333 years ago today
...Mary Easty and 7 others were hanged for witchcraft in Salem, Massachusetts.
Mary was my grandmother, 7 times removed.
This was the largest number of hangings during the witchcraft panic but, thankfully, it was also the last.
One contemporary recorded some chilling details of this particular day - including how the cart carrying the condemned to Proctor's ledge on Gallow's Hill became mired in the mud on the way to the ledge.
The accusers (i.e., the "afflicted") cried out that it was "the devil himself" who hindered its progress.
The writer also noted that, when Mary Easty stood upon the ladder of the gallows and faced the crowd prior her hanging, her words were "as serious, religious, distinct, and affectionate as could well be expressed, drawing tears from the eyes of almost all present."
Happy autumnal equinox my friends.
19 comments:
On our trip to there a few years ago I learned some horrible things they did not just hanging. It was a horrible time in our history.
Cathy
Horrible. Just horrible. I'm sorry this ever was a thing and that they were hurt in such ways.
Chilling! Humans do dreadful things to each other.
Such a terrible time in our history...and we have had a few unfortunately. Janice
Right there on the level of the holocaust. Sad.
Thank you for sharing this Robin, an absolutely unbelievable and tragic time. I’m stunned when I read these accounts - the lack of common sense, the lack of integrity from accusers, and the unimaginable ease at which people believed the accusations. And I continue to be dumbfounded as to why, if people believed the accusations, they wouldn’t also believe that the accused could free themselves from any situation. I’d like to learn more - the painting above is beautiful – what reading would you recommend?
Mary's plight and the details of her demise sadden my soul. Terrible and wicked things done to women just because the 'powers' at the time could. Yet she is still remembered and loved. RIP Mary Easty and all the other women who were hanged and burnt.
Hello Mary...I do not have an email for you so I am replying here and hoping it finds its way to you. Yes, it was a historical tragedy that has continued to echo through the decades. The painting has a story of its own which is a bit too detailed to go into here...perhaps fodder for another post. (Or, if you prefer, you can email me directly). As for recommended reading, yikes, where do I begin? I have been researching/reading the subject for most of my adult life. It really depends on how "deep" you want to go and whether you are looking for historically accurate accounts or just a brief overview of things. I did do a brief bibliography at one point (see my blogpost of Oct. 11, 2022 https://thecrankycrow.blogspot.com/2022/10/a-witchs-reading-list.html). That is a very condensed list and I've read much more since. Believe it or not, theories regarding the origins of the trials, the "why's" behind it all, are continuing to evolve to this day so some of the older stuff is no longer accurate. (For example, they only recently pinpointed the exact place the hangings took place and it was not where people believed it to be for years.) One of my favorite recent works is "A Salem Witch" by Daniel Gagnon, but it is quite detailed (i.e, not a light read) and focuses on the Nurse and Towne families (my ancestral line). Otherwise "A Delusion of Satan" by Francis Hill or "The Witches" by Stacy Schiff are good non-fiction accounts (keep in mind, though, that the latter two are not as recent and don't have the most recent "theories" included.) Sorry you asked, aren't you? LOL
Still so much human evil in this world. Some things will sadly never change.
Visiting Salem this past Summer I learned so much about this part of our history. So sad, so tragic, and seeing how fear, ignorance, lies and gossip can ruin a community. Still going on today in many forms. You are honoring the innocent with your memorials to your ancestors, Yes, it's fall and I'm ready for it! We can celebrate all the beauty of this season.
Unfortunately evil is still afoot just as it was 333 years ago and beyond. I want to say, though it is a sad history for you, that I'm fascinated you have knowledge of it. To me, that is a wonderful thing.
I love autumn but it affects me in ways that I don't love. Homesickness (I am home aren't I?), nostalgia (for what? I can't remember). Just feelings that I am not in the right place. I'm a weirdo. Thanks for sharing.
Not at all sorry Robin - thank you for the recommendations. I’m making pies today for the farmers’ market and usually listen to a podcast of some sort. I found Stacy Schiff’s book being discussed by her and others at the LA Library 2015 - that’s what I’m listening to today!
good work
I’ve been researching between pie-baking - I found a direct line from me to Elizabeth Howe and George Jacobs Sr (2nd and 3rd rounds of executions). I’ll be researching more (or doing a deep dive, as my daughter says) - thanks for the inspiration to do a little family tree digging!
What beautiful red leaves. I love your weather vane. That would make a really cool rug. How sad. I have read a lot about that time of history. I have read about your grandmother 7 times removed. It was such a travesty. There is a lot of weird things going on have your ever read Charis in the World of Wonders, by Marly Youmans. I loved it and she has a bit of how I think it could have been to have been hanged as a witch. I loved it. I was in a book club and I don't think I would have ever heard of it.
Seeing your fall colors just makes me long for fall. Its nice to see a post from you. I always enjoy them.
Really?? Wow! That was some incredibly quick sleuthing! What are the odds??!!! Please keep me posted!
Evening Robin, so very sad, I heard a bit about it but never followed up .. Such evil out there, guess it will always be… ..love the red leaves and weathervane, it my season, love it so…Take care, Blessings Francine.
Can’t wait to do more digging-I’ve always been on the Family Search website so I have a long family history line done. All I did was begin keying in names and it did a search for me to see if any were in my tree. I’m so excited to learn more. Now I need a witch weathervane - what will the neighbors say? - ha ha!
So many women unjustly accused and killed. Very sad.
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