Witch trials in Connecticut

Introduction

The Connecticut Witch Trials occurred between 1647 to 1697 and were the first witch trials to occur in America. predating the Salem Witch trials of 1693, John M. Taylor lists a total of 37 total cases, 11 that resulted in executions.. During the Connecticut trials the grounds of accusation were refined by local leaders, reducing the amount of accusations for the next 30 years.

Brief history of Witch Trials

Giles Corey pressed to death with stones During the Salem Witch Trials. This was one of the many kinds of execution utilized during this time

Witch trials were the searches for "witches" or those practicing witchcraft. Witch hunts occurred throughout colonial North America and resulted in 1500 to 2000 recorded executions. During the 14th and 15th century the definition of a witch, from a religious perspective, developed to be a devotee of satanism, in return gaining supernaturals abilities.Generally the accused were of low social standing, majority of which were women. This is statistic changed in different part of the world; In Europe the majority of the accused were men. In certain situations, children were also accused of practicing witchcraft.

When witchcraft was believed involved, a complaint was entered against the accused with local judges, and evidence permitting, they were arrested and committed to a public trial.The evidence used in Witch trials was mostly Spectral evidence, defined as " evidence based on dreams and visions". This kind of evidence was not based on any physical action, rather it focused on the actions of the accused "Spirit". The majority of the accused were executed, either by being burnt a the stake, decapitated or hung. During the Connecticut With trials, the main form of execution was by hanging.

With hunts continued through out Europe and America until mid 17th century, though isolated incidents occurred after this point. This can be attributed to a strengthening of legal system linked to the trial and technological advancements.

First Accused

Alse Young

Alse Young was the first person executed for witchcraft in colonial America. on the 26th of may 1647, she was hung at Hartford. Alse Young's death was recorded in the journals of John Winthrop, the governor of Massachusetts bay, and Matthew Grant the town clerk of Windsor. There are no further records on Young's trial, or specification of the charges against her. Around the time of Young's trial, an influenza epidemic occurred throughout the New England area, including the town of Windsor.