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Ann Putnam Jr.: Predator or Victim? - Page 2

© MIchelle Munro

The girls and their stories were brought before Magistrate John Hathorne. Because witchcraft was a crime, he organized an inquiry and grand jury to investigate the "witches." The Salem witch-hunt had begun. During the examinations, the circle of girls would instantly succumb to their afflictions whenever the accused looked at them. As soon as the accused touched a part of their body, the girls would come to.

In March 1692, Ann shocked the town when she accused Martha Corey, a solid member of the church. Despite a lack of hard evidence, Martha was sent to prison. This bold accusation ignited the fear that any of the villagers could be a witch.

Next, the girls accused Rebecca Nurse, a kind and generous elderly woman who was well liked by the community. They claimed Rebecca's specter would float into their rooms at night to pinch and torture them. Rebecca maintained her innocence, but was held for trial none the less.

By the end of May 1692, over 200 people had been jailed after being charged with witchcraft. Though not the only villagers to make accusations, the Putnam family was heavily involved in the trials and many of the arrests. Thomas was the chief filer of complaints in the village and Ann Sr. spent many days in court claiming to be inflicted by numerous people. Ann Jr. went on to accuse 62 people of witchcraft, including 4-year -old Dorcas Good and former Rev. George Burroughs. She claimed Rev. Burroughs was the "Black Minister," master of all witches in Massachusetts and leader of the Salem Coven.

The influence of the Putnam's became evident as the trials went on. Most of the afflicted and the accusers had some kind of a relationship with the Putnam's. A great number of those accused by the Putnam's themselves, including Rebecca Nurse and Rev. Burroughs, previously had disputes with the family.

Ann Jr. was likely manipulated by her parents and elders to achieve their goals. Thomas maintained complete control over the actions of both Ann and one of the other young accusers, 17-year-old servant Mercy Lewis. Some believed that the elder Putnam's persuaded the girls to accuse particular people - people whose death would benefit the family. Ann's testimony of Rev. Burroughs was among the weirdest and most gruesome of all the trials. This testimony mirrored her father's feelings of hatred for the Reverend.

On October 29, 1692, Governor Phips dissolved the Court of Oyer and Terminer, which had overseen the trials. In May of 1693, he pardoned the remaining accused. The witch-hunt was over. In all, 19 people had been hanged and one man crushed to death.

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