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Notes for Susannah North: Old Families of Salisbury and Amesbury Massachusetts vol 1 page 240 (*) She was arrested by a warrant dated April 30, examined May 20, 1692. One charge against her was that she went from A. [Amesbury] to Nb. [?] afoot, in a "dirty season," without getting her clothing wet. She is described as "a short, active woman, wearing a hood and scarf, plump and well developed in her figure, of remarkable personal neatness;" one who "scorned to be drabbled;" "a strong minded woman, as her examination shows." If the testimony of Wm. Brown [p. 75] is conclusive as to date, she was accused of witchcraft as early as 1660. In April, 1669, suit of Geo. Martyn against William Sargent, for slander, in saying said Martyn's wife was a witch, the jury found for the defendant, but the court "concurred not with the jury." Geo. Martyn gave bond that his wife Susanna should appear at the next court to answer to the charge concerning suspicion of witchcraft. In Oct., 1669, she was required to acknowledge in open court that she wronged Christopher Bartlett, in charging him with lying and stealing. [Nk. Co. Rec.] page 266 (+) From papers (55 in all) on Supreme Court Files, Boston, in case of Geo. Martyn and wife Susanna against Nathaniel Winsley, relating to wills of Richard North and wife, it appears that Ann Oldham did not come "to this land" till 1653 or '4, and that she married Bates in July, 1657; hence could not be called Ann Bates in will of 1648. Susanna Martin and Mary Jones were the only living children of Richard North in 1672 and '74. [] FROM: 'KIN OF MELLCENE THURMAN SMITH' page 129 (9) Susanna (North) Martin of Amesbury, Mass., b. ...., d. July 19, 1692, m. 2nd Salisbury, Mass., Aug. 11, 1646. George Martin, b. ...., d. .... Children: See George Martin. Services: Inherited property from her husband. Landowner. "Was a martyr to the superstition of the time. Without counsel she was tried as a witch in Salem, Mass., and, after the anguish of two and a half months in Salem jail, she was executed on that charge. She is described as a strong-minded woman, short, active, with a plump and well-developed figure and of remarkable personal neatness." References: George Martin. Hoyt's Hist. of Amesbury and Salisbury, Vol. 1, pp. 239-240. Merrill's Hist. of Amesbury and Merramack, pp. 125-126, 136. Accepted May, 1936, Norton. [] FROM SAVAGE, VOL 3 GEORGE, Salisbury, blacksmith, by w. Hannah, wh. d. soon, had [[162]] Hannah, b. 1 Feb. 1644; m. 11 Aug. 1646, sec. w. Susanna, d. of Richard North, had Richard, 29 June 1647; George, 21 Oct. 1648; John, 26 Jan. 1651; Esther, 7 Apr. 1653; John, again, 2 Nov. 1656; Abigail, 10 Sept. 1659; William, 11 Dec. 1662, d. very soon; and Samuel, 29 Sept. 1667. Hannah m. 4 Dec. 1661, Ezekiel Worthen; and Esther m. 15 Mar. 1670, John Jameson. Of one Susanna M. (I kn. not whether this w. of George), execut. for witchcr. 1692, the monstrous proceed. is well exhibit. in Essex Inst. II. 135. < 1692 (7/19) NEng/MA Amesbury* 1 Martin, Susannah f executed (Sources: Boyer and Nissenbaum. The Salem Witchcraft papers. 1977) ---http://www.personal.utulsa.edu/~marc-carlson/witchtrial/na.html [] FROM NEW ENGLAND GENEALOGY FRANK SHAW One of the accused was Susannah North Martin. Susannah was born in 1625 in England. She was the widow of George Martin, a blacksmith. At the time of her trial, Susannah was 67 years old and a widow for 6 years. This was the second time she had been formally investigated on charges of being a witch. The first time, the charges had been dropped. This time the charges would be more serious. A complaint was filed against her on April 30, 1692. On May 2 she was arrested. She was tried in June and on June 30 she was sentenced to death. During her trial Susannah was pointed out as a witch by a number of the afflicted girls. Abigail Williams said that it was Goody Martin who "hath hurt me often" and that she "had been afflicted by the apparition of Susannah Martin", Mary Lewis pointed towards her and fell into a little fit. Besides the testimony of these afflicted girls, a number of Susannah Martin's own neighbors testified against her. William Brown, a 70 year old resident of Salisbury, stated that 30 years ago Susannah Martin had put a spell on his wife Elizabeth causing her much mental and physical anguish. Other neighbors that testified against her were John and Mary Preffrey of Salisbury, Joseph Ring of Salisbury, John Kimball of Amesbury, John Alley of Salisbury, Joseph Knight, Elizabeth Clark, Robert Downer of Salisbury, Mary Andras, Moses Pike, Thomas Putnam, Nathaniel Ingersoll, Sam Paris, Elizabeth Hubbard, Mercy Lewis, Sarah Viber, Ann Putnam, and John and Ann Atkinson. Most of them described various pains, aliments and troubles as coming from Susannah. One of them mentioned that when Susannah had walked to her house (a distance of at least a mile) for a visit, her feet were dry and not muddy even though it had rained and the ground was soaked. Susannah Martin did not help her cause with her independence and sharp tongue. She insisted that she was not guilty and at the trial stated that she had "no hand in witchcraft." She also stated that she felt that the afflicted were not bewitched and added that she had no compassion for the afflicted girls. Her attitude and actions probably contributed much towards her final fate. It certainly made the famous and influential, Reverend Cotton Mather upset. He declared that Susannah Martin "was one of the most impudent, scurrilous, wicked creatures in the whole world." On July 19, 1692, Susannah Martin was taken to Gallows Hill. Accompanying her were 4 other condemned 'witches', Sarah Good, Elizabeth Howe, Rebecca Nurse, and Sarah Wilder. While at the gallows awaiting her fate, Susannah was asked by Rev. Noyes to confess. He told her that he knew she was a witch and that she should repent. "She replied that he lied, and that she was no more a witch then he was a wizard, and if he took away her life, God would give him blood to drink." (Tradition has it that Rev. Noyes later died of internal bleeding, some blood observed coming from his mouth. Another source I read attributes this question being asked to Sarah Good rather then Susanna Martin) The sentence was then carried out. Their bodies were later taken down and flung into a nearby ravine, because they could not be buried in consecrated ground. It is unknown as to the eventual fate of Susannah's body but it is likely that family members secretly removed it for burial in an unknown gravesite. TEXT COMPILED BY BONNIE JOHNSON Susanna was baptized in Olney, Buckinghamshire, England September 30, 1621. She was the daughter of Richard and Joan (Bartram) North. While she was still young her mother died. She came to America with her father, stepmother, and at least one sister. She married George Martin, a blacksmith, August 11, 1646 at Salisbury, MA and had eight children. During the first 23 years of her marriage, Susanna's name appears twice in public records. In 1647 or 48 she was fined 20 shillings for an unnamed offense and in 1667 her husband George objected to her seat placement in the meeting house. Perhaps he felt it was below her station. In 1669 Susanna was required to post 100 pounds bond to appear in court on a charge of witchcraft, a capital offense. At the same time George Martin sued William Sargent, Jr. for slander for saying that "...said Martyn's wife had a child at Capt. Wiggins and was wringing its neck in Capt. Wiggins' stable, when a man entered, and she took him by the collar and told him she would be the death of him if he told"; he sued William Sargent "...for saying his wife was a witch and he would call her a witch." George also sued Thomas Sargent "...for saying that his son George Marttin was a bastard and that Richard Marttin was Goodwife Marttin's imp," (a witch's familiar.) Charges were dropped against Thomas Sargent, William Sargent, Jr.. was found guilty of accusing Susanna of " fornication and infanticide" and George was awarded (in what appears to be a public insult) the amount of "a white wampam peague (colonial currency) or the eighth part of a penny damage" by the magistrates. William Sargent (Sr?) was acquitted of witchcraft slander, although, "the Court did not agree." The records of Susanna's first trial for witchcraft have not survived, but as she was around for another 23 years, we might assume that she was acquitted. In October, 1669 George Martin was sued by Christopher Bartlett because Susanna had called him a liar and a thief. The verdict was against George and Susanna but they had other problems to deal with. At that same court session, their son Richard was " presented by the grand jury at the Salisbury Court, 1669, for abusing his father and throwing him down, taking away his clothes and holding up an axe against him." The court found him guilty and sentenced Richard to be "whipped ten stripes." In 1671, George and Susanna (her sister Mary Jones would join them later) became involved in lengthy litigation over Richard North's estate. In October 1674, their inheritance would be lost when the court found against them. Descriptions of Susanna say that she was short, slightly plump, active, and "of remarkable personal neatness." She was also said to be very outspoken, contemptuous of authority, and defiant in the face of slander which had followed her for years. The Rev. Cotton Mather said about Susanna, "This woman was one of the most impudent, scurrilous, wicked creatures of this world; and she did now throughout her whole trial discover herself to be such a one. Yet when she was asked what she had to say for herself, her chief plea was that she had led a most virtuous and holy life." Mr. Merrill, in his History of Amesbury described Susanna differently---------- "The idea of snatching this hardworking, honest woman from her home to be tried for her life by those who never knew her, and witnesses who were prejudiced against her....is almost too much for belief. ...Allowed no counsel, she was her own lawyer, and her answers are remarkable for independence and clearness. She showed herself to be a woman of more than ordinary talent and resolution." On April 30, 1692 a warrant was issued for Susanna's arrest on a charge of witchcraft and she was arrested an May 2nd. "When she saw Orlando Bagley approaching on the morning of her arrest, little did she dream of his errand. He was a personal friend of long standing, and we can but faintly imagine her surprise when..." he read the warrant. During her preliminary examination the at same day, she vigorously answered the charges against her. When the "afflicted girls" began having fits, she laughed out loud. When the magistrates asked why she laughed, she responded, "Well I may at such folly." She refused to express any thoughts on what may have ailed the girls but bluntly stated that she didn't think they were bewitched. Her further testimony show that she realized the seriousness of her situation and she adamantly maintained her innocence. "The mental anguish and suffering of the two and a half months while she lay in Salem jail...is beyond our power of description." Susanna Martin underwent the indignity of a physical examination on June 2 1692. The examinations were intended to discover whether the accused had any physical abnormalities, especially anything that could be used to suckle a familiar or even the devil himself. Susanna was examined twice during the same day; at neither examination was any abnormality discovered, but at the first her breasts appeared to be full and at the second slack. Doubtless the magistrates found this apparent indication that she had actually suckled even more satisfactory than an abnormal "witch's teat." On June 26, 1692 her trial began. Susanna pleaded not guilty, but in the end she was found guilty and condemned to death. On Tuesday, July 19, 1692 Susanna Martin, Sarah Good, Rebecca Nurse, Sarah Wilde, and Elizabeth Howe were taken from their cells, put into a cart and driven up the rocky road to Gallows Hill. While Rebecca Nurse prayed, Rev. Nicholas Noyes exhorted Sarah Good to confess saying, "You are a witch, and you know you are a witch." She replied, calling him a liar and saying that she was no more a witch than he was a wizard and...if you take away my life, God will give you blood to drink." Tradition says that Rev. Noyes died of an internal hemorrhage, bleeding profusely from the