Ann Putnam Jr.: Predator or Victim?
On October 16, 1679, Ann Putnam Jr., eldest child of Thomas and Ann Putnam Sr., was born in Salem Village Massachusetts. The Putnam's were part of the elite that had been in control of Salem Village for many years. Straight-laced Puritans, they placed themselves at the forefront of social and political circles with many family members holding prominent village positions such as committeemen, deacons, and church elders.
As a child, Ann's future was full of potential. She was quick witted, well educated, and intelligent. Unfortunately, the year she turned 12, Ann set in motion events that would destroy her life and haunt her until the day she died.
During this time, Salem was divided into 2 sections, Salem Town, a prosperous economical center, and Salem Village, a farming community. The Putnam's, who owned the largest share of farmland in Salem Village, were the leaders of a group who wanted the village to separate from Salem Town. They believed the town had become too individualistic, opposing the communal nature of the Puritans.
Hoping to solidify the separation, the villagers established their own church. One of the first preachers was Rev. George Burroughs. Many citizens opposed Rev. Burroughs and refused to pay their taxes (and thus his wages), leaving him destitute. After refusing to preach unless he was paid, Rev. Burroughs openly made plans to leave. These actions made him a personal enemy of the Putnam family.
In 1689, at the invitation of the Putnam's, Rev. Samuel Parris moved to Salem Village to lead worshipping at the Salem Village Meeting House. He brought with him his wife, daughter Betty, niece Abigail Williams, and his slave Tituba and her husband John.
Puritan children were expected to behave under the same strict codes their parents followed. Any display of emotion was discouraged. Toys and games were seen as sinful distractions. Girls were expected to help tend the house, performing the same chores as their mothers. As an escape from such a routine and boring life, Ann spent the winter months of 1692 at the Parris home. Ann, Betty, and Abigail were often joined by other girls who came to listen to Tituba's tales of witchcraft, demons, and mysticism, activities that were strictly forbidden by Puritan law. This rebellion most likely filled the children with fear and guilt.
One game had the girls drop an egg white into a glass of water to see what shape it would form. One night, Ann saw the shape of a coffin. A short time later, Ann, Betty, and Abigail started acting rather peculiar. They would babble nonsense, convulse, and complained of pains, like those from pins being thrust into their bodies. The girls were taken to the doctor and diagnosed as victims of witchcraft, primarily because there was no other plausible explanation for the symptoms. Urged to name their tormentors, the girls accused Tituba, an elderly Sarah Good, and homeless beggar Sarah Osborne.
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