(Recognizance of Complaint against John Jackson, Sr. ; John Jackson, Jr. ; and John Howard )
Ephriam foster , of Andivor. & Joseph Tyler of Boxford Complaine to their Majesties Justices of the Peace in Salem against John Jackson Sen'r: & his Son John Jackson Jun'r & John Howard. all of the Towne of Rowley. Labourers for that they & Every of them have Comited Severall acts of witchcraft upon the bodys Martha Sprag of Boxford & Rose foster of Andivor Singlewomen to their Great hurt, & the Said Eph'm. foster & Joseph Tyler doe by these presents oblige themselves Joyntly & Severaly to our Sover'n Lord & Lady King William & Queen Mary in the full & whole Sume of one hundred pounds Bond Currant mony of New England The Condition is that they will prosecut the abov said Complaint to Effect as the law directs -- 25 Aug'st. 1692
This Recognizance taken before me
*Ephraim Foster
*John Higginson Just'e Peace *Joseph Tiler
( Boston Public Library -- Dept. of Rare Books and Manuscripts )
(Examination of John Jackson, Sr. )
Jno Jaxon sen'r examined Before their Majest's Justices In salem August 27th 1692 Jno. Hawthorne Esq'rs & others
The afflicted persons fell into a bad fitt: before s'd Jaxon came into the room & s'd he is coming
Ques. Jno Jaxon why do you afflict these persons A I desire to Cry to God to keep both me & mine from this sin: I never did it since the Day I was born.
Jno Jaxon you are here accused for hurting Martha Spreag & Rose foster by witchcraft A. I am inocent.
Mary Warren was asked if ever s'd Jaxon had afflicted: her: she s'd yes.
Martha Spreag: is this: the man that afflicted you: A. Yes he hurt my throat last night He hath afflicted me: ever since I came Downe with the three: that Confessed one night it was s'd to s'd Jaxon if you be
Inocent: You can look upon them that are afflicted but: Martha Spreag was struck Down: when he looked: & was Recovered out of her fitt with s'd Jaxons touch of his hand: the like was done by Mary Warin it was sayd to him: look how you afflict them: but he s'd no indeed I never Did it but: here is witnes against you: & Hannah Post was Called: but s'd Jaxon s'd he never: knew nothing of it: but Hannah Post: sayd she had seen him at the witch meeting at Andover[r] & that he Drank there: she sayd: that he & his son was in hast to be gone: and away: they went: s'd Post was a little afflicted when s'd Jaxon looked on her: for he was to look right on her: when he was bid: but looked downward: Mary Walcot: sayd. she Saw s'd Jaxon at: the witch meeting at Chandlers of Andover: but he never had hurt her: but was at that meeting where: Mr Borroughs: had exorted them: and puld off his hat & took his leave of them & s'd. Jaxon took his leav of Mr Borroughs: Ann Putnam: s'd: & hoped he should see him. again: but Mr Borroughs thout not: but Mary Walcot & Ann Putnam both fell into a fitt: sarah Bridges was brought in: & fell into a fitt and s'd Jaxon took her by: the hand & she was well presently: but s'd she knew not the man: Mary Lasey was asked: Doe you know this man: s'd Yes I saw him last night: & fell into a fitt: Richard Carrier s'd he saw s'd Jaxon last night: but Jaxon s'd he was at work at Cap. Wicoms of Rowley last night he s'd these persons was not in their Right mind: Mary Warin was struck Down [& s'd she was struck down] & s'd she was struck on the head: a Cloud was seen to Come: through her head cloathes Jaxon was charged with acting wich craf before them but he s'd he did it not nor would not own that ever the Devil had babtized him but when s'd Jaxon was Carried out the afflicted was much hurt: & Rich'd Carrier was halled almost und'r the bed.
I underwritten being appoynted by authority to testify in wryting the above examination Doe testify upon oath taken in court that this is true coppy of the substance of it to the best of my Knowledge. 7th July 1692 -- 3
*Simon Willard
owned before the Grand Jury 7. Jan'y: 1692 *Robert Payne foreman:
( Suffolk Court Records Case No. 2704 Page 26 )
(Indictment v. John Jackson, Sr. )
Province of Massathuchetts Bay in New England Essex 
Anno RRs & Reginae Gulielmi & Mariae Angliae &c Quarto Anno'qe. Do&mbar; 1692
The Jurors [for] our sovereigne Lord & Lady the King & Queen Presents That John Jaxon Sen'r. of Rowley in the County of Essex on the Twenty Seventh Day of August 1692 -- And Divers other Dayes and Times as well Before as after Certaine Detestable Arts called Witchcrafts & Sorceries wickedly Mallishiously & felloniously hath used Practised & Exercised at & in the Towne of Salem in the County of Essex afores'd upon and against one Mary Warren of Salem Singlewoman By which Wicked Arts the said Mary Warren the Day & year afores'd and Divers other Days and Times as well before as after was & is Tortured Afflicted Tormented Consumed Pined & wasted against the Peace of our sovereigne Lord & Lady the King and Queen their Crowne and Dignity and the Lawes in that Case made and Provided.
Witness
Rose Foster
Martha Sprague
(Reverse)
Ignoramus
*Robert payne foreman
( Suffolk Court Records Case No. 2704, Page 26 )
Page 469
John Jackson, Jr.
(See also: John Jackson, Sr. -- Warrant, Recognizance.)
(Examination of John Jackson, Jr. )
Jno Jaxon was brought into the room the Afflicted persons fell down: & he was asked: Can you tell why: these fall down: he s'd he was bewitched by his Ant How: about four year agoe: & did the Devill appear to you then he Answered yes: in the shape of a black man & would disturb him & not let him sleep a night: but he would not own: that ever he brought him a book he could say nothing about a book: being asked: where he was babtized: Answerd in Mr Phillips his meeting hous: but would not own that ever: the Devill babtized him nor: that ever: he had signed: to the Devils book: he s'd when asked that the Devil next appeared to him in the shape of a woman: he was asked what woman: he s'd his Aunt How: he s'd she asked: whether he would not set his hand to the Devils book but he sayd he did not see the Devils book: Ques: what other shapes did the Devil appear to you in: Answered: in the shape of Catts: he owned that the black man had bid him serve him the afflicted: s'd his father stood by him & bid him not Confess: which he owned & Cryed Quest. was your Aunt How a witch: A: yes she Afflicted me: when I was at work in the feild she Come & looked on me & tore down the fence & my head fell of aking when: she looked on me there was a black spott on my Hatt as if it was burnt but you say yo'r Aunt How & [yo'r] father bewitched you, when did yo'r father bewitch you: but answered not: it was s'd to him if you will not Confess witnes Should be called Mary Warin: was asked if this was one of them: men she saw: the other night: & s'd yes but was struck down into a fit: & s'd Jaxon touched her & she was well: she s'd s'd Jaxon afflicted her: then: & she had seen him afflict others: Mary Lacey s'd she knew s'd Jaxon: at Tilers: & she had seen him afflict others of the afflicted Mary Warin: Mary Lasey Martha Spreag : & Rose
foster fell into a fitt: & Jaxon cryed out: much like a fooll when: he was mad to touch the afflicted: but: they were all well: when he touched them: hannah Post s'd Jaxon was at the witch meeting att Andover she saw him there: Sarah Bridges: & Susana Post s'd Jaxon did let His presenc hurt them
I underwritten appointed by authority to take in wryting the above examinat'&nbar; Doe testify upon oath taken in court That this is a true coppy of the substance of it to the best of my knowledge
Janu'y 7th 1692 owned before the Grand Jury 7 Jan'y. 1692
*Simon Willard
*Robert Payne Foreman
( Boston Public Library -- Dept. of Rare Books and Manuscripts )
(Indictment v. John Jackson, Jr. )
Province of the Massatuthetts Bay in New England Essex Anno RR &: Reginae Gulielmi & Mariae Angliae &c Quarto: Anno'qe Do&mbar;: 1692
The Jurors for our Sovereigne Lord & Lady the King & Queen Present
That John Jaxon Jun'r. of Rowley on the 27th. day of August 1692 And divers other Dayes & times as well before as after Certaine detestable Arts called Witchcrafts and Sorceries Wickedly Mallishiously and felloniously hath used Practised & Exercised at and in the Towne of Salem in the County of Essex afores'd. upon and against one Mary Warren of Salem Singlewoman by which Wicked arts the said Mary Warren the Day and year afores'd: and Divers other Dayes and Times as well before as after was & is Tortured Afflicted Tormented Consumed & wasted against the Peace of our sovereigne Lord & Lady the the King & Queen their Crowne and Dignity and the Lawes in that case made & Provided.