mouth. "The bodies...were thrust into a shallow grave in a crevice of felsite." There is historical evidence that the body of at least one of these women, Rebecca Nurse, was secretly removed and given Christian burial; "this was the hour and the power of darkness when a son could not say where he had buried his mother." In 1711, the General Court granted compensation to many of the victims or their heirs, but Susanna's children made no application to the authorities and they received nothing. Susanna was not among those whose attainder was lifted. Let Goody Martin rest in peace, I never knew her harm a fly, And witch or not - God knows - not I? I know who swore her life away; And as God lives, I'd not condemn An Indian dog on word of them. ---John Greenleaf Whittier Susanna Martin Memorial, Amesbury, MA, Photo © Bonnie Johnson, 1998 Plaque reads: "Here stood the house of Susanna Martin. An honest, hardworking, Christian woman. Accused as a witch, tried and executed at Salem, July 19, 1692. A martyr of superstition." Pictures of Susanna's spinning wheel and cradle. Sources: The American Genealogist, April 1993; The English Origin of Richard North and His Daughter, Susanna (North) Martin, Executed for Witchcraft in 1692, by David L. Greene The American Genealogist, October 1982, Salem Witches 111: Susanna Martin, by David. L. Greene The Devil in the Shape of a Woman by Carol F. Karlsen The Salem Witchcraft Trials by Karen Zeinert The Devil Discovered, Salem Witchcraft 1692 by Enders A. Robinson Salem Witchcraft by Charles Upham The History of Amesbury Merrill 1880 Witch's Breed; The Peirce-Nichols Family of Salem by Susan Nichols Pulsifer; Chapman & Grimes, Cambridge, MA---This page generously hosted by Rootsweb THE WARRANT To the Marshall of the County of Essex of his Lawful Deputies or to the Constable of Amesbury: You are in their Majests names hereby required forthwith or as soon as may be to apprehend and bring (before us) Susanna Mertin of Amsbury in ye county of Essex Widdow at ye house of Lt. Nathaniel Ingersalls in Salem village in order to her examination Relating to high suspicion of sundry acts of Witchcraft donne or committed by her upon ye Bodys of Mary Walcot, Abigail Williams, Ann Putnam and Mercy Lewis of Salem village or farmes whereby great hurt and damage hath beene donne to ye bodys of said persons according to complt of Capt. Jonathan walcot & Serg Thomas putnam in behalf of their Majests this day exhibited before us for themselves and also for several of their neighbors and here you are not to fail at your peril. Dated Salem Aprill 30th 1692. John Hathorn Jonathan Corwin Assistants According to this Warrant I have apprehended Susanna Martin Widdow of Amsbury and have brong or caused her to be brought to the place appointed for her examination pr Me. Salem Village this 2d May 1692 Orlando Bagley Const of Amsbury INDICTMENT v. SUSANNA MARTIN Anno Regis et Reginae William et Mariee nunc Anglice etc. Quarto. Essex ss. The Jurors for our Sovereign Lord and Lady the King and Queen presents that Susanna Martin of Amesbury in the County of Essex, widow the Second day of May in the fourth year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord and Lady William and Mary by the Grace of God of England, Scotland, France and Ireland King and Queen Defenders of the faith etc. and divers other Days and Times as well before as after certain detestable arts called witchcrafts and Sorceries wickedly and Feloniously hath used Practiced and Exercised at and within the Township of Salem in the County of Essex, aforesaid in upon and against one Mary Walcott of Salem Village singlewoman, by which said wicked arts the said Mary walcott the second day of May in the fourth year aforesaid and at Divers other Days and times as well before as after was and is Tortured Afflicted Pined wasted and Tormented as also for Sundry other acts of witchcrafts by said Susanna Martin committed and done before and Since that time against the Peace of our Sovereign Lord and Lady William and Mary King and Queen of England their Crown and Dignity and against the Form of the statute in that case made and Provided. Witnesses Sarah Vibber, Sworn Mary Walcott, Sworn Mr. Samuel Parris, Sworn Elizabeth Hubbard Mercy Lewis PRELIMINARY TRIAL May 2nd 1692 [Note - there are actually two transcripts of Susanna's Prelimnary Examination which have survived and are similiar in content. They have been combined here solely for the purpose of easier understanding.] For the crime of witchcraft and sorcery, Susanna Martin pled not guilty. As soon as she came in many had fits. Magistrate: Do you know this woman? Abigial Williams saith it is Goody Martin, she hath hurt me often. Others by fits were hindered from speaking. Eliza Hubbard said she hath not been hurt by her. John Indian said he had not seen her. Mercy Lewis pointed to her and fell into a little fit. Ann Putnam threw her glove in a fit at her. The examinant laughed. Magistrate: What! Do you laugh at it? Martin: Well I may at such folly. Magistrate: Is this folly, the hurt of these persons? Martin: I never hurt man or woman or child. Marcy Lewis cried out, she hath hurt me a great many times and pulls me down. Then Martin laughed again. Mary Walcott saith this woman hath hurt me a great many times. Magistrate: What do you say to this? Martin: I have no hand in witchcraft. Magistrate: What did you do? Did not you give your consent? Martin: No, never in my life. Magistrate: Pray, what ails these people? Martin: I don't know. Magistrate: But what do you think ails them? Martin: I do not desire to spend my judgment upon it. Magistrate: Do not you think they are bewitched? Martin: No, I do not think they are. Magistrate: Tell us your thought about them then. Martin: No. My thoughts are my own when they are in, but thwen they are out they are another's. Their master. Magistrate: You said their master. Who do you think is their master? Martin: If they be dealing in the black art, you may know as well as I. Magistrate: Well, what have you done towards this? Martin: Nothing at all. Magistrate: Why, 'tis you or your appearance. Martin: Well, I cannot help it. Magistrate: Is it not your master? Martin: I desire to lead myself according to the word of God. Magistrate: Is this according to God's word? Martin: If I were such a person I would tell you the truth. Magistrate: How comes your appearance just now to hurt these? Martin: How do I know? Magistrate: Are not you willing to tell the truth? Martin: I cannot tell. He that appeared in the shape of Sam[uel] shape a glorified saint may appear in anyone's shape. Magistrate: Do you believe these do not say true? Martin: They may lie for aught I know. Magistrate: May not you lie? Martin: I dare not tell a lie if it would save my life. Magistrate: Then you will speak the Truth. Martin: I have spoke nothing else. I would do them any good. Magistrate: I do not think you have such affections for them whom just now you insinuated had the devil for their Master. Eliz Hubbard was afflicted and then the Marshall who was by her said she (Martin) pinched her hard. Several of the afflicted cried out they saw her upon the beam. Magistrate: Pray God discover you, if you be guilty. Martin: Amen, Amen. A false tongue will never make a guilty person. < P> You have been a long time coming to the Court today; you can come fast enough in the night, said Mercy Lewis. Martin: No, sweetheart. Then Mercy Lewis and all many of the rest were afflicted. John Indian fell into a violet fit and said it was that woman, she bites, she bites, and then she was biting her lips. Magistrate: Have you not compassion for these afflicted? Martin: No, I have none. Some cried out there was the black man with her and Goody Vibber who had not accused her before confirmed it. Abigail Williams upon trial could not come near her. Nor Goody Vibber, nor Mary Walcott. John Indian cried he would kill her if he came near Hear but he was flung down in his approach to her. Magistrate: What is the reason these cannot come near you? Martin: I cannot tell. It may be the Devil bears me more malice than another. Magistrate: Do not you see how God evidently discovers you? Martin: No. Not a bit for that. Magistrate: All the congregation think so. Martin: Let them think what they will. Magistrate: What is the reason these cannot come near you? Martin: I do not know, but they can if they will, or else if you please I will come to them. Magistrate: What is the black man whispering to you? Martin: There was none whispered to me. DEPOSITIONS: JOHN PRESSEY v. SUSANNA MARTIN The testimony of John Pressey of Amesbury aged 53 years or thereabouts taken before me at my house at Salisbury the eleventh day of May: Ano: Dom. 1692 is as followeth. That about twenty four years ago, he this deponent was at Amesbury Ferry upon a Saturday in the evening near about the shutting in of the daylight (which was about three miles From his house) and as he was going home a little beyond the field of George Martin at a hill called Goodal's hill this deponent was bewildered and lost his way and having wandered a while he came back again to the same place which he knew by stooping trees in that place, which perceiving he set out again and steered by the moon which shone bright, and was again lost and came back again to the same place. And then set out the 3rd time in like manner and was bewildered and came back but not so far as before but knew where he was and so set himself in his way as before and in Less than half a mile going he saw a light stand on his left hand about two rod out of the way; it seemed to be about the bigness of a half bushel, but this deponent kept on his way and left it and in a matter of seven or eight rod going it appeared again at the like distance from him as before and so it did again the 3d time, but the deponent passed on his way and in less than twenty rod going the same or such another light lay in his way and he having a stick in his hand did with the end of it endeavored to stir it out of the place and to give it some small blows with it and the light seemed to brush up and move from side to side as a turkey cock when he spreads his tail, but went not out of the place, which perceiving this deponent laid it on with his stick with all his might he thinks he gave her at least forty blows, and so was a going away and leave it but as he was going his heels were struck up and he laid on his back on the ground and was sliding into a deep place (as to him seemed) but taking hold of some brush or brushes and so recovered himself and having lost his coat which he had upon his arm went back to the light, saw his coat and took it up and went home without any more disturbance there. He farther say he do not know any such pit to be in the place that he was sliding into. He also saith that when he did strike at the light he did certainly feel a substance with his stick. He further saith that after striking it and his recovering himself and going on his way as aforesaid, when he had gone about 5 or 6 rod he saw Susanna Martin then wife of George Martin of Amesbury standing on his left hand as the lights had done. There she stood and looked upon him and turned her face after him as he went along, but said nothing nor did nothing to this Deponent, but that he went home as aforesaid. Only he again over went his own house but knowing the ground that he was upon returned and found his own house, but being then seized with fear could not speak till his wife spoke to him at the door and was in such condition that his family was afraid of him, which story being carried to the Town the next day it was upon inquiry understood, that the said Goodwife Martin was in such a miserable case and in such pain that they swabbed her body (as was reported). This deponent further saith that these things being noised abroad, Major Pike sent for this deponent and had an account of the case, but seemed to be troubled that this deponent had not told him of it in season that she might have been viewed to have seen what her ail was. John Pressey aforesaid made oath to the truth of what is written in these two sides of the paper the eleventh day of May Anno Dom 1692. Before Me Robt. Pike Assist. Jurat in Curia JOHN PRESSEY & MARY PRESSEY v. SUSANNA MARTIN The deposition of John Pressey aged 53 and Mary his wife aged 46 or thereabouts testifying saith that some years after that the said John Pressey had given his evidence against the said