOURCE OF MAGIC: Northeast Roots 203-431-4687 HST (1:141/725) Date: Thu Feb 21 1991 05:05:00 From: Kristi Gross To: Jim Kalach Subj: New England witches Attr: recvd genealogy ------------------------------- * In a message to All, Jim Kalach said: JK *> I am researching the Salem witch trials, and would be JK *> interested in any good information sources on the JK *> subject. Also interested in sources of info on witches JK *> in other New England states, especially Connecticut. I JK *> have heard of an association called The Sons & Daughters JK *> of the Victims of the Colonial Witch Trials. Does anyone JK *> have a current contact name and address? Any help would Jim - don't know if it is a 'current address' or not, but try to write c/o Howard HAY, 555 East Sixth Street, Boston, MA 02127. . For information on witchcraft try: . "The Salem Press Historical and Genealogical Record, 1891, Volume 2, pages 151 and 168. . Records relating to MASS, witches try: The New England Historical and Genealogical Register, Volume 70, page 65. . Records relating to CONN, witches try: New Haven Genealogical Magazine, Volume 4, page 951. . The above three citations come from "Index to Genealogical Periodicals", by Donald Lines JACOBUS, Genealogical Publishing Company, 1978, Baltimore, MD. --- * Origin: Midnight Micro! (918)742-7893<<>>(918)451-3306 (1:170/108) Date: Sat Mar 02 1991 00:21:09 From: Bryan Tierney To: Ken Vantassell Subj: PERSECUTED WITCHES OF SALEM, MA. Attr: genealogy ------------------------------- Hi Ken! Probably your best contact in Salem for this information is Laurie Cabot who is a practicing witch and runs a small shop called "Crow Haven Corners" (which sells books on witchcraft as well as various items used for spells and potions! The shoppe is located on the same street where several of the witches of those historic trials are buried. If this shoppe is not still in operation (it's been a couple of years since I've been by there) then you should try the "Salem Witch Museum" which is a couple of blocks from there. I hope you find Laurie, because she was proclaimed the head witch of the commonwealth of Mass. several years ago by the Governor (Sargent?) as well as being called in as consultant on the witch trials for a movie shot in Salem. She should be fairly easy to locate otherwise. --- TMail v1.20 * Origin: HACKNET - 1-942-1298 (1:101/145)