Witnesses
Martha Sprague
Rose Foster
(Reverse)
Ignoramus
*Robert Payne foreman
( Suffolk Court Records Case 2704, Page 26 )
Page 473
George Jacobs, Sr. Executed, August 19, 1692
(Warrant for Arrest of George Jacobs, Sr. and Margaret Jacobs )
in Salem.
You are in theire Majests names hereby required to apprehend and forthwith bring before us. George Jacobs Senr of Salem, And Margaret Jacobs the daugter of George Jacobs Junr of Salem Single-woman Who stands accused, of high suspition of sundry acts of witchcraft by them both Committed on Sundry persons in Salem to theire great wrong and Injury and hereof faile not. Dated Salem May 10th 1692
&pbar;us. *John Hathorne Assists.
*Jonathan. Corwin Assists
To constable Joseph Neale
May the 10th: 1692 Then I apprehended the Bodyes of George Jacobs Sen'r and Margret Jacobs daughter of George Jacobs Jun'r Both of Salem According to the Tenor of the Above warrant
&Pbar; me *Joseph Neale Constable in Salem.
(Reverse) Warrant George Jacobs & Margaret Jacobs .
( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 1 Page 83 )
(Mittimus for George Jacobs, Sr. , William Hobbs , Edward Bishop , Bridget Bishop , Sarah Wilds , Mary Black , Mary English , Alice Parker , and Ann Pudeator .)
You are in theire majests names her -- (Torn)
to take into your care and safe Custody (Torn)
of George Jacobs Sen'r of Salem husbandman (Torn)
of Salem farmes husbandman William Hobs of (Torn)
husbandman, Edward Bushop of Salem Village Husband. (Torn) Bushop Alias Olliver the wife of Edward Bushop of Salem Sawyer Sarah Wild: the wife of John Wild: of Topsfeild, Mary a Negro Woman of L't Nathaniell putnams of Salem Village Mary English the wife of phillip English of Salem Merchant; Allice parker the wiffe of John parker of Salem Seaman, and Ann pudeattor of Salem Widdow, who all and Everyone of them: Stand Charged in behalfe of theire Majests: With sundry acts of Witchcraft, Latly donne or Committed by them on the Bodys of Mary Walcot Abigail Williams Marcy Lewis Ann Putnam Eliz Hubberd Susannah Sheldon and Others of Salem Village and farmes, whereby great hurt hath bene donne them, Whome you are well to secure in sayd Goale untill they shall be thence delivered by and order of Law, and here of you are not to faile Dated Salem May the 12th 1692
&Pbar;&ybar;s *John Hathorne Assists.
*Jonathan. Corwin Assists.
( Massachusetts Historical Society )
(Examination of George Jacobs, Sr. )
The Examination of Geo: Jacobs Sen'r 10 May. 1692
Here are them that accuse you of acts of witchcraft
Well, let us hear who are they, and what are they.
Abigail Williams - Jacobs laught.
Because I am falsely accused. -- Your worships all of you do you think this is true?
Nay, what do you think?
I never did it.
who did it?
Dont ask me.
Why should we not ask you? Sarah Churchwell accuseth you, there she is.
I am as innocent as the Child born to night, I have lived. 33. years here in Salem.
What then?
If you can prove that I am guilty, I will lye under it, Sarah
Churchwell said last night I was afflicted at Deacon Ingersolls , and Mary Walcot said it was a man with 2 staves, it was my master.
Pray do not accuse me, I am as clear as your worships; you must do right judgments.
What book did he bring you Sarah?
The same that the other woman brought.
The Devill can go in any shape.
Did he not [be] appear on the other side of the river and hurt you, did not you see him.
Yes he did.
Look there, she accuseth you to your face, she chargeth you that you hurt her twise. Is it not true?
What would you have me say? I never wronged no man in word nor deed.
Here are 3 evidences.
You tax me for a wizard, you may as well tax me for a buzard I have done no harm.
Is it no harm to afflict these?
I never did it.
But how comes it to be in your appearance?
The Devil can taken any likeness.
Not without their consent.
Please your worship it is untrue, I never showed the book, I am as silly about these things as the child born last night.
That is your Saying, you argue you have lived so long, but what then Cain might live long before he killed Abel, and you might live long before the Devill had so prevailed on you.
Christ hath suffered 3 times for me.
What three times.
He suffered the Crosse & gall --
You had as good confesse (said Sarah Churchwell) if you are guilty.
Have you heard that I have any witchcraft?
I know you lived a wicked life.
Let her make it out.
Doth he ever pray in his family?
Not unless by himself.
Why do you not pray in your family?
I cannot read.
Well but you may pray for all that. Can you say the Lords prayer?
Let us hear you?
He mist in severall parts of it, and could not repeat it right after Many Trialls
Sarah Churchwell, when you wrote in the book you was showed your masters name you said.
Yes Sir.
If she say so, if you do not know it, what will you say?
But she saw you, or your likeness tempt her to write.
one in my likeness, the Devil may present my likeness.
Were you not frighted Sarah Churchwell, when the representation of your master came to you?
Yes.
Well: burn me, or hang me, I will stand in the truth of Christ, I know nothing of it.
Do you know nothing of getting your son George and his daughter Margaret to signe?
No nothing at all.
The 2d Examination of said George Jacobs 11. May, 1692.
The bewitched fell into most grevious fits and screhings when he came in.
Is this the man that hurts you?
Abig Williams cryed out this is the man and fell into a violent fit.
Ann Putman said this is the man, and he hurts her, and brings the book to her, and would have her write in the book, and she should be as well as his Grand daughter.
Mercy Lewis is this the man?
This is the man (after much interruption by fits) he almost kills me.
Eliz: Hubbard said the man never hurt her till to day he came upon the Table.
Mary Walcot is this the man?
After much interruption by fits she said this is the man, he used to come with two staves and beat her with one of them.
What do you say, are you not a witch?
No I know it not, if I were to dye presently.
Mercy Lewes went to come near him but fell into great fits.
Mercy Lewes testimony read. What do you say to this?
Why it is false, I know not of it, any more than the child that was born to night.
Ann Putman said yes, you told me so, that you had been so this: 40 years.
Ann Putman and Abigail Williams had each of them a pin stuck in their hands, and they said it was this old Jacobs .
Abigail Williams Testimony read.
Are not you the man that made disturbance at a Lecture in Salem.
No great disturbance. Do you think I use witchcraft?
Yes indeed
No I use none of them.
(Reverse) The Examination of Geo: Jacobs, Sen'r.
( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 1 Page 86 )
(Indictment v. George Jacobs, Sr. )
Anno Regis et Reginae Willm et Mariae nunc Angliae &c Quarto: Essex: ss
The Jurors for our Sovereigne Lord and Lady the King and Queen prsents. That George Jacobs Sen'r of Salem in the County of Essex the 11th day of May in the fourth Year of the Reigne of our Sovereigne Lord and Lady William and Mary by the Grace of God of England Scottland France and Ireland King and Queen Defend'rs of the faith &c. and Divers other Dayes and times as well before as
after certaine Detestable Arts called Witchcrafts and sorceries Wickedly and felloniously hath used Practised and Exercised at and within the Towneship of Salem in the county of Essex, aforesaid in, upon, and ag't: one Marcy Lewis, of Salem village Singlewoman by which said wicked arts the said Marcy Lewis the 11th day of May in the fourth year abovesaid and Divers other Dayes and times as well before as after was and is Tortured Afflicted Pined consumed wasted and Tormented and also for sundry other acts of witchcraft by said George Jacobs Committed and Done before and since that time ag't: the Peace of our Sovereigne Lord and Lady the King and Queen their Crowne and Dignity and ag't the forme of the Statutes in that Case made and provided:
Witnesses Marcy Lewis
Mary Walcott.
Eliz. Hubbard
Sarah Churchill.