Susanna Martin she, the said Martin, came and took these deponents to do about it and reviled them with many foul words saying we had took a false oath and that we should never prosper and that we should never prosper for our so doing particularly that we should never have but two cows and that if we were never so likely to have more yet we should never obtain it. We do further testify that from that time to this day we have never exceeded that number, but something or other has prevented it, tho never so likely (to obtain it) though they had used all ordinary means for obtaining it by hiring cows of others that were not their own, this for twenty years' space. John Pressey made oath to the truth of all that is above written at my house in Salisbury the eleventh day of May Ano Domino 1692 Before Me Robt. Pike Assist. Mary Pressey testifieth to all the above Except Susanna her threatening of the not raising above two cows. Jurat in Curia by both BERNARD PEACH v. SUSANNA MARTIN The deposition of Bernard Peach aged 43 or thereabouts, who testifying saith, That about six or seven years past this deponent living at the house of Jacob Morell in Salisbury being in bed on a Lord's Day night he heard a scrabbling at the window, he this deponent saw Susanna Martin wife of George Martin of Amesbury come in at the window and jumped down upon the floor. She was in her hood and scarf and the same dress that she was in before at meeting the same day. Being come in she was coming up towards this deponent's face, but turned back to his feet and took hold of them and drew up his body into a hoop and lay upon him about an hour and half or 2 hours in all which time this deponent could not stir nor speak, but feeling himself beginning to be loosened or lightened he beginning to strive he put out his hand among the clothes and took hold of her hand and brought it up to his mouth and bit three of the fingers (as he judge) to the breaking of the bones. Which done the said Martin went out of the chamber down the stairs and out of the door. And as soon as she went away this deponent called to the people of the house and told them what was done and that said Martin was now gone out of the door this deponent did also follow her but the people did not see her (as they said) but without the door there was a bucket of ___ on the left hand side and there was a drop of blood on the handle too, more upon the snow for there was a little flight of snow and there were the print of her two feet about a foot without the threshold, but no more footing did appear. He further deposeth that some time after this as he supposeth about 3 weeks after, the said Martin desired this deponent to come and husk corn at her house the next Lord's Day night, say that if I did not come it were better that I did, but this deponent did not go being then living with N___ Osgood of the said Salisbury and that night lodged in the barn upon the hay and about an hour or 2 in the night, the said Susanna Martin and another came towards this deponent. He having a quarter staff made a blow at them but the roof of the barn prevented it and they went away, but this deponent followed them and as they were going toward the window made another blow at them and struck them both down but away they went out at the shop window and this deponent saw no more of them. And the rumor went that the said Martin had a broken hand at that time but the deponent cannot speak to that upon his own knowledge. Sworn May the eleventh 1692 Before Me Robt. Pike Assist. >>>>>CONTINUED IN MARRIAGE NOTES FOR SUSANNAH NORTH AND GEORGE MARTIN>>>>> |
| i. | Susannah More Notes One North, died Unknown; married Susannah More Notes Two North; died Unknown. |
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Notes for Susannah More Notes One North: >>>>>CONTINUED FROM NOTES OF SUSANNAH NORTH>>>>> 'THE WITCH'S DAUGHTER' by John Greenleaf Whittier The following poem was written by John Greenleaf Whittier. It is about the daughter of the "witch" Susanna Martin who was hung as a witch in 1692 in Salem. Whittier is related to Susanna Martin. The substance of the poem which follows was published under the name of "The Witch's Daughter," in The National Era in 1857. In 1875 my publishers desired to issue it with illustrations, and I then enlarged it and otherwise altered it to its present form. The principal addition was in the verses which constitute Part I. ---John Greenleaf Whittier "The Witches Daughter" I call the old time back: I bring my lay In tender memory of the summer day When, where our native river lapsed away, We dreamed it over, while the thrushes made Songs of their own, and the great pine-trees laid On warm noonlights the masses of their shade. And she was with us, living o'er again Her life in ours, despite of years and pain, - The Autumn's brightness after latter rain. Beautiful in her holy peace as one Who stands, at evening, when the work is done, Glorified in the setting of the sun ! Her memory makes our common landscape seem Fairer than any of which painters dream; Lights the brown hills and sings in every stream; For she whose speech was always truth's pure gold Heard, not unpleased, its simple legends told, And loved with us the beautiful and old. I. THE RIVER VALLEY Across the level tableland, A grassy, rarely trodden way, With thinnest skirt of birchen spray And stunted growth of cedar, leads To where you see the dull plain fall Sheer off, steep-slanted, ploughed by all The seasons' rainfalls. On its brink The over-leaning harebells swing, With roots half bare the pine-trees cling; And, through the shadow looking west, You see the wavering river flow Along a vale, that far below Holds to the sun, the sheltering hills And glimmering water-line between, Broad fields of corn and meadows green, And fruit-bent orchards grouped around The low brown roofs and painted eaves, And chimney-tops half hid in leaves. No warmer valley hides behind Yon wind-scourged sand-dunes, cold and bleak; No fairer river comes to seek The wave-sung welcome of the sea, Or mark the northmost border line Of sun-loved growths of nut and vine. Here, ground-fast in their native fields, Untempted by the city's gain, The quiet farmer folk remain Who bear the pleasant name of Friends, And keep their fathers' gentle ways And simple speech of Bible days; In whose neat homesteads woman holds With modest ease her equal place, And wears upon her tranquil face The look of one who, merging not Her self-hood in another's will, Is love's and duty's handmaid still. Pass with me down the path that winds Through birches to the open land, Where, close upon the river strand You mark a cellar, vine o'errun, Above whose wall of loosened stones The sumach lifts its reddening cones, And the black nightshade's berries shine, And broad, unsightly burdocks fold The houshold ruin, century-old. Here, in the dim colonial time Of sterner lives and gloomier faith, A woman lived, tradition saith, Who wrought her neighbors foul annoy, And witched and plagued the county side, Till at the hangman's hand she died. Sit with me while the westering day Falls slantwise down the quiet vale, And, haply ere yon loitering sail, That rounds the upper headland, falls Below Deer Island's pines, or sees Behind it Hawkswood's belt of trees Rise black against the sinking sun, My idyl of its days of old, The valley's legend, shall be told. II. THE HUSKING It was the pleasant harvest-time, When cellar-bins are closely stowed, And garrets bend beneath their load, And the old swallow-haunted barns, - Brown-gabled, long, and full of seams Through which the moted sunlight streams, And winds blow freshly in, to shake The red plumes of the roosted cocks, And the loose hay-mow's scented locks, - Are filled with summer's ripened stores, Its odorous grass and barley sheaves, From their low scaffolds to their eaves. On Esek Harden's oaken floor, With many an autumn threshing worn, Lay the heaped ears of unhusked corn. And thither came young men and maids, Beneath a moon that, large and low, Lit that sweet eve of long ago. They took their places ; some by chance, And others by a merry voice Or sweet smile guided to their choice. How pleasantly the rising moon Between the shadow of the mows, Looked on them through the great elm-boughs! On sturdy boyhood, sun-embrowned, On girlhood with its solid curves Of healthful strength and painless nerves! And jests went round, and laughs that made The house-dog answer with his howl, And kept astir the barn-yard fowl; And quaint old songs their fathers sung In Derby dales and Yorkshire moors, Ere Norman William trod their shores; And tales, whose merry license shook The fat sides of the Saxon thane, Forgetful of the hovering Dane, - Rude plays to Celt and Cimbri known, The charms and riddles that beguiled On Oxus' banks the young world's child, - That primal picture-speech wherein Have youth and maid the story told, So new in each, so dateless old, Recalling pastoral Ruth in her Who waited, blushing and demure, The red-ear's kiss of forfeiture. III. THE WITCH'S DAUGHTER But still the sweetest voice was mute That river-valley ever heard From lips of maid or throat of bird; For Mabel Martin sat apart, And let the hay-mow's shadow fall Upon the loveliest face of all. She sat apart, as one forbid, Who knew that none would condescend To own the Witch-wife's child a friend. The seasons scarce had gone their round, Since curious thousands thronged to see Her mother at the gallows-tree; And mocked the prison-palsied limbs That faltered on the fatal stairs, And wan lip trembling with its prayers! Few questioned of the sorrowing child, Or, when they saw the mother die, Dreamed of the daughter's agony. They went up to their homes that day, As men and Christians justified : God willed it, and the wretch had died! Dear God and Father of us all, Forgive our faith in cruel lies, - Forgive the blindness that denies! Forgive thy creature when he takes, For the all-perfect love Thou art, Some grim creation of his heart. Cast down our idols, overturn Our bloody altars ; let us see Thyself in Thy humanity! Young Mabel from her mother's grave Crept to her desolate hearth-stone, And wrestled with her fate alone; With love, and anger, and despair, The phantoms of disordered sense, The awful doubts of Providence! Oh, dreary broke the winter days, And dreary fell the winter nights When, one by one, the neighboring lights Went out, and human sounds grew still, And all the phantom-peopled dark Closed round her hearth-fire's dying spark And summer days were sad and long, And sad the uncompanioned eves, And sadder sunset-tinted leaves, And Indian Summer's airs of balm; She scarcely felt the soft caress, The beauty died of loneliness! The school-boys jeered her as they passed, And, when she sought the house of prayer, Her mother's curse pursued her there. And still o'er many a neighboring door She saw the horseshoe's curved charm, To guard against her mother's harm: That mother, poor and sick and lame, Who daily, by the old arm-chair, Folded her withered hands in prayer; - Who turned, in Salem's dreary jail, Her worn old Bible o'er and o'er, When her dim eyes could read no more! Sore tried and pained, the poor girl kept Her faith, and trusted that her way, So dark, would somewhere meet the day. And still her weary wheel went round Day after day, with no relief: Small leisure have the poor for grief. IV. THE CHAMPION So in the shadow Mabel sits; Untouched by mirth she sees and hears, Her smile is sadder than her tears. But cruel eyes have found her out, And cruel lips repeat her name, And taunt her with her mother's shame. She answered not with railing words, But drew her apron o'er her face, And, sobbing, glided from the place. And only pausing at the door, Her sad eyes met the troubled gaze Of one who, in her better days, Had been her warm and steady friend, Ere yet her mother's doom had made Even Esek Harden half afraid. He felt that mute appeal of tears, And, starting, with an angry frown, Hushed all the wicked murmurs down. "Good neighbors mine," he sternly said, "This passes harmless mirth or jest; I brook no insult to my guest. "She is indeed her mother's child, But God's sweet pity ministers Unto no whiter soul than hers. "Let Goody Martin rest in peace; I never knew her harm a fly, And witch or not, God knows - not I. "I know who swore her life away; And as God lives, I'd not condemn An Indian dog on word of them." The broadest lands in all the town, The skill