Salem Witch Executed, the Rev. Burroughs
Ann Putnam Sr. Accused Him as Head of All Massachusetts Witches
George Burroughs, Salem Village’s second minister, graduated from Harvard University. Married and widowed three times, he fathered five children. He had at least six ‘fatal flaws.” One of his children wasn’t baptized. He was said to have mistreated his wives. He was known for his physical strength. He left Salem because of a salary dispute. He was non-ordained. When he was angry, he boasted that he had supernatural powers.
Burroughs The Minister
Burroughs was the clergyman in Casco, now Portland, Maine when an AmerIndian attack destroyed the settlement. He escaped to an island in the bay, was rescued and taken to the mainland. He moved to Salem Village and served as its minister for two years. Burroughs left suddenly because of a salary dispute. There was a more bitter personal disagreement regarding money borrowed from the Putnams. He’d been unable to repay it before he left Salem, but, eventually reimbursed them.
He returned to Casco, but had to flee again because of another AmerIndian attack. Burroughs settled in Wells, Maine. In May 1692, some members of the Salem congregation who had financial issues with him accused him of being a witch, citing his extraordinary strength that had to come from diabolical intervention and other offenses. Based on these accusations, the witch hunters traveled to Wells, seized him while he was dining and took him back to the village for trial.
Burrough's Trial
The kangaroo court was held on August 5, 1692. There was voluminous testimony portraying Burroughs, not only as a witch, but also as leader. Other key issues were his treatment of his wives and physical strength. During the proceedings, the behavior of The Afflicted was so disruptive, they were taken the courtroom.
Selected testimony follows.
- Abigail Hobbs revealed Burroughs gave her magical dolls
- Mercy Lewis claimed he carried her to a mountaintop and showed her all the kingdoms of the earth, saying he would give them to her if she would sign his book.
- One of his accusers testified that Burroughs’ spirit said he was more than a witch; he was a conjurer
- Ann Putnam claimed two of his deceased wives, wearing shrouds, visited her and said Burroughs mistreated them
- Burroughs was accused of having carried a full barrel of molasses or cider a great distance. His response: an AmerIndian did the same. His accusers replied that the AmerIndian must have been the Devil.
- Probably the most damaging testimony against Burroughs was made by several confessed witches who identified him as Satan's agent at Salem rites. They testified Burroughs personally organized and presided over meetings. This convinced judges they had located one of the key people in a diabolical conspiracy.
Historical Documentation of Burroughs’ Character
Records exist as testimony to the minister’s good qualities. There is documentation he was generous, civic-minded and worked with zeal and humility. He was intelligent, loyal, ingenuous, sincere, faithful and devoted as a minister. Maine State House Papers indicate he was regarded with looked up to as a friend and counselor.
Probably the most compelling record evidences that, despite danger to themselves, thirty-two of the most respectable citizens of Salem signed a petition on behalf of Burroughs' innocence. Before his execution, one of his accusers recanted her words as false, made out of fear.
Burrough's Execution Day
As he stood on the gallows on August 19th awaiting execution, Burroughs stunned the onlookers by proclaiming his innocence, then reciting the Lord's Prayer flawlessly, impossible for a witch do to.
The spectators, profoundly moved, demanded his pardon. Amid the unease, Boston minister Cotton Mather, astride his horse, reminded them Burroughs was convicted in a court of law. The minister was hanged.
Related articles:
Salem's Witch Hunts and Mass Hysteria
Salem Witch Hunt: Tituba's Confession
Salem Witch Persecutions: Who Was Who
Sources:
The Dark World of Witches, Eric Maple, (Castle Books, 1964)
The Encyclopedia of Witches & Witchcraft, Rosemary Ellen Guiley, (Facts on File, Inc., 1999)
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