(Reverse) George Jacobs No (2) Indictment Ignoramus
( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 1 Page 85 )
(Indictment v. George Jacobs, Sr. )
Anno Regis et Reginae Willim et
Mariae nunc Angliae &c Quarto
Essex ss The Jurors for our Soverigne Lord and Lady the King and Queen prsents that George Jacob sen'r of Salem
husbandman --
the 11th day of May in the fourth year of the Reigne of our Sovereigne Lord and Lady William and Mary by the Grace of God of England Scottland France and Ireland King and Queen def&nbar;ed'rs of the faith &c and divers other days and Times as well before as after Certaine detestable Arts called witchcrafts and Sorceries -- Wickedly and felloniously hath Used. Practised and Exercised at and within the Township of Salem in the County of Essex afore s'd: in upon and ag't: one Mary Walcott of Salem villiage Singlewomen -- by which said wicked arts the said Mary Walcot the 11th day of May in the fourth year above said and divers other days and times as well before as after was and is Tortured Afflicted. Pined Consumed wasted & Tormented and also for Sundrey other acts of witchcraft, by said George Jacobs . Committed and done before and Since that time agt:
the Peace of our Sovereigne Lord and Lady the King & Queen their Crowne and dignity and ag't: the forme of the Statute in that case made and Provided./
Witnesses -- Marcy Lewis
Mary Walcott
Eliz. Hubbard
Ann Putman
Sarah Churchill
( Massachusetts Historical Society )
(Summons for Witnesses v. George Jacobs, Sr. )
W'm and Mary by the Grace of God of England &c King and Queen &c.
of Salem Greeting.
Wee comand you to Warn and give notice unto Joseph Flintt John Waters sen'r John Doritch Corpo'll John foster Capt Puttnam and [his] Rebecca his wife that they and Every of them be and appear forthwith att the Court of Oyer and Terminer holden at Salem there to Testifie the truth to the best of your knowledge on certain Indictments Exhibited against George Jacobs Sen'r hereof make return faile not.
Dated in Salem Aug't 4th 1692, and in the fourth yeare of our Reigne
*Stephen Sewall Cler.
( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 1 Page 85 )
( Abigail Williams v. George Jacobs, Sr. )
The Testimony of Abigail Williams witnesseth and saith that she hath severall times seen, and been very much afflicted by the Apparition of Geo Jacobs Sen'r of Salem at and before the 11. May, 1692.
(Reverse) Abig: Williams ag'st Geo: Jacobs Sen'r
( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 1 Page 86 )
(Physical Examination of George Jacobs, Sr. )
The Testimony of George Herrick aged thirty fouer yeares or theirabouts Testyfeyeth and Saith that Some time in May Last by order of their Majesties Justices I went to the prison in Salem to Search George Jacobs Sen'r and likewise William Dounton the Goale keeper and Joseph Neale constable was in presence and concerned with mee in the search where under the s'd Jacobs his Right Sholder wee found A tett aboute A quarter of an Inch longue or better with A Sharpe point Drupeing downwards so that I tooke A pinn from s'd Dounton and Run it through the s'd tett but their was nither watter blood nor curruption nor any other matter and so wee make Returne:
William Dounton testifeyeth the above written and we farther Testefy and say that the s'd Jacobs was not in the least Senceable in what wee had done for after I had made Returne to the majestrates and Returned I tould the s'd Jacob And hee knew nothing before
Sworne in Court Aug't. 4. 92
(Reverse) Herik
Dounton
Nele
( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 1 Page 88 )
( Sarah Churchill v. George Jacobs, Sr. )
Sarah Churchwell:Affirmed to the Jury of Inquest: that George Jacobs Sen'r or his Apperition:has afflicted: her s'd. Churchell: by choaking of her and she veryly thinks that s'd Jacobs: did it by witch craft.
Jurat in Curia
( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 1 Page 87 )
( Sarah Bibber v. George Jacobs, Sr. )
Sarah Vibber made Oath that she Saw him this George Jacobs at the Gallows when Goody Olliver was executed & the black man help him up. & that she saw him aflict Mary Walcot & beat hir with his Staffe.
Jurat in Curia.
Mercy Lewis
Mary Walcot
Eliz. Hubbard
Ann: Putnam
(Reverse) Severall Evidences Contra. Georg: Jacobs.
( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 1 Page 87 )
( Mary Warren v. George Jacobs, Sr. )
Mary Warin afirmd: before the Jury of Inquest: that George Jacobs sen'r has: afflicted her: s'd Warin and beat her with his staffe he or his Apperition: s'd Warin ses she had seen s'd Jacobs or Apperition afflict Mary Walcot and beat her with his staffe: she sayd also that s'd Jacobs has: afflicte Ann Putman s'd warin verily thinks: s'd George Jacobs is a wizard
Aug't: 4: 1692 . upon her oath
Jurat in Curia.
( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 1 Page 88 )
( Elizabeth Hubbard v. George Jacobs, Sr. )
Elizabeth Hubbard Affirmed to the Jury of Inquest: that she hath seen: George Jacob sen'r: afflict: Mary Walcot Ann Putnam and Abigail Williams: and s'd Jacobs: or his Appearition has sorely afflicted her said Eliz Hubbard: Aug: 4. 1692. upon her oath.
Jurat in Curia.
( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 1 Page 88 )
( Mary Walcott v. George Jacobs, Sr. )
Mary Walcot Affirmed before the Jury of Inquest that she hath seen George: Jacobs Sen'r afflict Mary Warin and Ann Putnam and Elizabeth Hubbard: and s'd Jacobs or his Apperition hath hurt her s'd Mary Walcot and beat her with his staffe: Aug't 4: 92 upon her oath s'd Walcot s'd she verily beleeve s'd Jacobs is a wizerd: and: that on the day and time of s'd Jacobs his examination; he afflicted: her and Ann Putman and Elizabeth Hubbard
Jurat in Curia
( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 1 Page 88 )
( John DeRich v. George Jacobs, Sr. et al.)
Cop
John Doritch aged 16 years or thereabouts Testifieth and Saith.
That John Small and his wife Anne both deceased and formerly of the Towne of Salem doth both appear to this Deponent and told him that they would tare him to peices if he did not goe and Declare to Mr. Harthorne that George Jacobs senior: Did kill them: and likewise that Mary Warrens mother did appeare to this Deponent this day with a white man and told him that goodwife Parker and Oliver did kill her: and Likewise Core Procter and his wife: Sarah Procter Joseph Procter and John Procter did all afflict this deponent and do continually every day sense he hath began to be afflicted: and would have him this deponent to sett his hand to a Booke but this deponent told them he would not: Likewise Phillip English and his wife Mary doth appear to this deponent and afflict him and all the aboves'd persons Thretten to tare this Deponent in peices if he doth not Signe to a Booke: Likewise Goodwife Pease and Hobs and her daughter Abigail doth Afflict him and thretten the same: and Likewise a woman appeares to this Deponent who lives at Boston at the Uper end of the Towne whose name is Mary: she goes in black clothes hath: but one Eye: with a Crooked Neck and she saith there is none in Boston
like her, she did afflict this deponent but saith she will not any more, nor tell him her name.
Jurat all relating to the prisoner at the Barr.
(Reverse) John Derick against George Jacobs Copyed
( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 1 Page 88 )
( Mercy Lewis v. George Jacobs, Sr. )
The deposistion of Mercy Lewes who testifieth and saith that on 20th: April 1692: att or about midnight there appeared to me the apperishtion of an old; very gray headed man and tould me that his name was George Jacobs and that he had had two wives and he did tortor me and beate me with a stick which he had in his hand: and urged me to writ in his book which I refused to doe: and so he hath continewed ever sence by times coming sumtimes with two sticks in his hands to afflect me still tempting me to writ in his book: but most dredfull he fell upon me and did tortor me on the 9th of May at eveing after I came whom from the Examination of his maid: threating to kill me that night if I would not writ in his book; because I did witnes against his maid and perswaded her to confess but because I would not yeald to his hellish temtations he did tortor me most cruelly by bating me with the two sticks which he had in his hands: and allmost redy to pull all my bones out of joynt tell my strenth and, hartt was Redy to fail but being up held by an Allmighty hand and incouraged by them that stood by I indured his tortors that night. the 10th May he againe sett upon me and afflected me most greviously a great many times in the day: still urging me to writ in his book: but att evening he againe tortored me most greviously by pinching me and beating me black and blue and threating to kill me if I would not writ in his book but I tould him I would not writ in his book tho he did kill me and tare me all to peaces: then he profered me to give me gold and many figne things if I would writ in his book: but I tould him I would not writ in his book if he would give me all the world then againe he did tortor me most greviously but at last went away from me: also on the 15th May 1692.
being the day of the Examination of George Jacobs then I saw that it was that very man that tould me his name was George Jacobs and he did also most dreadfully torment me allmost redy to kill me and I verily beleve in my hart that George Jacobs is a most dreadfull wizzard and that he hath very often afflected and tormented me by his acts of witchcraft.
