Feb 27 2009
The Witch Accusers
Martha Goodwin, age 13, has the dark distinction of kick-starting the witch hysteria of Salem and Salem Village, the year, 1688. Evidently, Goodwin had an argument with Goody Glover (Goody, an identifier/greeting similar to Ma’am, Ms., Mrs., used today) whose profession at the time was that of the neighborhood wash woman.
Salem Village, now known as Danvers, was a farming community of the 1600s. Yet, there were also merchants whose livelihoods were chained to the sea.
Today, depending upon traffic, the ride from Danvers to Salem may take a half hour or more. Reflecting back to the late 1600s travel was by foot or horseback and perhaps small sailing vessels, since the present day Danvers River flows into Beverly Harbor next to Salem Harbor.
Martha’s behaviors were later adopted by her younger brother and sisters. Consequently, Glover is accused, and later hanged for bewitching the Goodwin children.
Interesting to note, witchcraft, per English Law was declared a capital crime in 1641 , and the colonies, in 1864, were forbidden to self-govern .
Four years after this incident there are more accusations, again, by children. Abigail Williams, age 11, and Elizabeth Parris, age 9, daughter of the Rev. Parris.
A large focus in my blogs will be upon the children. Well, this gets us started. More to come!
