During the infamous Andover witch trials in colonial America, numerous examinations were conducted to determine the guilt or innocence of the accused individuals. These examinations were a crucial part of the trial process and played a significant role in shaping the outcome of the cases. One of the main purposes of the examinations was to gather evidence against the accused and establish a solid case for witchcraft. This often involved questioning witnesses, both alleged victims and other individuals who may have had information about the accused. The examining magistrates would carefully listen to their testimonies, probing for details that could prove the involvement of witchcraft. The goal was to build a strong case against the accused and convince the court of their guilt.
A fourth meeting house was built in 1753. The present-day North Parish Unitarian Universalist Church building was built in 1836.
; Abigail Barker; Mary Osgood; three Tyler children under the age of fifteen; two Faulkner children, granddaughters of Reverend Francis Dane, aged twelve and nine; and Henry Salter, who, through his son Richard, was a direct ancestor of Abraham Lincoln. First, the social dynamics of the Salem experience all of these children note that they were made witches by their mothers both of whom were accused themselves.
The goal was to build a strong case against the accused and convince the court of their guilt. In addition to witness testimony, the examinations also involved physical tests and examinations. These tests were believed to be a way to reveal signs of witchcraft.
(Examination of Mary Osgood )
The examination and confession (8. Sept. 92.) of Mary Osgood , wife of Captain Osgood of Andover, taken before John Hawthorne and other their Majesties justices.
She confesses, that about 11 years ago, when she was in a melancholy state and condition, she used to walk abroad in her orchard; and upon a certain time, she saw the appearance of a cat, at the end of the house, which yet she thought was a real cat. However, at that time, it diverted her from praying to God, and instead thereof she prayed to the devil; about which time she made a covenant with the devil, who, as a black man, came to her and presented her a book, upon which she laid her finger and that left a red spot: And that upon her signing, the devil told her he was her God, and that she should serve and worship him, and, she believes, she consented to it. She says further, that about two years agone, she was carried through the air, in company with deacon Frye's wife , Ebenezer Baker's wife , and Goody Tyler , to five mile pond, where she was baptized by the devil, who dipped her face in the water and made her renounce her former baptism, and told her she must be his, soul and body, forever, and that she must serve him, which she promised to do. She says, the renouncing her first baptism was after her dipping, and that she was transported back again through the air, in company with the forenamed persons, in the same manner as she went, and believes they were carried upon a pole. Q. How many persons were upon the pole? A. As I said before, viz. four persons and no more but whom she had named above. -- She confesses she has afflicted three persons, John Sawdy , Martha Sprague and Rose Foster , and that she did it by pinching her bed clothes, and giving consent the devil should do it in her shape, and that the devil could not do it without her consent. -- She confesses the afflicting persons in the court, by the glance of her eye. She says, as she was coming down to Salem to be examined, she and the rest of the company with her, stopped at Mr. Phillips's to refresh themselves, and the afflicted persons, being behind them upon the road, came up just as she was mounting again and were then afflicted, and cried out upon her, so that she was forced to stay until they were all past, and said she only looked that way towards them. Q. Do you know the devil can take the shape of an innocent person and afflict? A. I believe he cannot. Q. Who taught you this way of witchcraft? A. Satan, and that he promised her abundance of satisfaction and quietness in her future state, but never performed any thing; and that she has lived more miserably and more discontented since, than ever before. She confesses further, that she herself, in company with Goody Parker , Goody Tyler , and Goody Dean , had a meeting at Moses Tyler's house, last monday night, to afflict, and that she and Goody Dean carried the shape of Mr. Dean, the minister, between them, to make persons believe that Mr. Dean afflicted. Q. What hindered you from accomplishing what you intended? A. The Lord would not suffer it so to be, that the devil should afflict in an innocent person's shape. Q. Have you been at any other witch meetings? A. I know nothing thereof, as I shall answer in the presence of God and his people; but said, that the black man stood before her, and told her, that what she had confessed was a lie; notwithstanding, she said that what she had confessed was true, and thereto put her hand. Her husband being present was asked, if he judged his wife to be any way discomposed. He answered, that having lived with her so long, he doth not judge her to be any ways discomposed, but has cause to believe what she has said is true. -- When Mistress Osgood was first called, she afflicted Martha Sprague and Rose Foster , by the glance of her eyes, and recovered them out of their fits by the touch of her hand. Mary Lacey and Betty Johnson and Hannah Post saw Mistress Osgood afflicting Sprague and Foster . -- The said Hannah Post and Mary Lacey and Betty Johnson, jun. and Rose Foster and Mary Richardson were afflicted by Mistress Osgood , in the time of their examination, and recovered by her touching of their hands.
I underwritten, being appointed by authority, to take this examination, do testify upon oath, taken in court, that this is a true copy of the substance of it, to the best of my knowledge, 5 Jan1692/3. The within Mary Osgood was examined before their Majesties justices of the peace in Salem.
( Thomas Hutchinson, The History of the Province of Massachusetts-Bay, vol. 2, ed. Lawrence Shaw Mayo (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1936), pp. 24–25. .)
SWP No. 96.2For example, the accused would be subjected to pricking or scratching to check for any areas of the body that were insensitive to pain, which was considered a sign of witchcraft. Other physical tests included searching for "witch's marks" or unusual marks on the body that were believed to be a sign of a pact with the devil. The examinations were often conducted in a highly accusatory and intimidating manner. The accused would be questioned relentlessly, sometimes facing harsh and leading questions designed to implicate them. This approach aimed to break down the accused and elicit confessions or incriminating statements. Some accused individuals were subjected to physical and psychological torture during these examinations, which further added to the pressure to confess. Overall, the examinations conducted during the Andover witch trials served as a means to gather evidence against the accused and determine their guilt or innocence. They involved questioning witnesses, conducting physical tests, and using coercive tactics to obtain confessions. The outcome of these examinations greatly influenced the overall outcome of the trials, ultimately leading to the conviction and execution of numerous individuals accused of witchcraft..
Reviews for "Exploring the Role of Spectral Evidence in the Andover Witch Trials Examinations"
1. Emily - 2 stars
I have to say, I was highly disappointed with the "Andover witch trials examinations." The whole experience felt lackluster and unconvincing. The tour guide seemed disinterested and provided minimal historical information about the trials. Moreover, the examination room was poorly maintained and lacked any sort of atmosphere. Overall, it felt like a cash grab rather than an educational or entertaining experience. I would not recommend this to anyone looking for a worthwhile historical tour.
2. Jacob - 1 star
What a waste of time! The "Andover witch trials examinations" were a total letdown. First of all, the organization of the event was chaotic. There was no clear schedule or guidance on where to go. Additionally, the actors who played the accused witches had no acting skills whatsoever. Their performances were cringe-worthy and lacking any authenticity. Lastly, there was a complete lack of historical accuracy in the interpretation of the trials. It felt like a cheap attempt to portray a serious historical event for the sake of entertainment. Save your money and find a more genuine and well-executed historical tour.
3. Samantha - 2 stars
I had high hopes for the "Andover witch trials examinations," but they were quickly dashed. The overall experience felt rushed and disorganized. The tour groups were too large, making it difficult to hear the guide or ask questions. Additionally, the examination room felt overly theatrical and lacked any semblance of historical accuracy. It seemed more like a tourist attraction than an educational experience. If you're looking for an in-depth exploration of the Andover witch trials, I recommend seeking alternative options.