Mercy Lewis declared to the Jury of Inquest that: the above written evidence [is the] truth.
(Reverse) Marcy Lewis ag't Geo. Jacobs
( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 1 Page 89 )
( Joseph Flint v. George Jacobs, Sr. )
The deposicon of Joseph Flintt aged 30 yeares Saith that being at the house of Mr Thomas Beadles on the 11th of May 1692, when the Magistrates were Examining George Jacobs his Grandaughter and understanding that she had confessed I this deponent went into the other room where George Jacobs was and Told him that his Grandaughter had confessed he asked me what she had confessed I told him that she had confest she was a witch or that she had Set her hand to the Devil's booke
Whereupon s'd Jacobs said that She was charged not to confess and then I asked him who charged her not to confess, he then made & stop and at last said that if she were Innocent and yet Confest she would be accessary to her owne death
marke Joseph Flint
Jurat in Curia
(Reverse) Joseph Flint ags't Geo. Jacobs Sen'r.
( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 1 Page 90 )
( Abigail Williams v. George Jacobs, Sr. )
Abigail Williams Testifyeth & saith that an old man that goes with two sticks hath appeared to & hurt her many times by pinching
& bringing the book for hir to set her hands unto, & the man told her his name was Jacobs the father of Geo: Jacobs & the Grandfather of Margaret Jacobs & he had made said Margaret set her hand to the book & Sarah Churchwell & his son Geo. Jacobs & his wife & another woman & her husband viz. Mr. English & his wife: also that she said Margaret had hurt her pretty much to day & at other times & brought her the book severall times to night but not before.
We whose names are underwritten testifye that we heard the above s'd Abigail relate the charge afore s'd this 10 day May 1692
*Nathaniel Ingersoll
*Jonathan Walcott
*John louder
( Massachusetts Historical Society )
( Thomas Putnam and John Putnam, Jr. v. George Jacobs, Sr. )
The Deposistion of Thomas putnam agged 40 years and Jno putnam aged 36 years who testifie and saith that we haveing been converssant with divers of the afflected parsons as mary walcott mercy lewes Eliz. Hubburd Abigail williams and Ann putnam and others have seen them most dreadfully tormented and complaining of old Jacobs for hurting them but on 11:th May 1692 being the day of the examination of George Jacobs sen'r the afforesaid parsons ware most dreadfully tormented dureing the time of his examination as if indeed their bones would have ben disjoynted: being in such misery as we could hardly hold them and wee beleve that George Jacobs the prizsoner att the barr as very often afflicted and tormented the afforesaid persons by acts of wicthcraft
*Thomas putnam *John putnam
Jurat in Curia
( Bowditch Mss. Massachusetts Historical Society )
( Ann Putnam, Jr. v. George Jacobs, Sr. )
The deposistion of Ann putnam who testifieth and saith that I had ben most greviously afflected by George Jacobs sen'r but most Dreadfully tormented by him on 11th of May 1692 dureing the time of his examination also on the day of his examination I saw George Jacobs or his Apperance most greviously torment mary walcott Eliz. Hubburd and I beleve in my hart that George Jacobs is a dreadfull wizzard and that he hath very often afflected me and the affore mentioned pasons by his acts of witchcraft
ann putnam ownid this har testimony bifore the Juriars of Inquest: one her oath this 4 day of agust: 1692
Jurat in Curia
( Massachusetts Historical Society )
( John DeRich v. George Jacobs, Sr. )
The testimoney of John derich Agged bout 16 yeares testifieth and saith that somtim in May last paste: Gorge Jacobs sin'r Cam to me and bid me goe to my wife and tell her that she muste send me some money: and he bid me that I should not Eate any of his Cheires: and divers times sence he hath bine in prissone he hath afflicted me several ways by pinching and by &sbar;&rbar;&abar;&cbar;hing and bitting and told me that if I would not Sett mi hand to his boocke he would destroye me and lead me in to the water and would have drowned me and natheinnil Wattere tooke me out of the water and the prisoner Knockt me downe with his stafe: the 3 day of this instant Augst: and while I was writting mi testimoney he told me that he did not Care for that writting and told me that he had bin a wizard this fortie yeares
Jurat in Curia
( Massachusetts Historical Society )
Page 487
George Jacobs, Jr.
(See also: George Burroughs -- Report of Physical Examination; `Rebecca Jacobs -- Warrant.)
(Complaint v. George Jacobs, Jr., Daniel Andrew , Rebecca Jacobs, Sarah Buckley , Mary Witheridge , Elizabeth Hart , Thomas Farrer , Elizabeth Colson , and Bethia Carter, Jr. )
Lt Nathaniell Ingersall and Serjt Thomas putnam , yeomen both of Salem Village personally appeared before us and made Complaint in behalfe of theire Majests against Daniell Andrew of Salem Village Bricklayer. George Jacobs jun'r of Salem Village husbandman, and [] Jacobs the wife of Said George Jacobs , [] Buckley the wife of W'm Buckley of Salem Village Cordwayner. and Mary Withridge of Salem Village daugter of Said Buckley [] Hart the wife of Isaac Hart of Lyn husbandman Thomas farrer sen'r of Lyn.hubandman. Elizabeth Colson of Reding single Woman, And Bethya Carter of Ouburne daugter of Widdow Carter of s'd Towne. for high Suspition of Sundry acts of Witchcraft by them Committed or donne lately on the body of Ann puttnam Marcy Lewis Mary Walcot And Abigail Williams & others of Salem Village, whereby much hurt is donne to their bodyes, therefore Craves Justice.
*Nathaniel Ingersoll.
*Thomas putnam
( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 1 Page 84 )
(Warrant for Arrest of Daniel Andrew and George Jacobs, Jr. )
in Boston or eles where.
You are in theire Majests names hereby required to apprehend forthwith; or as soon as may be, Daniell Andrew And George Jacobs both of Salem Village, who Stand charged with high Suspition of Sundry acts of Witchcraft by them donne or Committed on the bodys of Mary Walot Abigail Williams Mary Lewis and Others of Salem Village Lately: where by great hurt & dammage hath been donn them. Contrary to the Laws of theire Majests who being found you are to convey unto Salem & Deliver them unto Authority in order to theire Examination Relating to the Premises and hereof are not to faile
Dated Salem May. 17th 1692
*John Hathorne
By order of the Governour *Jonathan. Corwin
By order of the Governour ( Boston Public Library -- Dept. of Rare Books and Manuscripts )
Page 489
Margaret Jacobs
(See also: George Jacobs, Sr. -- Warrant.)
(Indictment v. Margaret Jacobs )
Essex in the Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New England ss// Anno RRs & Reginae Gulielmi & Mariae Angliae &c'a Quarto Anno'qe Domini 1692
The Juriors for our Soveraigne Lord & Lady the King & Queen doe present That Margarett Jacobs of Salem Single Woman -- In the County of Essex -- aforesaid -- Att or upon the Eleventh day of Maÿ -- In the yeare aforesaid and divers other days and times as well before as after Certaine detestable Arts called Witchcrafts & Sorceries Wickedly Mallitiously and felloniously hath used practised and Exercised at and in the Towne of Salem -- in the County of Essex -- Aforesaid in upon & against one Elizabeth Hobert of Salem -- Aforesaid -- Single Woman -- by which said Wicked Acts the said Elizabeth Hobert the day & yeare -- aforesaid & divers other days and times both before and after was and is Tortured aflicted Consumed Wasted Pined and Tormented, and also for sundry other Acts of Witchcraft by the Said Margarett Jacobs Comitted and done before and Since that time against our Sov'r Lord and Lady the King & Queen theire Crowne and Dignity and the forme in the Stattute in that Case made and Provided.
(Reverse) Indictment Margaret Jacobs bewiching Elizabeth Hobet Billa
Vera Ponet Sc.
Not guilty 2 Salem Court 3d Janu. 1692/3
Entered on record
( Mass. Archives Vol. 135 No. 100 )
( John DeRich v. Margaret Jacobs )
The testomeny of John derech Eaged about sixten years testifieth and Sayeth that Margat Jacobs Came and aflicted me this 5 of September as she hath many tims before She al so teleth me that she will kill me if #[she] I woul not yeld to hur she al so bringeth the book to me tempen me to set my hand to it she teleth me that i shall be wel if i will set my hand to the book she teleth me that She will run a scuer thoraw me and threteneth me to Cut me with a knife beger than an ordnery knife is as #[he] she hath don worse before.
( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 2 Page 55 )
( Margaret Jacobs to her father, George Jacobs, Jr. )
in Salem-Prison, August 20, 92 .
After my Humble Duty Remmbered to you, hoping in the Lord of your good Health, as Blessed be God I enjoy, tho in abundance of Affliction, being close Confined here in a loathsome Dungeon, the Lord look down in mercy upon me, not knowing how soon I shall be put to Death, by means of the Afflicted Persons; my Grand-Father having Suffered already, and all his Estate Seized for the King. The reason of my Confinement is this, I having, through the Magistrates Threatnings, and my own Vile and Wretched Heart, confessed several things contrary to my Conscience and Knowledg, tho to the Wounding of my own Soul, the Lord pardon me for it; but Oh! the terrors of a wounded Conscience who can bear. But blessed be the Lord, he would not let me go on in my Sins, but in mercy I hope so my Soul would not suffer me to keep it in any longer, but I was forced to confess the truth of all before the Magistrates, who would not believe me, but tis their pleasure to put me in here, and God knows how soon I shall be put to death. Dear Father, let me beg your Prayers to the Lord on my behalf, and send us a Joyful and Happy meeting in Heaven. My Mother poor Woman is very Crazey, and
remembers her kind Love to you, and to Uncle, viz. D. A. So leaving you to the protection of the Lord, I rest your Dutiful Daughter,
MARGARET JACOBS.
( Robert Calef, More Wonders of The Invisible World [ London, 1700 ], excerpted in Burr, ed., Narratives of The Witchcraft Cases, pp. 365-366 .)
(Recantation of Margaret Jacobs )
The humble declaration of Margaret Jacobs unto the honoured court now sitting at Salem, sheweth
That whereas your poor and humble declarant being closely confined here in Salem goal for the crime of witchcraft, which crime thanks be to the Lord I am altogether ignorant of, as will appear at the great day of judgment: May it please the honoured court, I was cried out upon by some of the possessed persons, as afflicting them; whereupon I was brought to my examination, which persons at the sight of me fell down, which did very much startle and affright me. The Lord above knows I knew nothing, in the least measure, how or who afflicted them; they told me, without doubt I did, or else they would not fall down at me; they told me, if I would not confess, I should be put down into the dungeon and would be hanged, but if I would confess I should have my life; the which did so affright me, with my own vile wicked heart, to save my life; made me make the like confession I did, which confession, may it please the honoured court, is altogether false and untrue. The very first night after I had made confession, I was in such horror of conscience that I could not sleep for fear the devil should carry me away for telling such horrid lies. I was, may it please the honoured court, sworn to my confession, as I understand since, but then, at that time, was ignorant of it, not knowing what an oath did mean. The Lord, I hope, in whom I trust, out of the abundance of his mercy, will forgive me my false forswearing myself. What I said, was altogether false against my grandfather, and Mr. Burroughs , which I did to save my life and to have my liberty; but the Lord, charging it to my conscience, made me in so much horror, that I could not contain myself before I had denied my confession, which I did though I saw nothing but death before
me, chusing rather death with a quiet conscience, than to live in such horror, which I could not suffer. Where, upon my denying my confession, I was committed to close prison, where I have enjoyed more felicity in spirit, a thousand times, than I did before in my enlargement.
And now, may it please your honours, your declarant, having, in part, given your honours a description of my condition, do leave it to your honours pious and judicious discretions, to take pity and compassion on my young and tender years, to act and do with me, as the Lord above and your honours shall see good, having no friend, but the Lord, to plead my cause for me; not being guilty in the least measure of the crime of witchcraft, nor any other sin that deserves death from man; and your poor and humble declarant shall for ever pray, as she is bound in duty, for your honours happiness in this life and eternal felicity in the world to come. So prays your honours declarant.
Margaret Jacobs.
( Thomas Hutchinson, History of Massachusetts-Bay, II, 30-31 )
Page 493
Rebecca Jacobs
(See also: George Jacobs, Jr. -- Complaint.)
(Warrant for the Arrest of Rebecca Jacobs , Daniel Andrew , George Jacobs, Jr. , Sarah Buckley , Mary Witheridge )
in Salem
You are in theire Majests names hereby required to Apprehend and bring before us on Tuesday next being the seaventeenth day of this Instant moneth ofMay aboute ten of the Clock in the forenoon at the house of L't Natha&nbar; ll Ingersons of Salem Village, Daniell Andrew of Salem Village Bricklayer. George Jacobs Jun'r of Salem Village husbandman And Rebecka Jacobs the wife of said George Jacobs and Sarah Buckley the wife of W'm Buckley of Salem Village Cord wayner, And Mary withridge the daugter of sayd Buckley. who all stand Charged in behalfe of theire Majesties with high Suspition of Sundry acts of Witchcrafts by them donne or Committed on the Bodys of Ann putnam Marcy Lewis Mary Walcot and Abigail Williams and Others of Salem Village (Lately) whereby hurt hath been donn them. And hereof you are not to faile
Dated Salem May the 14th. 1692
&pbar; us
*John. Hathorne Assists
*Jonathan. Corwin Assists
(Reverse)
In prosecution of this warant I have apprehended and brought the bodyes of Sarah Buckley and Marye Withredg and Rebekah Jacobs all of Salem velage according to the tener of the within written warrant: and have Likewise made delegant sarch at the house of
Daniell Andrew and at the house of Georg Jacobs for them Likewise but cannot find them
p me *Jonathan Putnam Constable in Salem
( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 1 Page 114 )
(Indictment v. Rebecca Jacobs )
Essex in the Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New England Anno R. Rs & Reginae Gulielmi & Mariae Angliae &c'a Quarto Anno'qe Domini 1692
The Juriors for our Sov'r Lord and Lady the King and Queen doe &Pbar;sent That Rebeccah Jacobs of Salem Villadge in the County of Essex afors'd husbandman In the Yeare aforesaid in Salem Villadge in the County of Essex, afores'd. Wickedly and felloniously a Covenant with the Evill Spiritt the Devill did make Contrary to the Peace of our Sov'r Lord and Lady the King and Queen theire Crowne and Dignity, And the forme in the Stattute In that Case made and Provided
(Reverse) Indictm't: Agst Rebeckah Jacobs for Covenanting with the Devil Igno Rama
( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 1 Page 115 )
(Indictment v. Rebecca Jacobs )
Essex in the Province of the Massachusett Bay in New England ss// Anno R Rs & Reginae Gulielmi & Mariae Angliae &c'a Quarto Anno'qe Domini 1692
The Juriors for our Sov'r Lord & Lady the King and Queen doe present That Rebechah Jacobs Wife of Georg[e] Jacobs of Salem Village -- In the County of Essex aforesaid Husbandman upon the
Eighteenth day of May -- In the yeare aforesaid and divers other days and times as well before as after Certaine detestable Arts called Witchcraft and Sorceries [Wicke]dly Mallitiously and felloniously hath used practi[ced an]d Exercised At and in Salem Village -- Aforesaid in upon and against one Elizabeth Hobert of Salem -- aforesaid Single Woman -- by which said Wicked Acts the Said Eliz Hobart the day & yeare aforesaid and divers other days and times as well before and after was and is Tortured Aflicted Consumed Pined Wasted and Tormented #[and also for Sundry other Acts of Witchcraft by [torn] said Rebeckah Jacobs -- Comitted and done before and Since that time] and against the peace of our Sov'r Lord & Lady theire Crowne and Dignity and the forme in the [Stattute] In that case made and Provided
Witnes [torn]
Eliz: Jo [torn]
Mary [torn]
Ann [torn]
Jurat in Curia
( Mass. Archives, Vol. 135 No. 98 )
( Elizabeth Hubbard v. Rebecca Jacobs )
The deposistion of Eliz Hubbred who testifieth and saith that one the begining of may 1692 I was afflected by Rebecah Jacobs the wife of George Jacobs but on the 18.th may 1692 being the day of hir examination I saw Rebekah Jacobs or hir Apperanc most greviously afflet mary walcott Abigail williams and Ann putnam: tho when she began to confes she left ofe hirting of us but severall times sence that she has most greviously affleted me and I beleve in my heart that Rebecka Jacobs is a wicth and that she has often affleted me and the afforesaid parsons by acts of wicthcraf.