to guide, the power to awe, Were Harden's ; and his word was law. None dared withstand him to his face, But one sly maiden spake aside: "The little witch is evil-eyed! "Her mother only killed a cow, Or witched a churn or dairy-pan ; But she, forsooth, must charm a man!" V. IN THE SHADOW Poor Mabel, homeward turning, passed The namelass terrors of the wood, And saw, as if a ghost pursued, Her shadow gliding in the moon; The soft breath of the west-wind gave A chill as from her mother's grave. How dreary seemed the silent house! Wide in the moonbeams' ghastly glare Its windows had a dead man's stare! And, like a gaunt and spectral hand, The tremulous shadow of a birch Reached out and touched the door's low porch, As is to lift its latch ; hard by, A sudden warning call she heard, The night-cry of a boding bird. She leaned against the door ; her face, So fair, so young, so full of pain, White in the moonlight's silver rain. The river, on its pebbled rim, Made music such as childhood knew; The door-yard tree was whispered through By voices such as childhood's ear Had heard in moonlights long ago; And through the willow-boughs below She saw the rippled waters shine; Beyond, in waves of shade and light, The hills rolled off into the night. She saw and heard, but over all A sense of some transforming spell, The shadow of her sick heart fell. And still across the wooded space The harvest lights of Harden shone, And song and jest and laugh went on. And he, so gentle, true, and strong, Of men the bravest and the best, Had he, too, scorned her with the rest? She strove to drown her sense of wrong, And, in her old and simple way, To teach her bitter heart to pray. Poor child ! the prayer, begun in faith, Grew to a low, despairing cry Of utter misery : "Let me die! "Oh ! take me from the scornful eyes, And hide me where the cruel speech And mocking finger may not reach! "I dare not breathe my mother's name: A daughter's right I dare not crave To weep above her unblest grave! "Let me not live until my heart, With few to pity, and with none To love me, hardens into stone. "O God ! have mercy on Thy child, Whose faith in Thee grows weak and small, And take me ere I lose it all!" A shadow on the moonlight fell, And murmuring wind and wave became A voice whose burden was her name. VI. THE BETROTHAL Had then God heard her ? Had He sent His angel down ? In flesh and blood, Before her Esek Harden stood ! He laid his hand upon her arm: "Dear Mabel, this no more shall be: Who scoffs at you must scoff at me. "You know rough Esek Harden well; And if he seems no suitor gay, And if his hair is touched with gray, "The maiden grown shall never find His heart less warm than when she smiled, Upon his knees a little child!" Her tears of grief were tears of joy, As, folded in his strong embrace, She looked in Esek Harden's face. "O truest friend of all !" she said, "God bless you for your kindly thought, And make me worthy of my lot!" He led her forth, and, blent in one, Beside their happy pathway ran The shadows of the maid and man. He led her through his dewy fields, To where the swinging lanterns glowed, And through the doors the huskers showed. "Good friends and neighbors!" Esek said "I'm weary of this lonely life; In Mabel see my chosen wife! "She greets you kindly, one and all; The past is past, and all offence Falls harmless from her innocence. "Henceforth she stands no more alone; You know what Esek Harden is; - He brooks no wrong to him or his. "Now let the merriest tales be told, And let the sweetest songs be sung That ever made the old heart young! "For now the lost has found a home; And a lone hearth shall brighter burn, As all the household joys return!" Oh, pleasantly the harvest-moon, Between the shadow of the mows, Looked on them through the great elmboughs! On Mabel's curls of golden hair, On Esek's shaggy strength it fell; And the wind whispered, "It is well!" [] 18 JULY 2001 National Public Radio Broadcast regarding State of Massachusetts House Bill #2752 pending with the State Judiciary Committee Petition to officially clear the cases of 5 convicted and executed witches in 1692: Susannah Martin, Ann Pudeator, Bridget Bishop, Alice Parker, Margaret Scott, and Wilmott Reed. All of the other executed witches were officially exonerated years ago but for some reason, these persons were not. State Rep. J. Michael Ruane, of Salem, has authored the bill. This news broadcast mentioned Susannah Martin prominently, describing her as a plump widow who always spoke her mind. Her frank personality offended many of the local Puritans and made several enemies over the years. The broadcast included an interview with a descendant who is supporting the bill. The program also mentioned that 19 July 2001 is the 309th anniversary of Susannah's execution. Their program description: "This week marks the 309th anniversary of the hanging of five women in Salem, MA, who were branded as witches. Some of the 19 people executed as witches in the Massachusetts Bay Colony were never officially exonerated. Their descendants hop this is the year. NPR's Tovia Smith reports. (6:30)" Susanah was a 7th great grandmother of Margaret May Harvey.---RCM [] Database: Salem Witches Combined Matches: 2 Martin, Susannah Year: 1669 Town: Amesbury Colony: Massachusetts Outcome: Possible trial, possibly acquitted Notes: Martin, Susannah Year: 1692 Town: Amesbury Colony: Massachusetts Outcome: Convicted and executed Notes: [] Esther Martin Birth: 7 April 1653-- , Salisbury, MA Death: 1696 -- Amesbury, Essex, MA Spouse: John Jameson Parents: George Martin, Susanah North Esther Martyn Birth: 7 April 1653-- Essex, Salisbury, MA Death: Spouse: John Jameson Parents: George Martin Marten, Susannah North Esther Martin Birth: 1653-- Essex, Amesbury, MA Death: Spouse: John Jameson Parents: George Martin, Susanna North [] "JEOPARDY" Television Gameshow episode appearing 19 February 2002 Susanah North Martin was featured on the television gameshow "Jeopardy" as a question in a category relating to the Salem witch trials. The reference reported that Susanah was accused in court of having the ability of casting a spell on a victim with her "evil eye." [] >>>>>CONTINUED AT SUSANNAH MORE NOTES TWO NORTH>>>>> |
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Notes for Susannah More Notes Two North: >>>>>CONTINUED FROM NOTES FOR SUSANNA MORE NOTES ONE NORTH>>>>> FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT KANSAS CITY SCHOOL OF LAW WEBSITE http://www.law.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/salem/ASAL_DE.HTM DEATH WARRANT FOR SUSANNA MARTIN To Goerge: Corwine Gent'n High Sheriff of the county of Essex Whereas Sarah Good Wife of William Good of Salem Village Rebecka Nurse wife of Francis Nurse of Salem Village Susanna Martin of Amesbury Widow Elizabeth How wife of James How of Ipswich Sarah Wild wife of John Wild of Topsfield all of the County of Essex in thier Maj'ts Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New England Att A Court of Oyer & Terminer held by Adjournment for Our Severaign Lord & Lady Kind Wiliam & Queen Mary for the said County of Essex at Salem in the s'd County onf the 29th day of June [torn] were Severaly arrigned on Several Indictments for the horrible Crime of Witchcraft by them practised & Committed On Severall persons and pleading not guilty did for thier Tryall put themselves on God & Thier Countrey whereupon they were Each of them found & brought in Guilty by the Jury that passed On them according to their respective Indictments and Sentence of death did then pass upon them as the Law directs Execution whereof yet remains to be done: Those are Therefore in thier Maj'ties name William & Mary now King & Queen over England &ca: to will & Command you that upon Tuesday next being the 19th day for [torn] Instant July between the houres of Eight & [torn] in [torn] forenoon the same day you Safely conduct the s'd Sarah Good Rebecka Nurse Susann Martin Elizabeth Howe & Sarah Wild From thier Maj'ties goal in Salem afores'd to the place of Execution & there Cause them & Every of them to be hanged by the Neck untill they be dead and of the doings herein make return to the Clerke of the said Court & this precept and hereof you are not to fail at your perill and this Shall be your sufficient Warrant given under my hand & seale at Boston th 12't day of July in the fourth year of Reign of our Soveraigne Lord & Layd Wm & Mary King and Queen &ca: *Wm Stoughton Annoq Dom. 1692 (Reverse) Salem July 19th 1692 I caused the within mentioned persons to be Executed according to the Tenour of the with[in] warrant *George Corwin Sherif [] FROM THE SALEM WITCHCRAFT PAPERS Electronic Text Center, University of Virginia Library http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/etcbin/toccer-salem?id=BoySal2&data=/texts/english/salem&tag=public&part=36&division=div1 The Salem witchcraft papers : verbatim transcripts of the legal documents of the Salem witchcraft outbreak of 1692 / compiled and transcribed in 1938 by the Works Progress Administration, under the supervision of Archie N. Frost ; edited and with an introduction and index by Paul Boyer and Stephen Nissenbaum---Electronic Text Center, University of Virginia Library---| The entire work (685 KB) | Susannah Martin Executed July 19, 1692 (See also: George Burroughs -- Complaint; Bridget Bishop -- Physical Examination; Sarah Good -- Death Warrant.) (Warrant for Arrest of Susannah Martin) To: To The Marshall of the County of Essex or his Lawfull deputie or to the Constable of Amesburry. You are in their Majests names hereby required forthwith or as soon as may be to apprehend and bring (before us) Susanna Martin of Amesbury in the County of Essex Widdow at the house of Lt Nathaniell Ingersalls in Salem Village, in order to her Examination Relateing to high Suspition of Sundry acts of Witchcraft donne or Committed by her upon the Bodys of Mary Walcot Abigail Williams Ann putnam and Marcy Lewis of Salem Village or farmes Where by great hurt and dammage hath benne donne to the bodys of Said persons according to Compl't of Capt Jonathan Walcot & Serg't Thomas putnam in behalfe of their Majests this day Exhibited before us for themselfes and also for Severall of theire Neighbours and here of You are not to faile at your perills. Dated Salem Aprile 30th 1692 *John. Hathorne [unclear: ] Assists *Jonathan Corwin (Reverse) according this warrant I have apprehended susanna Martin widdow of Amsbery and have brought or caused hir to be brought to the place appointed for his examination [fig=BS20549a][/fig] me *Orlando Bagly: Constable of Amsbery - 550- salem village this 2:th may 1692 (Reverse) Susanna Martin Warrant ( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 1 Page 57 ) (Mittimus for Susannah Martin, Lydia Dustin, Dorcas Hoar, and Sarah Morey) To: To. the Keeper of theire Majests Goale in Boston You are in theire Majests names hereby required to take into, your care and safe Custody the Bodys of Susanah Martin of Amesbury Widdow, Lydia Dastin of Reding Wi[ddow], Dorcas Hoare of Beverly widdow and Sarah Murrill also of Beverly who all stand Charged with high Suspition of Sundry acts of Witchcraft donne or Committed by them upon the Bodys of Mary Walcot Marcy Lewis Abigail Williams Ann putnam Elizabeth Hubbert and Susannah Sheldon and Goody Viber of Salem Village or farmes whereby great hurt and dammage hath beene donne to the bodys [of] said persons according to Complaint of Capt Jonathan Walcot and Serj't Thomas putnam of Salem Village Yeoman Exhibited Salem April the 30th. 1692: Whome you are to secure in order to theire further Examination or Tryall and hereof you are not to faile Dated Salem Village May 2d. 1692 *John Hathorne [unclear: ] Assists *Jonathan. Corwin ( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 1 Page 62 ) (Examination of Susannah Martin) The Examination of Susan: Martin. 