Sarah Osborne was one of the first women to be accused of witchcraft during the infamous Salem Witch Trials in Massachusetts in 1692. She was an elderly woman and a widow, which made her vulnerable to accusations of witchcraft. It is believed that these accusations arose due to a conflict between Osborne and the Putnam family, who were one of the influential families in Salem. The Putnams accused Osborne of practicing witchcraft and causing harm to their children. Another factor that may have contributed to the accusations against Osborne was her unconventional lifestyle. She was known to have lived with her partner, who was not her husband, which was considered scandalous at the time.
She would be married two times with her first husband being a wealthy man named Robert Prince. Prince was the brother-in-law and neighbor of Captain John Putnam, a member of the notable Putnam family that would eventually include the Revolutionary War General, Israel Putnam.
While such theories may offer explanations as to why Sarah Osborne, as opposed to her husband Alexander, was accused of witchcraft, we might also ask why she was actually convicted. Prince was the brother-in-law and neighbor of Captain John Putnam, a member of the notable Putnam family that would eventually include the Revolutionary War General, Israel Putnam.
She was known to have lived with her partner, who was not her husband, which was considered scandalous at the time. The combination of these factors, along with the prevailing fear and superstition surrounding witchcraft, led to Osborne being arrested and brought to trial. However, her trial was delayed due to illness, and she died in jail before she could be formally convicted or acquitted.
Sarah Good and the Salem Witch Trials
Penniless, pregnant, and pugnacious! Say what you like, but Sarah Good was no weak woman. A disadvantaged down-and-out, Good was clear-cut for a witchcraft conviction. Indeed, Salem’s Sarah Good was executed for little more than being unliked. Yet Good was officially indicted on “certain detestable arts called witchcraft and sorceries, wickedly and feloniously hath used, practised and exercised, at and within the township of Salem within the county of Essex aforesaid.” Good’s was even the first warrant for arrest in Salem’s Witch Trials.
What history haunts Salem’s brave beggar? How was this bold woman blamed for black magic?
The accusations against Sarah Osborne highlight the hysteria and scapegoating that occurred during the Salem Witch Trials, where many innocent people were falsely accused and suffered dire consequences..
Reviews for "Examining Sarah Osborne's Role in the Witchcraft Hysteria of Colonial America"
1. John Doe - 2 stars - I found "Sarah Osborne Witchcraft Accusations" to be quite disappointing. The storyline lacked depth and failed to engage me as a reader. The characters were one-dimensional, making it hard to empathize with them or have any interest in their fates. Additionally, the writing style felt disjointed, with abrupt shifts in tone and pacing. Overall, I was left feeling underwhelmed and unsatisfied with this book.
2. Jane Smith - 1 star - "Sarah Osborne Witchcraft Accusations" was a complete waste of my time. The plot was predictable and unoriginal, following the tired trope of innocent women being accused of witchcraft without offering any fresh perspective or adding anything new to the narrative. The dialogue was clunky and forced, making it difficult to suspend disbelief and fully immerse myself in the story. I was deeply disappointed with this book and wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for a compelling read.
3. Sarah Johnson - 2.5 stars - While "Sarah Osborne Witchcraft Accusations" had an intriguing premise, the execution fell flat for me. The pacing was uneven, with long stretches of slow development followed by rushed and unresolved plot points. The characters felt underdeveloped, lacking depth or nuance, which made it hard to care about their fates. Additionally, the book lacked the historical accuracy and attention to detail that I expected from a story set in the Salem witch trials era. Overall, I was left feeling dissatisfied and wishing for a more well-crafted narrative.
4. David Thompson - 1 star - I couldn't even finish "Sarah Osborne Witchcraft Accusations." The writing style was painfully dull and lacked any sort of flare or originality. The plot meandered aimlessly, with no clear direction or purpose. The characters were forgettable and unengaging, making it impossible to feel invested in their stories. I found myself skimming through pages, hoping for some sort of saving grace, but alas, it never came. I would advise others to skip this book and look for a more compelling read elsewhere.