Eliz Hubbard ownd: the truth of the above written evdence: before the Jury of Inques. Sept 10: 1692
(Reverse) Eliz: hubard vs Rebecca Jacobs
( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 1 Page 115 )
(Petition of Rebecca Fox )
Showeth that whereas Rebecah Jacobs (daughter of your Humble Petitioner ) has a long time, even many Months now lyen in Prison for Witchcraft, & is well known to be a Person Craz'd Distracted & Broken in mind, Your Humble Petitioner does most humbly & earnestly seek unto Your Excellency & to Your Hon'rs for releif in this case:
Your Petitioner who knows well the Condition of her poor Daughter, together with severall others of good repute and creditt are ready to offer their Oaths, that the s'd Jacobs is a Woman Craz'd, Distracted & Broken in her mind, & that She has been so these twelve Years & upwards;
However for (I think) about this half Year the s'd Jacobs has lyen in Pris&obar; & yet remaines there attended with many sore Difficulties:
Christianity & Nature do each of them oblige Your Petitioner to be very Solicitous in this matter, and altho many weighty cases do exercise Your thoughts, Yet Your Petitioner can have no rest in her mind, till such time as she has offer'd this her addresse on behalf of her daughter:
Some have dyed already in Prison, and others have been dangerously sick, & how soon Others, & among them my Poor Child, by the Difficulties of this Confinem't may be sick & dye, G'd only knows:
She is uncapable of making that shift for her self that others can do, & such are her circumstances on other accounts that Your Petitioner who is her tender Mother has many great Sorrows & almost overco&mbar;ing burthens on her mind upon her account, but in the midst of all her &pbar;plexities and troubles (next to supplicating to a Good & Mercifull God) Your Petitioner has no way for help but to make this her afflicted conditi&obar; known unto You, So not doubting but Your Excellency & Your Honours will readily hear the cries & Groans of a Poor Distressed Woman and grant what help and enlargem't You may Your Petitioner heartily beggs God's gracious presence with You and Subscribes her self in all humble manner
Your Sorrowfull and Distressed Petitioner
Rebeccah Fox
(On reverse side of paper)
Rebecca Fox her Pet'con
( Mass. Archives, Vol. 135 No. 76 )
(Petition of Rebecca Fox )
That Whereas Rebeccah Jacobs (daughter to the Humble Petitioner ) has long lyen in Prison for Witchcraft, & she at some times has uttered hard words of her self as tho she had killed her Child, which words are much accounted of as is famed
These may acquaint your Hon'r that the s'd Rebeccah Jacobs is a Woman broken & distracted in her mind, & that she has been so at times above these 12 Years, & this I am ready to take my oath to, & I can bring several Others that will do the same & therefore
Your Humble Petitioner thought her self bound in Conscience for your Hon'r's informatio to declare the same to Your Hon'r & Prays that due regard may be had thereto, that so there may not be stresse laid on the Confession of a Distracted Woman to the Prejudice of her life; So not doubting of your Hon'r's Integrity in this Matter Your Petitioner prays to God Almighty, that Wisedome may not be witholden from your Hon'r. who is Wise, & subscribes her Self
Hon'ble S'r Your Hon'r's Dutiful Servat and Humbl Petition'r
Rebecca Fox
( Massachusetts Historical Society )
Page 499
Elizabeth Johnson, Sr.
(Warrant for Arrest of Elizabeth Johnson, Sr. and Abigail Johnson )
of Andivor
Complaint being made this day to us by Sam'll. Martin of Andivor & Moses Tyler of Boxford, against Elizabeth Johnson widow and Abigall Johnson Singleweoman of Andivor that they the Said Elizabeth Johnson & Abigall Johnson hath greviously, afflicted and abused Martha. Sprage of boxford & Abigall Martin of Andivor Singleweomen by witchcraft contrary to the Peace of our Sover'ne Lord & Lady William & Mary King & Queen of England &c & to their Majesties Lawes in that case provided, and Said Sam'll Martin & Moses Tyler haveing given Sufficient bond to prosecut their Said Complaint to Effect These are therefore to require you in their Majesties name forthwith to apprehend & seize the Bodys of the Said Elizabeth Johnson widow & Abigall Johnson her dauter Singlewoeman of Andivor & them Safely, convey to Salem before us their Majesties Justices of the Peace to be examined & proceded with according to law, forw'th. this shall be your warrant.
Dated in Salem 29: August 1692.
*Bartho Gedney
* John Hathorne
*John Higginson
Just'es. Peace
(Reverse)
in obedenc to this writ I have seased the bodies of Elizabeth jonson widow and abigall jonson hur [torn] Both of andover this 30 day of agust1692
By me *John Ballard constable of andover
( Boston Public Library -- Dept. of Rare Books and Manuscripts )
(Examination of Elizabeth Johnson )
Eliz'th Johnson you are hence Charged for acting Witchcraft Come tell how long you have ben a witch A I cannot tell butt Since my Daught'r Came heither & Stopt -- Q. w't the Divel Come to You did he not A yes -- Q. was it in the Day A no in the night when I was asleep & awaked me & S'd he would goe & afflict in my Shape but I never Sett my hand to his book -- Come be thorow in all lickly hood -- you have been long in this Snare the Sundry years She S'd & Pray for me for it is true I have bin long in this Snare but yett would owne but 3 Year or not above 4 -- w't Shape did the Divel appear to you at first A a white bird wel what would he have you to doe A Serve & worship him well that time Then you Signed to his book how did you doe it A w'th my finger Q w't Spott did itt Make a black & what bignes was the book A pretty big -- Q. did you promise to Serve & worship him A yes -- Q. when & where did the bird appear to You -- A In the day time in my owne house -- Q. has he not apeared to you like a black man A Yes he mostly apears to me like a black man Was you alone when he appeared to you A yes I have been to much alone. how long has the Child that Is here been a witch a 5 yeares I suppose [for] lived at Goody Carriers A that time who came w'th the Divel when he came to you first did W'm. Bark'r No he has not been oh Soe long it was my Sister Abigail Falkner -- who stands before you now is it not the Sister falkner A Yes She Threattens to Tear me in peices if I confses Q. how long hath She ben one A no longer then I Where did the Divel baptize you A at 5 mile pond who ware baptized when you was A My Sister falkner & a great many more -- Jeames How was one how many times have you been at the witch metting at the Village A butt once Unlese I was Their in my Spirit. Q how did you goe thither one Horse back as far as I know but after wards S'd She was Carried thither upon a pole & that her sister falkner was there & William Barker others She new not for She did not know folk Q but did you give the Children to the Divel A No I do not know that this Girle is a witch w't number of witches be there in all. A it may be I doe not know w't did they agre to doe at the metting at the Village A to afflict people & make as many witches as they Could [as they Could] how many
have you made witches A none Q. was they to Sett up the divels Kingdome A yes but why doe they afflict now they [doe] they are daly brought out A the Divel makes them doe it Q. how many was their at that Metting at Chandlers A 20 or 30 I dont know how many what did you doe their A drink wine, where did you gett Your wine A from Boston I think butt I doe not know how brought it Mr Busse was Their did you drink A yes how did it tast A it has been bitt'r to me I am Sure butt who were the Company A I do not know any but them that are brought out Q. was Martha Emerson there A I know not Was Dan'll Eames of the Comp'y A yes he was She S'd also Hannah Mary & Susana Posts were baptized when She was & that the Divel dipt there heads in the watt'r & s'd thou art now Soul & body Come you that have been a witch Soe long you doe not Thouroly Conffess you know who you have afflicted She owned She had afflicted Sarah Phelps & 3 of Martins Children & that her Sister & Sarah parker Joyned w'th her in afflicting them Q then doe you know Sarah parker to be witch A I know She afflicted those or Else I afflicted none She owned She had afflicted Rose Fostter but I know not that I have afflicted Martha Sprauge I know not what my Spirit did Q how are you when your Spirit is Gone out of you A in A Cold Dampish Mallancolly Condition she would not own she had afflicted Swan She was askt how she knew She Should be Sent for A my Son Told me I should be Sent for yesterday She owned he had afflicted Martin & Martha Sprauge Yesterd'y & that the actions of -- body that she Used to afflict was the pinching her hands & that the Divel had Made her promis to renounce god & Christ & she did Soe & being ask how long she had ben a witch she said She knew nott, butt She was 30 Years old when She was Married & now She was 51 & when She had had 3 Children the Divel came to her & it might be a 25 years & that the Divel Appeared to her like a bird a black bird & then She did not signe butt @ a year after She Signed & that the Divel came alone when She Signed She S'd her Sister Abig'l had been a witch as long as She, She would not own that She was baptized before the time fornamed nor that she had been baptized by him above ever nor that she had set her Seal to the book but She had Set her hand to the book at Salem Village when the Combination was she owned [she] had Eat & drink at the Mett'g at Chand's butt no where Else She s'd Burroughs & Buss ware at the Village Metting & Buss was at the Mett'g at Chand's & bid them Stand to the faith & truth She s'd the Divel propounded 30 Years
to her to Serve him & he had promised her al glory & happines & Joy But as yett performed nothing -- She S'd her familliar was like a Browne puppee & that he also Sucks her breast She also Confess'd She was afrayd her Son Stephen was a witch butt She did not Ceartainly know it but Conffesed his apperance was then before her & that was the young man the afflicted Saw before Her & before She had Conffesed of her Son She could not Shake w'th afflicted but after ward She could.
