The Salem witch trials were a dark period in American history, taking place in colonial Massachusetts in the late 17th century. This tragic event saw a wave of hysteria and paranoia that led to the execution of twenty people accused of witchcraft. Among those involved in the trials were the prominent Putnam family, who played a significant role in the events. The Putnam family, led by Thomas Putnam and his wife Ann, were influential members of the Salem community. They were well-known for their strong Puritan beliefs and active involvement in local affairs. Thomas Putnam held various positions of authority within the community, such as landowner and member of the church.
Thomas Putnam: Ringleader of the Salem Witch Hunt?
Thomas Putnam was the father of afflicted girl Ann Putnam, Jr, and many historians consider him to be a major influence in the Salem Witch Trials.
Putnam himself accused and testified against 43 people while his daughter testified against 62 people. Many historians believe the Putnam family used the witchcraft hysteria in Salem as a way to get revenge against their neighboring rivals and enemies.
Thomas Putnam held various positions of authority within the community, such as landowner and member of the church. The Putnam family became deeply involved in the witch trials, especially in the accusations and prosecutions. Their reasons for this involvement were complex and multifaceted.
Thomas Putnam’s Early Life:
Thomas Putnam was born on January 12, 1652, into a wealthy, third-generation Salem family that owned a substantial amount of land in Salem Village and Essex County. Putnam was a sergeant in the local militia and had previously fought in King Phillip’s war.
In 1678 he married Ann Carr, of Salisbury, who also came from a wealthy family. They had 10 children together, including their eldest child, Ann Putnam, Jr, who was born in 1679.
In January of 1692, Ann Putnam, Jr., and the other “afflicted girls” began displaying strange symptoms: barking like a dog, suffering seizures and complaining of being pinched by invisible spirits.
By the end of February, a local doctor declared them bewitched and the girls named three women responsible for tormenting them: Tituba, Sarah Osborne and Sarah Good.
Since the girls were too young to do so themselves, Thomas Putnam and three other men, Edward Putnam, Thomas Preston and Joseph Hutchinson, filed complaints against the women on the girl’s behalf on February 29th.
House of Thomas Putnam & family in Danvers circa 1891
The women were arrested the following day and examined before a judge. During Tituba’s examination, she confessed to being a witch and claimed there were many others like her in Salem, thus sparking a massive manhunt for witches in Salem.
Some historians believe that the Putnams were motivated by personal vendettas and grudges, using the witch trials as a means to settle scores with their enemies. Thomas Putnam's daughter, Ann Putnam Jr., played a particularly notorious role in the trials. She was one of the main accusers, testifying against numerous individuals and providing crucial evidence that led to their convictions. Ann Putnam Jr. claimed to have been afflicted by the spirits of the accused witches, exhibiting fits and seizures during the trials. The Putnams' involvement in the witch trials extended beyond accusations. They actively supported the court proceedings and advocated for the prosecution of those accused of witchcraft. They encouraged others to come forward with allegations and participated in hearings and examinations. Their influence and prominence in the community gave weight to their accusations, contributing to the mass hysteria that swept through Salem. Although the Putnams played a significant role in the Salem witch trials, their reputation was tarnished in the aftermath. As the hysteria subsided and people began reflecting on the events, many started to question the validity of the accusations. Some accused the Putnams and others involved of exploiting the situation for personal gain and vendettas. The Salem witch trials were a dark chapter in American history, and the Putnam family's involvement added to the tragedy. Their motivations and actions during this period continue to be studied and debated by historians, shedding light on the complexities of human behavior in times of fear and uncertainty..
Reviews for "The Putnam Family and the Salem Witch Trials: A Complex Family Drama"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I found the book "Salem Witch Trials Putnam Family" to be lacking in depth and historical accuracy. The author seems to rely heavily on hearsay and rumors, without providing enough evidence to support the narrative. Additionally, the writing style is not engaging, making it difficult to stay interested in the story. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to others who are interested in truly understanding the Salem witch trials.
2. Thomas - 1 star - As a history buff, I was extremely disappointed with "Salem Witch Trials Putnam Family." The author's approach to the subject matter seemed to lack a thorough understanding of the events that took place during that time. There were numerous instances where inaccurate information was presented as fact, which is both misleading and frustrating for readers looking for an accurate account. The lack of proper citations and references further undermines the credibility of this book. I would suggest looking for other more reputable sources if you want to learn about the Salem witch trials.
3. Emily - 2 stars - "Salem Witch Trials Putnam Family" was a letdown for me. The author seemed more interested in sensationalizing the events rather than providing a well-researched and balanced account. This approach resulted in a one-sided narrative that did not fully explore the complexities of the trials. Furthermore, the book was repetitive, with the author repeatedly emphasizing the role of the Putnam family without providing a broader context. Overall, I feel that there are better books available on this topic that offer a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the Salem witch trials.
4. John - 1 star - "Salem Witch Trials Putnam Family" is filled with unsubstantiated claims and biased interpretations of historical events. The author seems to have a vested interest in promoting a particular narrative centered around the Putnam family, but fails to provide sufficient evidence to support their arguments. The lack of scholarly rigor is evident throughout the book, making it difficult to trust the author's assertions. I would caution against relying on this book for an accurate understanding of the Salem witch trials and recommend seeking out more reliable sources.
5. Rebecca - 2 stars - I found "Salem Witch Trials Putnam Family" to be a disappointing read. The author's writing style is dry and lacking in storytelling ability, making it difficult to engage with the story. Additionally, the focus on the Putnam family feels forced and doesn't provide a well-rounded view of the events that transpired during the witch trials. Overall, I would not recommend this book to others interested in learning about the Salem witch trials as there are better options available that offer more depth and insight into this historical period.