The TRUTH is scarier than the LEGENDS!
Susannah Martin and the Salem Witch Trials: History Revisited
During the 1692 Salem Witch Trials, over 200 people were accused, and 20 were convicted and executed on the charge of practicing witchcraft. Among those accused was Susannah Martin, whose story shows us much about life in the 17th century. Born in England and immigrating to Massachusetts, Susannah’s life changed when she was accused of being a witch. Her journey from an early settler to a person marked by suspicion tells a profound story of struggle and the impact of rumors in a small community.
From England to Massachusetts
Susannah was born in England to Joan and Richard North in 1621. After losing her mother, her father remarried and moved his family to Salisbury, Massachusetts, in 1639 when she was 18. At 25, she married George Martin, a blacksmith, and settled in what would later become Amesbury. George was granted forty acres of land in 1658.
The Shadow of Accusation
Settled into their new life and home in Amesbury offered them stability and happiness. However, a few years later, in the early 1660s, their happy life would be interrupted when Susannah faced her first accusation of witchcraft. The charges were initially dismissed, but the accusation would follow her for the rest of her life. In 1669, the allegations resurfaced, leading to a legal battle against William Sargent Jr. for slander, highlighting the precarious existence led by those accused of witchcraft in a society where personal vendettas could ignite lethal suspicions.
The strength of a widow
Susannah was described as a sharp-tonged and strong-willed woman. Losing her husband, her most fierce defender, in 1686, she was now a widow. After almost 30 years of accusations of being a witch, Susannah was no stranger to defending herself in court. On May 2, 1692, she faced her final accusation of witchcraft at the age of 71.
The Salem Witch Trials
On April 30, 1692, Johnathan Walcott and Thomas Putnam filed a complaint against Susannah for tormenting Mary Walcott, Mercy Lewis, Abigail Williams, Ann Putnam Jr., Elizabeth Hubbard, and Susanna Sheldon. Susannah was arrested and brought into court on May 2, 1692. Despite the lack of concrete evidence and her vehement denials, the afflicted girl’s dramatic testimonies swayed the court, and Susannah was found guilty and sentenced to death. On July 19, 1692, Susannah Martin was hanged at Proctor’s Ledge.
Remembering Susannah Martin
Today, the legacy of Susannah Martin and her fellow accused witches is memorialized at Proctor’s Ledge and the Salem Witch Trials Memorial. These sites serve not only as places of remembrance but also as stark reminders of the consequences of unchecked hysteria and injustice. Her life story from England to her tragic end at the gallows in Salem underscores the human dimension of historical events often overshadowed by their mythologized narratives. Her resilience in the face of unfounded accusations and her fate invites us to reflect on the past with empathy, understanding, and a critical eye. As we walk the streets of Salem and visit the memorials dedicated to the victims, we are reminded of the importance of historical memory and the need for vigilance in safeguarding against the repetition of such injustices.
Learn more about Susannah Martin.
To hear the transcript of her court case, check out the video below. To read the court record related to Susannah Martin, click here.
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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.