This is the Substance of Eliz'th Johnsons Sen'rs Conffession & Examination out of my Carrecter
Attest Simon[d] Willard
( Essex Institute Salem, Miscellaneous Collection )
Page 503
Elizabeth Johnson, Jr.
(Examination of Elizabeth Johnson, Jr. )
The Examination of Elizabeth Jonson Jun'r Taken Before Dudley Broads [torn] the 10 August 1692. She confesseth as followeth That Goody Carrier brought a book to her & she set her hand to it -- That Goody Carrier baptized her when she Baptized her Daughter Sarah & that Goody Carr'r told her she Should be Saved if she would be a witch -- That She had bin at Salem Village w'th Goody Carr'r & that She had been at the Mock Sacrement theire & Saw Mr Burroughs their She Conffesed She had afflicted Severall persons that the first She afflicted was lawrence Lacey & that She & Tho Carrier aflected Sarah phelps & Mary Walcutt & Ann Puttman , the 9th Instant & that She afflicted them this day as She Came to Twone and that She hath afflicted a Child of Ephrahm Davis the 9 Instant & this day by pinching it and that she afflicted ann Puttnam w'th a Spear That She and goody Carrier afflicted Benja' Abbott -- That Goody Toothaker & 2 of her Children ware w'th her the last night when She afflicted the children -- She also confsesed that one Dan'll Ems of Boxford was w'th. her one the 8th & 9th Instant at night & he afflicted Sarah Phelps , & told her he had been a witch Ever Since he ran away -- and that she had a hand in Afflicting Timo' Swan --
( Miscellaneous Papers -- Essex Institute, Salem )
(Examination of Elizabeth Johnson, Jr. )
Eliz Jonsons: Jun'r Confession: August: the 11th 1692 before: Jno' Hauthorne Esq'r & others their majests Justices the Majestrates s'd: to her you have alredy confessed: you are a wich how long have you bin soe A: four year: she s'd the devill like a blak man & good wife Carrier perswaded: her to be a witch: & that she was att goodwife
Carriers hous when they perswaded her: and they promised her: she should be safe and should not be found: out: they also promised her: a shilling in money: but she s'd she never had it she s'd she did not presently afflict persons #[but] not till she had bin babtized: by the devill which was about 3 years agoe: in goodwife Carriers well: she s'd she scratcht the devills book with her finger when she signed it she s'd the devill never apeared to her from the time she signed till she was babtized: after she was babtized he appeared like two black Catts: she forgott: what the devils s'd to her when she was babtized by him: but he dipt: her head over in water: she owned she had bin at the witcheses meeting: & that she saw Cap't floyd there: and she said goodwife Carrier: & goodwife toothaker & two of Toothakers Children: one of them was Martha Emorson she s'd she saw Capt floyd in the room: when she was examined & that goodwife Toothaker: and daghter: & goodwife Carrier: were there & intended kill her for they threatned to tere her to peices: being asked how old she was: she s'd 22 years: she s'd there were: about six score att the witch meeting att the Villadge that she saw: she s'd the ocasion of her first signing the devils book was: the devill & good wife Carrier threatned to tere in peices if she did not doe it, she s'd she wrought then att s'd Carriers hous: she s'd they had bread & wine at the witch Sacrement att the Villadge & they filled the wine out into Cups to drink she s'd there was a minister att that meeting & he was a short man & she thought his name was Borroughs: she s'd they agreed that time to afflict folk: & to pull downe the kingdom of Christ & to sett up the devils kingdom: & that the first she afflicted was Benja Abbit or Lawrence Lascy: she s'd she had also afflicted phelpses daughter: she s'd she knew also: that Rich'd Carrier: & mary Lascy had afflicted by witchcraft: but she knew it not till a little before they were taken up she s'd: she had aflicted Lawr Lascy by setting on his stumack: & that goodwife Carier & goodwife Lascy Joined w't[h] her in afflicting Lawr Lascy & that Dan'll Emes: & Sarah Carrier Joined w't[h] her to afflict Sarah phelps also toothakers wife Joynd with her: to afflict s'd phelps. she s'd she afflicted s'd phelps: by poppetts she brought out 3 poppits: made of rags or stripes of clothe too of them: the other was made of a birch Rhine: one poppet: had: four peices or stripes of cloth rapt one upon another which she s'd was to afflict four persons with there was thread in the middle und'r the rags Lawr Lascy & ephraim Davises child were told that: she afflicted
by pinchinghat popet: a second popet had two such peices of rags rolld up together & 3 pins stuck into it: & she afflicted ben Abitt & James fryes two childred & Abra: fosters childred with that poppet & th[e] other. she afflicted An putnam with a spear: & was asked whether the spear was Iron or woud: she s'd either of them would doe: she was asked: where her fammilier Suckt: her: She showd one of her knuckles of her finger & s'd there was one place & it looked red she s'd she had two places more where they suckt her: & women were ordered to search them out & they found two little red specks that s'd Jonson s'd were all that: there was to be seen: they were playn to be seen when they were newly sucked: one of s'd places was behind her arm R'd Carrier & mary lascy Ju'r. s'd they saw goody Carier lascy & toothaker an the poppits
This is the substance of what I took in Characters from her mouth
(In left margin) Attest *Simon Willard
She owned that she did renounce god & Christ: & her former babtisme: when the devill babtized her she s'd that Martha Toothaker goodwife Carrier goodwife lascy Capt floyd & she had Joyned: together: to hurt Jos Ballards wife
I underwrytten being appointed by aut&ibar;'e to tak in wryteing the within examina'o&nbar; Doe testify upon oath taken in court that this is a true coppy of the substance of itt to the best of my knowledge.
5 Jan'ry 1692/3 *Simon Willard
Owned before the Grand Jury
5 January 1692/3 *Robert Payne foreman:
Eliz Johnson was Examined before theire Majes
Justices att Salem --
attests *John Hathorne Just &pbar;'e
(In right margin)
Eliz. Johnson Jun'r.
( Mass. Archives, Vol. 135 No. 34 )
Page 507
Rebecca Johnson
(Examination of Rebecca Johnson )
The Examination of Rebecka Johnson , widow, Taken before Jno Hauthorn Esq'd & other their Majesties Justices.
she denyed what she was acused of, But she acknowledged the turneing of the sieve, in her house by hir daughter, whom she Desyred to no if her brother Moses Haggat was alive or dead. And that if the sieve turned he was dead, and so the sieve did turn, And my Daughter said that Mr Bernards [mind] told her the way The words used were, By Saint Peter & Saint Paul, if Haggat be dead Let this sieve turn round; & so it did.
Elizabeth the wife of George Booth was struck down by the said widow Johnsons lookeing upon her and Martha Sprague s'd she saw the s'd Widow Johnson afflict her. and Rose foster saw the same And further that said Johnsons apparition told them she Intended to spoyle George Booths wifes child.
The s'd widow Johnson upon her examination as was Judged afflicted Sprague & Foster into fitts and by her touch recovered them again. Martha Sprague and Rose foster said they saw the s'd Rebecka Johnson afflict Abigail Martin & Alice Booth Alice Booth saw the same s'd Johnson afflict her sister booth and that she saw her at our house partake of the sacrement.
Rose foster: Alice booth & Martha Sprague said they saw the Devill stand before her and also before her Daughter.