2. May 1692 As soon as she came in Many had fits. Do you know this Woman Abig: Williams saith it is Goody Martin she hath hurt me often. Others by fits were hindered from speaking. Eliz: Hubbard said she hath not been hurt by her. John Indian said he hath not seen her - 551- Mercy Lewes pointed to her & fell into a little fit. Ann Putman threw her Glove in a fit at her The examinant laught. What do you laugh at it? Well I may at such folly. Is this folly? The hurt of these persons. I never hurt man woman or child. Mercy Lewes cryed out she hath hurt me a great many times, & pulls me down Then Martin laught againe Mary Walcot saith this woman hath hurt me a great many times. Sus: Sheldon also accused her of afflicting her. What do you say to this? I have no hand in Witchcraft. What did you do? Did not you give your consent? No, never in my life. What ails this people? I do not know. But w't do you think? I do not desire to spend my judgm't upon it. Do not you think they are Bewitcht? No. I do not think they are Tell me your thoughts about them. Why my thoughts are my own, when they are in, but when they are out they are anothers. You said their Master -- who do you think is their Master? If they be dealing in the black art, you may know as well as I. Well what have you done towards this? Nothing. Why it is you, or your appearance. I cannot help it. That may be your Master. I desire to lead my self according to the word of God. Is this according to Gods word? If I were such. a person I would tell you the truth. How comes your appearance just now to hurt these. How do I know? Are not you willing to tell the Truth? I cannot tell: He that appeared in sams shape a glorifyed saint can appear in any ones shape. Do you beleive these do not say true? They may lye for ought I know - 552- May not you lye? I dare not tell a lye if it would save my life. Then you will speak the Truth. I have spake nothing else, I would do them any good. I do not think you have such affections for them, whom just now you insinuated had the Devill for their Master. Eliz: Hubbard was afflicted & then the Marshal w'o was by her said she pincht her hand. Severall of the afflicted cryed out they [saw] her upon the beam. Pray God discover you, if you be guilty. Amen Amen A false tongue will never make a guilty person. You have been a long time coming to the Court to day, you can come fast enough in the night.said Mercy Lewes. No, sweet heart, said the examinat, And then Mercy Lewes, & all, or many of the rest, were afflicted John Indian fell into a violent fit, & said it was that woman, she bites, she bites, and then she was biting her lips Have you not compassion for these afflicted? No, I have none Some cryed out there was the black man with her, & Goody Bibber who had not accused her before confirmed it: Abig: William upon trial could not come near her -- Nor Goody Bibber. Nor Mary Walcot. John Indian cryed he would Kill her if he came near her, but he was flung down in his approach to her What is the reason these cannot come near you? I cannot tell. It may be the Devil bears me more malice than an other Do not you see how God evidently discovers you? No, not a bit for that. All the congregation think so. Let them think w't. they will. What is the reason these cannot come near you? I do not know but they can if they will, or else if you please, I will come to them. What is the black man whispering to you? There was none whispered to me (Reverse) The Examination of Susannah Martin ( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 1 Page 59 ) - 553- (Examination of Susannah Martin -- Second Version) The Examination of Susannah Martin. 2. May. 1692 As soon as she came into the meeting-house many fell into fits Hath this Woman hurt you? Abig: Williams said it is Goody Martin, she hath hurt me often Others by fits were hindered from speaking. Eliz: Hubbard said she had not hurt her. John Indian said he never saw her Mercy Lewes pointed at her & fell into a fit. Ann Putman threw her Glove in a fit at her What do you laught at it? Well I may at such folly. Is this folly, to see these so hurt? I never hurt man, woman or child. Mercy Lewes cryed out, she hath hurt me a great many times & plucks me down. Then Martin laught againe Mary Walcot said this woman hath hurt her a great many times Susannah Sheldon also accused her of hurting her What do you say to this? I have no hand in Witchcraft. What did you do? Did you consent these should be hurt? No never in my life. What ails these people? I do not know. But what do you think ails them? I do not desire to spend my judgment upon it Do you think they are Bewitcht? No I do not think they are. Well tell us your thoughts about them? My thoughts are mine own when they are in, but when they are out they are an others You said their Master -- Who do you think is their Master? If they be dealing in the black art, you may know as well as I. What have you done towards the hurt of these? I have done nothing Why it is you, or your appearance I cannot help it That may be your Master that hurt them I desire to lead my life according to the word of God - 554- Is this according to the word of God? If I were such a person I would tell you the Truth How comes your appearance just now to hurt these? How do I know? Are you not willing to tell the Truth? I cannot tell: He that appeared in sams::shape can appear in any ones shape. Do you beleive these afflicted persons do not say true? they may lye for ought I know. May not you lye? I dare not tell a lye if it would save my life Then you will not speak the truth will you? I have spoken nothing else. I would do them any good. I do not think that you have such affections for these whom just now you insinuated had the Devil for their Master The marshall said she pincht her hands & Eliz: Hubbard was immediately afflicted. Severall of the afflicted cryed out they saw her upon the Beam. Pray God discover you if you be guilty. Amen, Amen. A false tongue will never make a guilty person. You have been a long time coming to day said Mercy Lewes, you can come fast enough in the night No sweet heart -- And then said Mercy, & all the afflicted beside almost were afflicted John Indian fell into a fit, & cryed it was that woman, she bites, she bites. And then said Martin was biting her lips. Have not you compassion on these afflicted -- No I have none They cryed out there was the black man along with her, & Goody Bibber confirmed it Abig: Williams went towards her, but could not come near her. nor Goody Bibber tho she had not accused her before: also Mary Walcot could not come near her. John Indian said he would kill her, if he came near her, but he fell down before he could touch her What is the reason these cannot come near you? I cannot tell it may be the Devil bears me more malice than an other. Do you not see God evidently discovering you? No, not a bit for that. All the congregation besides think so. - 555- Let them think what they will. What is the reason these cannot come to you? I do not know but they can if they will or else if you please I will come to them. What was that the black man whisperd to you? There was none whispered to me. ( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 1 Page 59 ) (Indictment v. Susannah Martin, No. 1) Anno Regis et Reginae Willm et Mariae . nunc Angliae &c Quarto Essex ss. The Jurors for our Sovereigne Lord & Lady the King and Queen prsents That Susanna Martin of Amsbury in the County of Essex widdow the Second Day of may in the forth 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: Defenders of the faith &. divers other Dayes and Times as well before as after certaine Detestable arts, called witchcrafts & Sorceries wickedly and feloniously hath used Practised & Exercised at and within the Townership of Salem in the County of Essex aforesaid in upon and ag't one Mary Wallcott of Salem Village Single woman, by which Said wicked arts the s'd. Mary walcott the Second day of May in the forth year afores'd: and at Divers other Dayes & times as well before as after was, and is Tortored Afflicted Pined wasted and Tormented as also for Sundry other acts of witchcraft by Said Susanah Martin committed and Done before and Since that time ag't the Peace of our Sovereigne Lord & Lady william and Mary King and Queen of England theire Crowne and Dignity and ag't: the forme of the Statute in that case made & Provided. Sarah Vibber Sworn Mary Wolcutt Sworn [M]r Sam'll Parris. Sworn Elizabeth Hubbard Marcy Lewis (Reverse) Bil a Vera ( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 1 Page 58 ) - 556- (Indictment v. Susannah Martin, No. 2.) Anno Regis et Reginae Willm et Mariae : nunc Angliae &c Quarto Essex ss The Jurors for our Sovereigne Lord & Lady the King and Queen: prsents That Susanah Martin of Amsbury in the County of Essex widdow the Second day of may in the forth Year of the Reigne of our Sovereigne Lord & Lady william and Mary by the Grace of God of England Scottland France & Ireland King and Queen Defenders of the faith &c: and divers other Dayes & times as well before as after. certaine Detestable Arts called witchcrafts and Sorceries wickedly: and felloniously hath used Practised & Exercised at and within the Towneship of Salem in the County of Essex aforesd: in and upon and ag't: one Marcy Lewis: of Salem Villiage Singlewoman by which said wicked arts the: Said Marcy Lewis. the said second day of may in the forth year aforesaid and at Divers other dayes and times as well before as after was and is Tortured: Afflicted Pined wasted and Torminted as also for Sundrey other acts of witchcraft by said Suzanah Martin Committed and done before and since that time ag't the Peace of our Sovereigne Lord. and Lady William & Mary King & Queen of England there Crowne and Dignity. and ag't the forme of the Statute in that case made and Provided. Witnesses Marcy Lewis Mr. Samll: Parris Sworn Anne Puttman Sworn Sarah Biber Sworne Elizabeth Hubbard Mary Wallcott Sworne in Court June 2d. 92. (Reverse) S. Martin No. 2 In[d]ictm't ( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 1 Page 58 ) - 557- (Summons for Witnesses) William & Mary By the Grace of God of England Scotland France & Ireland King [King] & Queen defend'rs of the faith &ca. To John Allen Barnard Peache Joseph Ringg William Browne Jarvis Ringg. James Freeze John Kimball John Pressy Ensigne Joseph Knight Mr John Atkison & his wife & Son & mary the wif of nathaniell whitteer the wife John pressy & Jon Kembal Greeting -- We Command you and Every of you all Excuses Set apart to be and appear at the Speciall Court of Oyer & Terminer holden at Salem the 28th of this Instant month then & there to testify the truth to the best of their knowledge On Severall Indictments to be Exhibited against Susanna Martin of Amesberry hereof make Return fail not dated in Salem June 27th. 1692 & in the fourth year of Our Reign. L.S. *Step: Sewall Cler. To the Sheriff of Essex or deputy or Constables of Newbury Salsbury & Amesbury Greeting -- also warn those persons that wth. James freeze or at any other time heard Susanna Martin Threaten relating to John Allens Oxen or any other thing whatsoever & make return as above *Step: Sewall Cler. 28. June 92 by vertue of this Supeny. then was. warned mr. John. Atkinson. his wife. and his Son. nathaniel to make theire. pars[fig=BS20557a][/fig]ll. apperance at the Court of oyer and terminer holden at Salem 28:: of this instant.June: ensigne Joseph Knight. was warned before by me Samuel hills const[fig=BS20557b][/fig]ll for newbury This or these supenys weare observed & served upon the severall persons therein mentioned according to ye tenour thereof namly upon Mr John Allin: & Barnard Peach & Joseph Ring & william Browne & Jarviss Ring & Mary the wife of Nathaniell Whitiher: & the same read to them the twenty ninth of this Instant June Ann[fig=BS20557c][/fig]: 1692 p me *Joseph Eaton Constable for sallisbury - 558- This supeny was served according to the tenor theareof upon the persons thearin mentioned belonging to our towne Namly upon John Pressy & his wife & John Kimball & his wife & the same read to them the 29th of this Instant June Anno: 1692: p me *Joseph Lankister sen'r Constable for Amsbury (Reverse) Subpena Con Susan Martin ( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 1 Page 62 ) (Abigail Williams v. Susannah Martin) The Testimony of Abigail Williams witnesseth & saith that she hath severall times seen, & been afflicted by the apparition of Susannah Martin of Almsbury widow at & before the .2. May. 1692 ( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 1 Page 62 ) (William Brown v. Susannah Martin) The Deposion of william Browne of salsbury aged: 70 years or ther about who testifying sayth. That about on or to and thirty years ago Elizabeth his wif being a very rasional woman & sober & on that feard God as was well know to all that knew her & as prudently Carefull in her famly which woman going upon a time from her owne house towords the mille in salsbury did ther meett with susana martin the then wif of Georg