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Honor Among “Witches” – John Willard – Legends of America. Accusing a wizard. John Willard was one of the first to speak out against the Salem witchcraft madness, which would cost him his life. Little is known of John’s early life, but he grew up in Lancaster before making his way to Groton, Massachusetts.
The “Witches” of Salem, Massachusetts. The Magistrates, Ministers, Jewries, and all the People in general, being so much enraged and incensed against us by the Delusion of the Devil, which we can term no other, by reason we know in our own Consciences, we are all Innocent Persons. — John Proctor, written on July 23, 1692, while he was ...
June 3, 1692 – A grand jury indicted John Willard and Rebecca Nurse for witchcraft. Abigail Williams testified on this day for the last time; after that, she disappeared from all records. June 6, 1692 – Ann Dolliver was arrested and examined for witchcraft by Magistrates Gedney, Hathorne, and Corwin.
George Jacobs, Sr. was hanged on August 19, 1692, along with the Reverend George Burroughs, John Proctor, and John Willard. This was the first time men were executed as witches in Salem. In the meantime, Sheriff George Corwin confiscated much of his property right up to the food in the pantry, forcing Mary Jacobs to buy back her own provisions.
John Willard (1657–1692) – A deputy constable at the time the witch hysteria erupted in 1692; John Willard would become one of the first to speak out against the madness, saying that the only “witches” were those who were afflicted.
On August 19, 1692, John Proctor was hanged on Gallows Hill in Salem, along with George Burroughs, George Jacobs Sr., John Willard, and Martha Carrier. John pleaded at his execution for a little respite of time, claiming he was not fit to die.
However, Ann, Sr. would accuse Martha Corey, Rebecca Towne Nurse, Bridget Playfer Bishop, and John Willard, who would all be executed for witchcraft. She would also testify against Sarah Towne Cloyce , William Hobbs, and Elizabeth Walker Cary .