I underwritten being appoynted by authority to take the above examination in writing Doe testify upon oath taken in court That this is a true coppy of the substance of it to the best of my knowledge
7t Jan'ry 1692/3 *Wm. Murray
The above Reb'a. Johnson was Examined before their Majes'es: Justies of peace in salem
atest *John Higginson Just Peace
Owned before the Grand Jury
7 Jan'y 1692
*Robert: Payne Foreman
( Suffolk Court Records Case No. 2707 Page 30 )
(Indictment v. Rebecca Johnson )
Essex in the Province of the Massachusets Bay in New England Anno RRs. Reginae Gulielmi & Mariae Angliae &c Quarto Anno'qe Domini 1692
The Juriors for our Sovereigne Lord & Lady the King & Queen doe present that Rebecka Johnson widow, of Andivor In the County of Essex upon the Seaventh day of September In the yeare aforsaid and Divers other Dayes and times as well before as after Certaine Detestable Arts Called witchcraft and Sorceries Wickedly Malisiously and feloniously hath Used practised and Exercised at and in the Towne of Salem in the County of Essex in upon and against one Alice Booth of Salem aforesaid Singlewoman by which Said wicked Acts the Said Alice Booth the day and yeare abovesaid and Divers other Dayes & Times both before & after was & is tortured afflicted Consumed Pined wasted and Tormented Against the peace of our Sovereigne Lord & Lady the King & Queen their Crowne & Dignity and the Laws in that Case made & Provided.
Witnesses
Martha Sprage alias Tyler
Rose Foster
(Reverse)
Ignoramus
*Robert Payne
foreman
( Suffolk Court Records Case No. 2707 Page 30 )
Page 509
Stephen Johnson
(Examination of Stephen Johnson )
1st Se&pbar;: 92 Before Maj'r: Gidney Mr: Hathorne Mr: Corwin & Jno Higginson Esq'r:
The Examination & Confession of Steph'n: Johnson aged 14 Yeares --
In the time of his Examinat'n he afflicted Martha: Sprauge Mary lacy & Rose fostt'r: by looking on them & Recovered them again by laying his hand Upon there Rist or arme & at last Conffesed thus -- that @ hilling time this Su&mbar; being alone he Saw a Speckled bird not soe big as a pigeon which Spake to him & the Next day he Saw a black Catt & after that Came a black man who told him he must Set his hand to a book & Soe &pbar;rsented him a Single paper to which he Sett his hand being asked after w't maner he did it he Said he prickt his fing'r: & blood Came out & he Stampt his fing'r: Upon the paper & made a red Mark He S'd that he was also to Serve the Black man one Year & his Servis was to afflict prsons & further that the Divel asked him to give up him Self Soul & body to him & Soe he did & thinks also that the Divel was to Have him at the Years End being asked w't he was to have of the Divel for his Service s'd a pair of french fall Shouses w'ch he never yett had He Saith also that he was baptized at Shaw Shim River alittle after he Saw the Divel the first time. The Ma&nbar;er was thus having ben at work at Benja: abbotts he went alone in the Evening to Swim In the Watt'r: & there mett w'th: the black Man who told him he must be his Servant & must be also baptized & Soe the black man took him Up & flung in his Whole body over the bank into the Watt'r: being Ready Stript before to goe in him Self, & [then] then this black man told him he must be his & must Renounce his first baptizime & Soe he did he Saith their was also a couple of Mades & 2 Men he Conffess that Yersterday he afflicted Martha Sprauge & that he did it by Squeezing his hands together he Conffesses also that he and the Rest of his Comp'y:
did Daunce at Moses Tylers House & Made Martha Sprauge Sing he Says he is Sorry for w't he has done Renounces the Divel & all his Works & then Could Take the afflicted by the Hand w'th out hurting of them --
Stephen Johnson Signed & owned the above S'd Examination & Conffesion
The Marke of Stephen Johnson
15 Sept: 92.
Before Me *Jno Higginson Just'e peace
( Essex Institute MSS. Collection )
(Indictment v. Stephen Johnson )
Province of the Massachusets Bay In New England Essex ss An&nbar;&obar; RRs & Reginae Gulielmi & Mariae Angliae &c Quarto -- Ano'qe Do&mbar; 1692
The Jurors for o'r Sov'r lord & lady the King & Queen Present that Stephen Johnson
On or about the first Day of September last in the Yeare aforesaid & divers other days & times as well before as after Certaine detestable Arts Called Witchcrafts & Sorceries Wickedly Mallitiously & felloniously hath Used practised & Exersised, at & In the Towne of Salem In the County of Essex aforesaid Upon & Against Martha Sprague Mary Lacey & Rose foster, By which Wicked Arts the said Martha Sprague Mary Lacey & Rose Foster, The Day & Yeare aforesaid And divers other days and times as well before as after was & is Tortured Afflicted Consumed Wasted Pined & Tormented, Against the peace of o'r Sov'r lord & lady the King & Queen Their Crowne & dignity & the laws in that Case Made & provided --
(Reverse) Steph Johnson bewitching Martha Sprague Mary Lasey and Rose foster Billa vera: Robert Payne foreman
( Mass. Archives, Vol. 135 No. 42 )
(Indictment v. Stephen Johnson )
Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New England Essex ss Anno RRs & Reginae Gulielmi & Mariae Angliae &c Quarto Ano'qe Do&mbar; 1692
The Jurors for o'r Sov'r lord & lady the King & Queen present That Stephen Johnson
Sometime In this Present Yeare 1692 Wickedly Mallitiously & fellonious[ly] with the Devill A Covenant did Make, Wherby he gave himselfe both Soule & Body to the Divel, And Signed the Devills Booke with his Blood And By the Devill was Baptized & Unto the Devill Renounced his Christian Baptizme By Which Wicked & Diabolicall Covenant with the Devill Made The Said Stephen Johnson is become A detestable Witch Contrary to the peace of our Sov'r lord & lady the King & Queen their Crowne & Dignity & the Laws in that Case Made & provided --
(Reverse) Stephen Johnson Covenanting with the Devill
Billa vera Robert Payne foreman.
( Mass. Archives Vol. 135 No. 42 )
(Recognizance for Stephen Johnson , Abigail Johnson and Sarah Carrier )
Know all Men by these presents that Wee Walter Wright Weaver Francis Johnson Husbandman & Thomas Carrier Sen'r Husbandman All of the Town of Andover in the Cownty of Essex in New England, are holden & firmely Bownd Joyntly & Sevirally to theire Majesties King William & Queen Mary of England and Scottland france & Ireland King & Queen Defenders of the faith in the full & Just Sum of five hundrid pownds Sterling for the True And Juste payments of which Said Sum of five hundrid pownds to theire Majesties King William And Queen Mary, Wee do bind Our Selves Our heires Executtors Administrators And Assignes firmely by these presents Dated in
Salem the Sixth day of Octo'r In the Year of Our Lord One thowsand Six hundrid Ninety & Two & in the fourth Year of the Reigne of Our Majesties King William & Queen Mary King & Queen of England Scottland france & Ireland Defenders of the faith --
The Condition of this Obligation is Such that Whereas the Above named Walter Wright weaver & francis Johnson & Thomas Carrier Husbandmen All of the Town of Andover in the Cownty of Essex in New England, having & taken Into there Care & Custody the Bodyes of Stephen Johnson Aged About thirteen Years & Abigail Johnson Aged about Eleven Yeares & Sarah Carrier aged About Eight Yeares who weare all Committed to there Majesties Goale in Salem in the Cownty of Essex in New England for havinge Used practised and Committed Divers Acts of Witchcraft Upon the Bodyes of Syndry persons who Also themselves have all of them Confessed the Same, If that the Aforesaid Walter Wright weaver & Francis Johnson & Thomas Carrier husbandmen Shall well & Truly keep the Aforesaid Stephen Johnson & Abigail Johnson & Sarah Carrier And them Secure Untill they shall Receive Order from George Corwin Sherrif of the Cownty of Essex to deliver the. Aforesaid Stephen Johnson Abigail Johnson & Sarah Carrier Unto William Downton Now Keeper of theire Majes'es Goale in Salem Or to Any Other Whome the Afforesaid George Corwin shall Appoint; that then they shall forthwith deliver the Same Stephen Johnson Abigail Johnson & Sarah Carrier according to his Order And if the above bownd do performe the above mentioned Articles & Shall pay Unto George Corwin the Sherrif aforesaid the forfieture of s'd Bond for theire Maj'ies Use in Case of Default then This Obligation shall be Void & of None Effect Or Otherwise to Stand in full force & Virtue in Wittness hereof we the above bownd have set Our hands & Seles this Sixth of October in the year of Our Lord Onethowsand Six hundrid ninety two In the fourth year of ther Majesties Reigne --
Wittness *Joshua Conant
*Elizur Keysar
*Joseph Phippen Juner
Walter Wright his mark [seal]
*Francis Johnson [seal]
Thomas Carrier his mark [seal]
( Mass. Archives. Vol. 135 No. 58 )