The Andover witch trials were a series of legal proceedings that took place in Andover, Massachusetts in 1692 during the infamous Salem witch trials. The trials in Andover resulted in the conviction and execution of at least five individuals accused of witchcraft. The proceedings in Andover began when several teenage girls in the town claimed to be afflicted by witchcraft. They exhibited strange symptoms such as convulsions, fits, and visions, which were believed to be caused by the supernatural influence of witches. These accusations quickly spread, and many individuals in Andover were accused of practicing witchcraft. The trials were conducted in a similar manner to those in Salem, with the accused being interrogated and questioned extensively about their alleged involvement with witchcraft.
Old North Parish Burial Ground (c. 1650), Academy Road, North Andover. Database and map. Burial place of the afflicted Timothy Swan (1663-1693); Rev. Thomas Barnard (c. 1658-1718), one of the ministers of Andover in 1692; accused witches William Barker Sr. (1646-1718) and his son William Barker Jr. (1677-1745).
His home was mistakenly known as the Bradstreet house as in Simon Bradstreet 1603 4-1697 and his wife, poet Anne Bradstreet 1612-1672 but research in the 1950s concluded it was built on land once owned by the Bradstreets but the North Parish ministers lived there. Elizabeth lived in what is now present day North Andover and was one more than 150 people accused of witchcraft throughout the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1692.
The trials were conducted in a similar manner to those in Salem, with the accused being interrogated and questioned extensively about their alleged involvement with witchcraft. The court relied heavily on spectral evidence, which was based on the testimony of the afflicted girls who claimed to see the shape or form of the accused tormenting them in their visions. As the proceedings continued, the accusations in Andover became more widespread, and many people were jailed and awaited trial.
Andover
In 1709, Andover was divided into the North and South parishes. In 1855, the town was divided into two separate towns: Andover and North Andover (the older North parish with the original town center). This page includes North Andover.
The atmosphere in the town grew increasingly tense as neighbors turned against each other, fearing that anyone could be a witch. Families were torn apart, and accusations were made against people from all walks of life, including ministers and prominent members of the community. Ultimately, five individuals in Andover were convicted and executed for witchcraft. Their names were Martha Carrier, Mary Parker, Samuel Wardwell, Mary Lacey Sr., and Alice Parker. Their executions were carried out by hanging, a common method used during the witch trials. The Andover witch trials came to an end when the governor of Massachusetts intervened and disbanded the court responsible for the trials, in response to growing skepticism and criticism surrounding the use of spectral evidence. The aftermath of the trials left a lasting impact on the community, with families and friendships shattered and a climate of fear and suspicion lingering for years to come. The Andover witch trials serve as a chilling reminder of the hysteria and injustice that can occur when fear and superstition grip a community. The trials highlight the power of belief and the devastating consequences that can result from the unfounded accusations of witchcraft..
Reviews for "The Forgotten Victims: Shedding Light on the Andover Witch Trials Proceedings"
1. Jane - 1 star: The "Andover witch trials proceedings" were a complete mockery of justice. The accused were not provided with a fair trial and were instead subject to absurd and baseless accusations. It is disheartening to see innocent people being persecuted in the name of witchcraft. The testimonies were unreliable and driven by hysteria, making it clear that the proceedings were nothing more than a witch hunt. The lack of proper evidence and the disregard for due process only serve to highlight the injustice that occurred during these trials. It is a dark chapter in history that should be remembered as a dark stain on the judicial system.
2. John - 2 stars: The "Andover witch trials proceedings" were a chaotic and irrational affair. The methods used to determine guilt or innocence were questionable, relying heavily on spectral evidence and the testimonies of unreliable witnesses. The accused were subjected to unfair treatment and were often presumed guilty before any evidence was presented. The authorities in charge seemed more interested in appeasing public hysteria than in administering justice. The proceedings lacked transparency and fairness, creating an atmosphere of fear and paranoia. It is a stark reminder of how fear and ignorance can lead to devastating consequences.
3. Sarah - 1 star: The "Andover witch trials proceedings" were a complete travesty of justice. Innocent people were accused and condemned based on mere superstitions and rumors. The lack of proper legal representation further compounded the unjust nature of the trials. It is horrifying to think that individuals could be condemned to death based on hearsay and fear. The proceedings lacked any semblance of fairness and were driven by mass hysteria. The story of the Andover witch trials should serve as a reminder of the dangers of mob mentality and the importance of upholding the principles of justice and equality.
4. Michael - 2 stars: The "Andover witch trials proceedings" were a prime example of a witch hunt fueled by irrational fear and religious fanaticism. Any opposition to the trials was swiftly silenced, and those accused were treated with extreme prejudice. It is clear that a fair trial was never a priority, and innocent lives were destroyed in the process. The reliance on spectral evidence and the encouragement of false testimonies further undermined the credibility of the proceedings. The Andover witch trials are a dark stain on our history that should serve as a reminder of the dangers of blindly following superstition and prejudice.