The Defiant Legacy of Giles Corey: 1692 Salem Witch Trials
In the record books of American colonial history, few stories are as compelling and tragic as that of Giles Corey. Accused of Witchcraft during the Salem Witch Trials of 1692, Corey’s refusal to plead and subsequent death under torture marks him as a symbol of defiance against injustice. His story, from an English immigrant to an accused witch in New England, offers a unique lens through which to view the hysteria that gripped Salem at the close of the 17th century.
Giles Cory: The Early Years
From England to New England
Born in Northampton, England, in 1692, Giles married his first wife, Margaret Devon, in the 1640s and immigrated to Massachusetts. They had four daughters together. Margaret died on April 11, 1664. Shortly after, he married his second wife, Mary Britz, and they were together for 20 years until she passed away in 1684. Mary is buried in the Old Burying Point Cemetery in Salem.
Trouble in Salem
In 1675, Giles was arrested and tried for beating his farm hand, Jacob Goodale, to death with a stick. Elisha Kebee, who saw it, said the stick was about an inch in diameter, and Giles hit Jacob about a hundred times. Ten days later, Giles went to Zachariah Goodale’s house and told him his brother Jacob had fallen. Giles said he feared Jacob had broken his arm and asked Zachariah to take his brother to Mrs. Mole’s in town. Jacob died a few days later. Giles was only fined for contributing to Jacob’s death.
A New Wife
On April 27, 1690, Giles married his third wife, Martha Rich, and they had a son together. Martha was accepted into the church of Salem as a full communing member in April. She described herself as a “Gospel Woman.” Giles would become a full member of the Salem Town church in 1691. Together, they attended church in Salem Village with Rev. Parris as their preacher.
Hysteria in Salem
The first round of witchcraft arrests in Salem Village occurred on February 29, 1692, with the first examination on March 1. Martha thought the allegations were foolish, but Giles seemed amused by them. When Giles expressed interest in attending the examination, she tried to stop him by pulling the saddle off his horse. Against his wife’s wishes, he attended the first examination.
A Gospel Woman Accused.
On March 12, 1692, the afflicted girls accused the first church member. Martha was arrested on March 21st and brought in for examination. At first, Giles thought his wife could have caused all the strange things happening at home, but later denied the allegations against her. His defense of Martha set him against the tide of hysteria, marking him as a target for accusation.
Accusations and Arrest of Giles
On April 18, a complaint was filed against Giles after his neighbors Benjamin Gould and Mary Wolcott said they saw his specter. He was arrested the following day and brought in for examination. On September 9, Giles was brought in to be arraigned on charges of practicing Witchcraft.
Standing Mute
When the court requested that Giles enter his plea, Giles stood “Mute” and refused to speak. He had stated his innocence during his Examination in April and knew if he entered a plea of innocence, he would be convicted, and all his possessions would be seized.
Strong and Hard Punishment
English Law had only one response for someone who refused to enter a plea in court. That law was Peine Forte et dure, French, for strong and hard punishment. This law stated that the prisoner should be remanded to the prison from whence he came and put into a low dark chamber, and there be laid on his back on the floor, naked, unless when decency forbids; that there be placed upon his body as great a weight as he could bear and more, that he hath no sustenance, save only on the first day, three morsels of the worst bread, and on the second day three draughts of standing water, and in this situation, this should be his daily diet till he pleads or dies.
A Heavy Weight to Bear
Giles was placed in a field by the old Salem Jail. With soft earth beneath him, a board was placed on top of his naked body, and stones were stacked on top. According to legends, before Giles took his last breath, Shariff George Corwin asked him to enter his plea. He responded by cursing the Sharif and the Town of Salem, then said, “more weight.”
Samuel Sewall wrote in his diary on Monday, September 19, 1692, “At about noon at Salem, Giles Corey was pressed to death for standing mute; much pain was used with him two days, one after another, by the court and captain Gardner of Nantucket who had been of his acquaintance, but all in vain.”
Remembering Giles Corey
Today, Giles Corey is remembered not only for his tragic death but also for his courage in the face of injustice. Visitors can pay their respects to Giles Corey by visiting the Salem Witch Trial Memorial at 24 Liberty Street. There is also a memorial at Crystal Lake in West Peabody, part of the land he owned before he died in 1692.
Further Resources
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The 1692 Salem Tour: A Walk Through History
Our 1692 Salem Tour allows visitors to step back in time and explore the memorials and landmarks that define the Salem Witch Trials legacy. Discover the stories of the twenty executed victims and uncover the tales of other notable figures who played pivotal roles in the trials. Explore Salem with a historian who will lead you through the cobblestone streets, providing insights into the events of 1692 that are seldom considered and discussed. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to connect with history in the very place where it happened.