martin of Amsbury Just as thay came to gather s'd susana martin vanisht a way out of her sight w'ch put the s'd Elizabeth into a great fright after which time the said martin did many tims afterward appere to her at her house and did much troubl her in any of her occasions and this continued till about feb: following: and then when shee did com it was as birds peking her Legs or priking her with the mosion of thayr wings and then it woold rise up into her stumak with priking payn as nayls & pinns of w'ch shee did bitterly complain and cry out Lik a woman in travil and after that it woold rise up to her throt in a bunch Lik a pulletts egg: and then shee - 559- woold turn back her head & say: wich ye shant chok me In the time of this extremity the church appointed a day of [humilling] to seek God on her behalf & therupon her trouble seased and shee saw goodwif martin no more: for a consideribl time for w'ch the church in stead of the day of humiliasion gave thanks for her deliveranc & shee came to meetting & went about her busnes as before this continued till Aprill following: at w'ch time somenses wear sent to the s'd Elizabeth brown & Good wif Osgood by the Court to give thayr evidences concerning the s'd martin and thay did before the Gran Jury gave a full accompt After w'ch time the s'd Elizabeth told this deponent that as shee was milking of her cow the s'd susana martin came behind her and told her that shee woold make hir the miserablest creatur for defa[m]ing her name at the Court & wep greevously as shee told it to this deponent. Aboute 2 month after this deponent came hom from hampton & his s'd wif woold not owne him but s'd thay wear devorst and Asked him whether he did not mett with on mr Bent of Abey in England by whom he was divorst And from that time to this very day have ben under a strang kind of distemper & frensy uncapibl of any rasional action though strong and healthy of body he farther testifyeth that when she came into that condition this deponent porcured Docter fuller & Crosby to com to her for her releas but thay did both say that her distemper was supernatural & no siknes of body but that some evil person had bewiched her Sworne the eleventh day of May Anno Dom: 1692 before me *Robt Pike Asst W'm Browne made Oath that the above is a true relajon according to his wifes Complaint in the day of it concerning the truth of w't is sworne by william Browne concerning his wif with respect to her being a Rasional woman before shee was so handled and of her now present condision & her so long continuance all that then knew her and now know her can testafy to the truth of it for shee yet remaines a miserabl creetr of w'ch myself is on as wittnes my hand: 16: 3: 1692 *Robert Pike ( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 1 Page 63 ) - 560- (John Pressey v. Susannah Martin) The Testamony of John Pressy of Amsbury aged 53 years or therabouts takn before me at my house at Salsbury the eleventh day of may Ano: Dom. 1692 is as followeth That about twenty fower year ago: he this deponent was at Amsbury ferry upon a saterday in the eving near about the shutting in of the day light (w'ch was about three mile from his house) and as he was going hom alitle beyond the field of Georg martin at a hill caled goodals hill this deponent was be wildered and Lost his way & having wandered a while he cam bake againe to the same place which he knew by stooping trees in that plac W'ch pceiving he set out agine & steered by the moone w'ch shone brite and was a gaine Lost and came bake againe to the same place And then sett out the 3d time in Lik manner and was be wildered and came back but not so far as before: but knew whear he was and so sett himself in his way as before: and in Less then half a mile going he saw a Light stand on his Left hand about too rod out of the way: it semd to be about the bignes of a half bushell but this deponent Kept on his way & Left it: and in a matter of seven or eight rod going it appeared againe at the Lik distance from him as before: & so it did againe the 3d time: but the deponet past on his way: and in Less then twenty rod going the same or such another Light Lay in his way: and he having a stik in his hand did with the end of it indevered to stir it out of the plac and to give it som smale blows with it: and the Light seemd to brust up & wave from side to side as a turky cock when he sprads his tayle but went not out of the plac which [fig=BS20596a][/fig]ceiving this deponent Layd it on with his stik with all his might he thinks he gave her at Lest forty blows: and so was going away and Leave it: but as he was going his heals wear struk up & he Layd on his bak on the ground & was sliding into a deep plac (as to him seemd) but taking hold of som brush or bushes & so recoverd himself: & having Lost his coat which he had upon his Arme went bak to the Light saw his coate & took it up & went home without any more disturbanc ther: he farther say that he do not know any such pitt to be in the place that he was sliding into he also sayth that when he did strik at the Light he did certainly feel a substanc w'th his stik - 561- he farther sayth that after his striking it & his recovering himself and going on his way as afores'd when he had gon about: 5: or:6: rod he saw Susana martine then wif of Georg martin of Amsbury standing on his Left hand as the Lights had don ther shee stood & Lookt upon him & turned her face after him as went along but sayd nothing nor did nothing to this deponent but that he went home as afors'd only he againe over went his owne house but knowing the ground he was upon returned and found his owne house but being then seazed with fear coold not speake till his wif spake to him at the dore & was in such condision that his family was afrayd of him which story being caryd to the Towne the next day: it was upon enquirey understood (that the s'd good wif martin was in such a miseribl case and in such payn that thay swabbed her body (as was reported) This deponant farther sayth that these things being noysed abroad maj'r Pike sent for this deponent and had an accompt of the case: but seemd to be troubled that this deponent had not told him of it in season that shee might have ben vewed to have seen w't her ayle was. John pressy aforsayd made oathe to the truth of what is written in these too sides of the paper the eleventh day of may Anno: Dom: 1692. before me *Robt Pike Asist Jurat in Curia ( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 1 Page 64 ) (John Pressy and Mary Pressy v. Susannah Martin) The deposion of John pressy aged 53 and marah his wif aged: 46: or ther abouts testifying sayth That som years after that the s.d John pressy had givn his evidenc against the s'd susana martin shee the s'd martin came and took these deponents to do about it and reviled them with many foule words saying wee had took a fals oathe and sayd that we shoold never prosper [and that we shoold never prosper] for our so doing: [fig=BS20561a][/fig]ticulerly that we should never have but too cows: & that if we wear never so likly to have more yet we shoold never obtaine it We do farther testify that from that time to this day we have never exeeded that nomber but somthing or other has prevented it - 562- tho never so likly (to obtaine it) tho thay had used all ordinary means for obtaining it by hiring cows of others that were not thayr owne this for twenty yeares space John pressy made oathe to the truth of all that is above writtn at my house in salsbury the eleventh day of may Ano: Dom 1692 before me *Robt Pike Asist Mary Pressy testifieth to all the above Except Susanna her threatning of the not raising above two Cowes. Jurat in Curia by both (On reverse side of paper) Jno. Pressy of Salsbury Con. Martin ( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 1 Page 64 ) >>>>>CONTINUED AT MARRIAGE NOTES OF SUSANNAH MORE NOTES ONE AND TWO NORTH>>>>> |
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Marriage Notes for Susannah North and Susannah North: >>>>>CONTINUED FROM NOTES OF SUSANNAH MORE NOTES TWO NORTH>>>>> (Bernard Peach v. Susannah Martin) The deposion of Barnerd peache aged: 43: or thereabouts who testifying sayth That about six or seven year sinc this deponent Living at the house of Jacob morall in Salsbury being in bed on alords day night he heard a [scratching] at the window he this deponent saw susana martin wif of George martin of Amsbury com in at the window & Jumpt downe upon the flower shee was in her whud & scarf and the same dress that shee was in before at metting the same day being com in shee was coming up toward this deponents face but turned back to his feet and took hold of them & drew up his body into a heape & Lay upon him about an hour & half or 2: hours in all w'ch taim this deponent coold not stir nor speake but feelling himself begining to be loosined or Lightned: he begining to strive he put out his hand a mong the clothes and took hold of her hand and brought it up to his mouth and bitt three of the fingers (as he Judg) to the breaking of the bones which don the s'd martin. went out of the Chamber downe the stayrs and out of the dore And as soon as shee went away this deponent caled to the peopl of the house and told them w't was don and that shee s'd martin was now gon out of the dore this deponent did also follow her, but the peopl did not see her (as they sayd) but without the dore there was abuket on the Left hand side: and there was a drop of blod in the - 563- bucket & too more upon the snow: for there was alitle flight of snow: and ther wear the print of her 2: feett about afoot without the threshall but no more footting did appear 2. he farther deposeth that somtime after this as he suposeth about 3 weeks after the said martin desired this deponent to come and husk corne at her house the next Lords day night say that if I did not com it wear better that I did but this deponent did not go: being then Living with W'm Osgood of the s'd Salsbury: and that night the s'd susana martin and another came out of the shop into the barne and on of them said hear he is and then came towards this deponent he having a quarter staf made a blow at them but the ruff of the barne prevented it: and they went away but this deponent followed them and as thay wear going to ward the window made another blow at them and struk them both down but away they went out at the shop window & this deponent saw no more of them and the Rumer went that the s'd martin had abroken head at that time but the deponent cannot speake to that upon his owne knowlig Sworne may the eleventh: 1692: before me *Robt Pike Asist (Reverse side of paper) Barnard Peache ( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 1 Page 65 ) (Jarvis Ring v. Susannah Martin) Jarvis Ring of Salsbury maketh oath as followeth That about seven or eight years ago he had ben several times aflicted in the night time by som body or som thing coming up upon him when he was in bed and did sorely afflict him by Lying upon him and he coold neither move nor speake while it was upon him but somtimes made akind of noyse that folks did hear him & com up to him and as soon as any body came it woold be gon this it did for along time before and sinc: but he did never see any body clearly but on time [] but on time in the night it came upon me as at other times and I did then see the pson [of Susa] na martin of Amsbery I this deponent did [fig=BS20563a][/fig]sently see her [and shee] came to this deponent and took him by the hand and bitt him [by the fin] ger by fors and - 564- then came and Lay upon him awhile as [formerly] and after awhile went away the print of the bite is [yet to] be seen on the little finger of his right hand for it was [hard to hea] le (he farther sayth) That several times he was asleep [when it ca] me: But at that time when bitt his finger he was as [sayerly awa] ke as ever he was: and plainly saw her shape and felt [her teeth a] saforsayd [Sworn] e by Jarvis Ring abovesayd may the 13th: 1692 [before] me *Robt Pike Asist at Salbury Jurat in Curia ( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 1 Page 64 ) (Joseph Ring v. Susannah Martin and Thomas Hardy) The deposion of Joseph Ring at Salsbury aged:27: years being sworne sayth That about the Latter end of september Last being in the wood with his brother Jarvis Ring hewing of timber his brother went home with his teame and Left this deponent alone to finish the hewing of the peec for him for his brother to carry w'n he came againe: but as soon as his brother was gon ther came to this deponent the appearanc of Thomas Hardy of the great Iland at Puscataway and by som Impuls he was forsed to follow him to the house of benovy tuker w'ch was deserted and was about half a mile from the plac he was at work in) and in that house did appear Susana martin of Amsbery and the aforsayd Hardy and another female [fig=BS20564a][/fig]son w'ch the deponent did not know: ther they had a good fire & drink it seemed to be sid'r ther continud most part of the night s'd martin being then in her natural shape and talking as shee use to do: but toward the morning the s'd martine went from the fire: made a noyse and turned into the shape of a blak hoge & went away and so did the other: to psons go away and this deponent was strangly caryed away also and the first plac he knew was by sam'll woods hous in Amsbury sworne by Joseph Ring may the 13th: 1692: before me *Robt Pike Asit Jurat in Curia ( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 1 Page 64 ) - 565- (Joseph Ring v. Susannah Martin and Thomas Hardy) Joseph Ring of Salsbury aged 27 years having been strangly handled for the space of almost to year maketh this Relason upon oath as followeth viz That in the month of Jun next after Casco bay fort was takn this deponent co[fig=BS20565a][/fig]ig between Sandy beach & hampton towne mett with Tho: Hardy of great Iland & a company of several other creaturs with him w'ch said Hardy demanded of this deponent to shillings: and with the dreadfull noyse & hidious shapes of these creaturs and firebale this deponent was almost frited out of his witts: and in about an half an hour (or in deed he coold not judg of the time) they Left him & he came to hampton About ten days after as the deponet came from boston between Rowlye & Ne[fig=BS20565b][/fig]bry this deponent was over taken with a company of peple on horsbak who past by him and after they wear past by him The aforsd Tho: Hardy tarned about his horse & alet & cam bak to this deponent with his hors in hand & desired this deponant to go to mrs whits & drink with him: w'ch being refused he turnd away to the Company & thay all came up to gather such a breth that it seemd imposibl to scape being trod down by them but they went all past and then appeared no more About oct: following coming from hampton in Salsbury pine plaine a company of horses with men & women upon them overtook this deponent & the aforesd Hardy being on of them came to this deponent as before & demanded his: 2s: of him and thretned to tear him in peeces to whom this depoant made no answer & so he & the rest went awa[fig=BS20565c][/fig] & Left this deponet. After this this deponent had divers strang appearances w'ch did fors him away with them into unknown places w'r he saw meettings and festings and dancing and many strange sights: and from Agust Last he was dom and coold not speake till this Last Aprill he also relates that ther did use to com to him a man that did present him abook to which he woold have him sett his hand with [fig=BS20565d][/fig] mise of any thing that he woold have & ther wear presented all delectable things psons and places Imaginabl but he refusing it woold usualy end with most dreadfull shapes noyses & screching that almost scared him out of his witts & this was the usaall manner of [fig=BS20565e][/fig]seeding w'th him: and on time the book was brought and a pen offerd him & to his aprehension ther was blod in the Ink horn but he never toucht the pen he farther say that thay never told him w't he shoold writt nor - 566- he coold not speak to Ask them w't he shoold writ he farther say in severall thair mery meetting he seen Susanas martin appearnc among them And that day that his speach came to him againe w'ch was about [the end of] April Last as he was in bed shee did stand by his beds sid [and pincht] him. Joseph Ring abovesayd made oathe of the thruth of all that is above writtn this 13th day of may 1692 before me *Robt Pike Asst Jurat in Curia the substance of it viva voce (Reverse) [It is to] be understood that the Matter about the to shillings demanded of s'd [Ring] was this viz That when Casko was asalted before it was takn, [Capt] Cedrack walt was going from Great Iland in puscataway with [a pa] rty for thayr releef of w'ch party s'd Ring was one & s'd [Hardy comi] ng up into the Roome wher s'd Ring bilited before thay sayled [and pl] ayd at shuffl bord or som such lik game & urged s'd Ring play [s'd] Ring told him he had no mony & s'd hardly Lent him 2s and then [s'd] Ring playd with him s'd hardy who won his mony away from [him] againe and so he coold not then pay him this accompt was by s'd Ring given to me *Robt Pike ast. ( Essex County Archives, Vol. 1 Page 66 ) (John Kimball v. Susannah Martin) The deposion of John Kembal of Amsbury aged 45 or upwards testifying sayth That about 23 years ago this deponent being about to remove from newbery to Amsbury having bought a peec of Land of Georg martin of Amsbury for which he was to pay him in catl or goods upon a certaine day in the march next following & when the day of payment was com martin & his wif came for the pay and the s'd Kembal offered them the choyc of three cows and other catl but did reserve two cows w'ch thay wear not free to part with thay being - 567- the first that ever thay had but Martin himself was satisfied with other pay but Susana his wif understanding from this deponent and his wif that thay woold not part with on of these 2 cows the s'd Susana martin sayd (you had ben as good you had) for shee will never do you any more good (and so it came to pass) for the next Aprill following that very Cow Lay in the [fayr] dry yard with her head to her side (But starc dead) and when shee was fleaced no Impedement did appear in her for she was a stout Lusty Cow and in alitle while After another cow dyed & then an ox and then other catle to the value of 30£ that spring sworne by John Kembal may the 16 1692 before Jurat in Curia *Robt Pike As.st (On reverse side of paper) John Kimball of Amesbury John Kembale of Amsbury afor mensiond farther deposeth That the same year after he was com to Live at Amsbery and was dwelling in the house of Edmund Elliat he was needed to get a dog & hearing that the wif of s'd Geor Martin had a bich that had whelps & this deponent went to her to get on of her but shee not Letting him have his choyc: he did not absolutely agree for any but s'd he heard on blezdal had a bich by w'ch he mayst suply but Anser if not ther nor no whear els he woold have hers at her priz but being upon that accompt at s'd Blezdels and marked the whelp that I agreed for Georg martin coming by Askt me whether I woold not have on of his wifes pupys to w'ch this deponent made answer on the negative The same day Edmond Eliat sayd that he was at the house of the s'd martins & heard the s'd martin Asked his wif why this depent wear not to have on of her pupys and shee said he was then sayd he have gott on at goodman blezdells & he saw him choose it and mark it (to w'ch his s'd wif sayd) If I Live Ile give him pupeys enough within a few days after this I this deponent coming from his Intended hous in the woods to Edmond Eliats house whear I dwelt about the [the] sun sett or presently after & ther did arise a litle blak cloud in the: n: w and a few Drops of Raine and the wind blew prity hard in going between the house of John wood & the meetting house the s'd deponent came by several stumps of trees by the way side he by Impuls he can give no reson of that made him - 568- tambl over the stumps on after another though tho he had his ax upon his shoulder w'ch put him in dang'r & made him resolved to avoyd the next but coold not And when he came alitl below the meetting house ther did appear alitle thing lik apupy of a darkish coler it shott betweene my Legs forward & bakward as on that wear [don raking] the hay and this deponent being free from all fear used all posibl indevers to cut it with his ax but coold not hurt it and as he was this Labering with his ax the pupy gave a litl Jump from him & seemed to go into the ground. In alitl farther going ther did appear a blak pupy somw't biger then the first but as blak as a cole to his apprehension which came against him w'th such violenc as its quik mosions did exceed his motions of his ax do w't he coold & it flew at his belly & away & then at his throt & over his shoulder on way & go off & up att it againe another way and with such quiknes speed & violenc did it asalt him as if it woold tear out his throt or his belly agood while he was without fear but at last I felt my hart to sayle & sink under it that I thought my lif was going out & I recovered my self & gave a start up & ran to the fenc & caling upon god & Naming the name Jesus Christ & then it in visibly away my meaning as it ceased about but this deponent mad it not known to any body for fritting his wif The next morning Edmond Eliat (as he told abrod and in his owne house) sayd that he going toward the hous of said martin to Look his oxen went in to Light his pipe & the s'd martins wif Asked him whear kembal was (s'd Eliat s'd abed with [with] his wif for ought he knew) (sayd shee) they say he was frited Last night) with w't sayd Eliat she sayd with pupyes Eliat replyed that he heard nothing of it and Asked whear shee heard it and shee sayd about the Towne w'ch story s'd Eliat having told it was all the Towne over when this deponent came home at night for he had been all day alone in the woods at work at his frames John kembale made oath to the truth of all that is written on both sides of this paper may the 16th 1692 before me *Robt Pike Asist Jurat in Curia ( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 1 Page 68 ) - 569- (Bernard Peach v. Susannah Martin) The deposion of Barnard peache aged 42 or ther abouts testifyeth That about ten years ago this deponant living with w'm Osgood of Salsbury he s'd Osgood had a ox hurt & he with him & Georg martin of Amsbury desired to have som of ther beef but was denyed and went a way discontent And the next day on of the [] best cows my s'd master osgood had was in such a mad fright that too men had much ado to gett her into the house wher shee had usually ben tide up: shee did run and fly about The next day shee being Let out & went away w'th the other catle (well & Lusty as far as wee coold desern) but came home at evening very ill having [Atter] under her eyes as bigg as wallnutts & dyed the same night sworne at Salsbury the 20th day of may Ano 1692 before me *Robt Pike Asst (On reverse side of paper) Barnard Peach ( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 1 Page 68 ) (John Allen v. Susannah Martin) The deposion of Left John Allen of Salsbury aged 45 years testifying sayth That in or about the year [] this deponent was haling timber for mr Georg Car for building a vesell at Amsbery at mr Goodins building place & haveing don & about to go home Susana martin then wif of Georg martin desired this deponent to cart staves for them which this deponent refused to do because of his oxn which wear weake & needed now to gett flesh but shee seemed to be discontent (and as Jams freez and others then present told this Deponent (that shee sayd) I had [had] ben as good I had (for my oxn shoold never do me much more servis) upon w'ch this deponent sayd dost thretn me thou old wich or words to that efect resolving to throw her into a brook that was fast by: which to avoyd she flew over the bridge & so escaped: but as he was going home on of his oxn tired that he was forst to unyok him to get him home And after they - 570- wear com home: put the s'd oxn to Salsbury beach whear several other oxn whear catl usualy are putt whear they had Long rang of meadows to feed on & whear catle did use to gett flesh: but in a few days al the oxn upon the beach we found by thayr tracks wear gon to the mouth of the River merimak but not returned from whenc we thought they wear run into the s'd river: but the next day sending to plum Iland found thayr tracks ther to be com ashore w'ch tracks they followed to the other end of s'd Iland & a consideribl way bak againe & then sate down w'ch being espyed by those that fought them thay did use all Immaginabl gentlenes to them to som acquaintanc w'ch som of them seemed to attend but all on a sudaine away thay all run with such violenc as if thay their mosion had ben dyabolical till thay came neer the mouth of merimak river and then: turned to the right hand & ran right in to the sea all but to old oxn (w'ch had before Left thayr Company) and all the rest went to sea a far as thay coold see them: & then on of them came back againe with such swiftnes as was amazing to the be holders who stood redy to Imbrac him & help his tired carcase up: but Letting him Loose away he runs up into the Iland & from there through the marshes up in to newbery towne & so up into their woods and ther was after a while found about hartechok river over against Amsbery so that of: 14: good oxn only that was saved the rest were all cast up som at Cap and som in on plac and som in other of thay [thay] only had the hids: he farther sayth that the abovesd James freeze did often move the [fig=BS20570a][/fig]secuting of the s'd Susana martin in the case being undoutedly confident that shee was a wich Left John Allin made oathe to the truth of all that is above written Jun the 7th 1692 before me *Robt Pike Asst Jurat in Curia (On reverse side of paper) Jno. Allen ( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 1 Page 69 ) - 571- (Joseph Knight v. Susannah Martin) The Depossittion of Joseph knight aged about 40 yers This Deponant doe testifie & saye that on the 20th Daye of October or thereabouts in the yere of o'r Lord 1686 Nathan'll Clarke Junj'r: of Newbery together with this Deponant going out into the woods together to fetch up horses there met with Susana Martaine of Amsbury with a litle Dog Runing by hir syde & in my sight shee tooke up s'd Dog under her arme but comeing up neere to hir she had a Kegg or a halfe feirkin under the same arme; this Deponant then lookt hir in the face & told hir that that kegg was a litle Dogg but nowe Nath'el. Clarke said soe it was: & then passing from hir we found our horses & brought them to a small Causwaye but Could not git them over but there being a small Knowle of land here: our horsses ran round about it the greatist parte of that daye we oftn bringing them up to the Causwaye but then they turned to that knowle & Ra[fig=BS20571a][/fig] about it the same waye but at length there Came a young man with a yoak of oxen to goe over the Causwaye who with some difficaultie got them over for altho the Causwaye was very good yet one of the oxen hung back as though he were frighted but at length were forct over & then we got over our horses. Joseph knight ownid this his tistimony to be the truth: on his oath. before the Juryors of Inquest this 29. of June: 1692 (On reverse of paper) Joseph Knight elizabeth clark S. Martin ( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 1 Page 69 ) (Elizabeth Clark v. Susannah Martin) Elizabeth Clark who then was the wife of the aboves'd. Nathaniell Clarke doe testifie that when my s'd husband Nath'll: Clarke Came home he told me this Deponant the matter mentioned in Joseph knights testimony & he related to me the wholl of the Matter & all the Sircumstances related in s'd testimony: excepting that my husband told Joseph knight that the Kegg under Goodwif martins arme was or had bin a dogg This Deponant doe further testie that goodwife martain aboves'd. Came to our house the same daye mentiond - 572- in Joseph knights testimony before my husband Came home & Comeing into the house our dog bit hir by the leg as she said whereupon She being angry said that he was a Churll lik his master Elizabeth Clark ownid this har testimo to be the truth: on the oath which she had taken be fore: the Jury for Inquest: this 29. of June 1692 (On reverse side of paper) El. Clarke ( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 1 Page 70 ) (Robert Downer v. Susannah Martin) The deposion of Robert Downer of Salsbery aged 52 years who testify and say That several years ago susanna martin the then wif of Georg martin being brought to Court for a wich the said Downer having som words with her (she at that time attending mrs. Light at Salsbury) This deponent among other things told her be leeved that shee was a wich by w't was s'd or wittnesd against her at w'ch shee seeming not well afected s'd that a or some shee devel woold fech him away shortly at w'ch this deponent was not much moved: but at night as he lay in his bed in his owne house alone ther came at his window the liknes of a catt and by and by com up to his bed took fast hold of his throt and Lay hard upon him a Consderibl while and was lik to throtl him at Length he minded w't susana martin thretned him with the day be fore he strove w't he coold and sayd avoyd thou shee divell in the name of the father & the son & the holy Ghost & then itt Lett him go & slumpt down upon the flower and went out at window againe he farther sayth that the next morning befor ever he [he] had sayd any thing of it som of that family asked him about it (as from her owne) ( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 1 Page 70 ) - 573- (Mary Andrews v. Susannah Martin) mrs. mary Andras aged:40: year testify that shee did hear the s'd Susana martin threatn or tell the s'd Robt Downer that a shee divell woold fech him a way shortly: shee further sayth that from som of her fathers family shee did hear that [that] the s'd Su martin told them how s'd Downer was served the night that he was aflicted as abovsd ( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 1 Page 70 ) (Moses Pike v. Susannah Martin) moses pike aged: 26: years or more testify that he did hear Susana martin tell how Ro downer was handled and as he remembers it was the next day after it was don at night Sworne by Robt Downer. mrs mary Allin & moses pike June 30 1692 before me *Robt Pike Asst (On reverse side of paper) Rob't. Downer &c ver. Martin ( Essex County Archives, Salem Vol. 1 Page 70 ) (Thomas Putnam v. Susannah Martin) The deposistion of Tho. putnam agged 40 years & #[Ed putnam] agged 38 yers who testifie and say that we have ben conversant with the afflected parsons or the most of them, as namly mary walcott mercy lewes Eliz: Hubbard Abigail Williams sarah vibber and Ann putnam Jun. and have often heard the afforementioned parsons complain of susannah martin of Amsbery tortoring them and we have seen the marks of severall bittes and pinchs which they said susannah martin did hirt them with and also on the 2 day of may 1692 being the day of the examination of susannah martin the affornamed parsons - 574- ware mostreviously tortored dureing the time of hir examination for upon the glance of hir eies they ware strucken down or allmost choak and upon the motion of hir finger we took notes they ware afflected and if she did but clench hir hands or hold hir head aside the afflected parsons affor mentioned ware most greviously tortored in like maner and several times sence we have seen them tortored compl[fig=BS20574a][/fig]ing of susannah Martin for hurting them *Thomas putnam. #[Edward Putnam] ( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 1 Page 71 ) (Nathaniel Ingersoll v. Susannah Martin) Nathaniel Ingrsoll testifieth to all the above & both of them do say on Oath that they beleive it is done by Witchcraft Jurat in Curia (On reverse side of paper) Nathan'll: Ingersoll & Tho: Putman ( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 1 Page 71 ) (Samuel Parris, Nathaniel Ingersoll and Thomas Putnam v. Susannah Martin) The Deposition of Sam: Parris aged about. 39 years, & Nathanael Ingersoll aged about fifty & eight yeares and also Tho: Putman aged about fourty yeares all of Salem -- testifyeth & saith that Abigail Williams, Mercy Lewes Mary Walcot, Susannah Shelding and John Indian were much afflicted at the examination of Susannah Martin of Almsbury Widdow-before the honoured Magistrates the. 2. May. 1692 & that Goody Bibber (who before had not accused her) & some other of the afflicted then & there testifyed that there was a black man whispering in her ear, & also that the said Bibber Abigail Williams & Mary Walcot & John Indian could not come near said Martin when upon triall they were ordered by the Magistrates to attempt it, & their agonies & tortures they charged said Martin as the - 575- cause of, & also we farther saw that when she said Martin bit her lips they were bitten, & when the afflicted were ordered to go towards her they were knockt down Jurat in Curia (On reverse side of paper) The Depotion of Sam: Parris &c ag'st. Susan: Martin ( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 1 Page 71 ) (Elizabeth Hubbard v. Susannah Martin) The Deposistion of Elizabeth Hubburd agged about: 17: years: who testifieth and saith that I have often seen the Apperishtion of susannah Martin amongst the wicthes but she did not hurt me tell the: 2 day of may being the day of hir examination: but then shee did afflect me most greviously dureing the time of hir examination for if she did but look parsonally upon me she would strike me down or allmost choak me: and severall times sence the Apperishtion of susannah martin has most greviously afflected me also on the day of hir examination I saw the Apperishtion of susannah martin goe and afflect and allmost choak Mary walcott Mircy Lewes Abigaill williams and Ann putnam jun'r mark Eliz: [fig=BS20575a][/fig] Hubbards (On reverse side of paper) Eliz. Hubburd against Susannah Martin ( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 1 Page 72 ) >>>>>CONTINUED AT NOTES OF SUSANNAH MORE NOTES THREE NORTH>>>>> |
| ii. | Richard Martyn9, born 29 Jun 1647 in Salisbury, Essex County, MA9; died 11 Mar 1727/28 in Amesbury, Essex, MA9 |
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Notes for Richard Martyn: In October, 1669 George Martin was sued by Christopher Bartlett because Susanna had called him a liar and a thief. The verdict was against George and Susanna but they had other problems to deal with. At that same court session, their son Richard was " presented by the grand jury at the Salisbury Court, 1669, for abusing his father and throwing him down, taking away his clothes and holding up an axe against him." The court found him guilty and sentenced Richard to be "whipped ten stripes." |
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More About Richard Martyn: Ancestral File Number: 8JDG-DL9 Burial: 9 Legal: Oct 1669, Charged by Grand Jury for abusing his father [sentenced to 10 lashes]. Oath of Allegiance: 1677, Salem, Norfolk County, MA |
| iii. | Samuel Martyn9, born 29 Sep 1647 in Salisbury, Essex County, MA9; died Unknown. |
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More About Samuel Martyn: Ancestral File Number: 18N6-61P9 |
| iv. | George Martin, Jr9, born 21 Oct 1648 in Salisbury, Essex County, MA9; died 14 Apr 1734 in Ipswich, Suffolk County, MA9 |
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More About George Martin, Jr: Ancestral File Number: 8JDG-FR9 Burial: Apr 1734, Windham, CT9 |
| v. | John Martin9, born 26 Jan 1649/50 in Salem, Essex County, MA9; died 06 Oct 1693 in Amesbury, Essex, MA9; married Mary Weed 1681 in Rehoboth, MA; born 05 Jul 1653; died Aft. 1713. |
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More About John Martin: Ancestral File Number: 9CQQ-W19 Military: 1675, Soldier in King Philips War |
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More About John Martin and Mary Weed: Marriage: 1681, Rehoboth, MA |
| 169 | vi. | Esther Martyn, born 07 Apr 1653 in Salisbury, Essex County, MA; died Aft. 1696 in Amesbury, Essex County, MA; married John Jameson I 15 Mar 1668/69 in Salisbury, MA. | ||
| vii. | Jane Martin9, born 02 Nov 1656 in Salisbury, Essex County, MA9; died Unknown. |
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More About Jane Martin: Ancestral File Number: 8JCX-0C9 |
| viii. | Abigail Martin9, born 10 Sep 1659 in Salisbury, Essex County, MA9; died Unknown in Amesbury, Essex, MA9 |
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More About Abigail Martin: Ancestral File Number: 3K96-8D9 |
| ix. | William Martin9, born 04 Oct 1662 in Salem, Essex County, MA9; died 11 Oct 16629 |
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More About William Martin: Ancestral File Number: 9CQR-1N9 Burial: 9 |
| x. | William Martin9, born 11 Dec 1663 in Salisbury, Essex County, MA9; died 17269 |
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More About William Martin: Ancestral File Number: 19W0-XL09 |
| xi. | Samuel Martyn9, born 29 Sep 1667 in Salisbury, Essex County, MA9; died Bef. 16839 |
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More About Samuel Martyn: Ancestral File Number: 8JDG-LM9 |
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