This was sent to the Salem Witch list by Marilynne who wrote
"The Salem Witch Trials"
Begin forwarded message:
Date: Mon, 21 Jul 2003 08:03:27 -0600
From: Marilynne Roach <mkr12y(a)yahoo.com>
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Source: SALEM-WITCH-L(a)rootsweb.com
Subject: [SALEM-WITCH-L] Martha Carrier & History Detectives
Granted, the "History Detectives" segment on Martha
Carrier mainly showcased the technique of
dendrochronology, but the rest, as you said, ignored
the obvious means of research.
Widows had movable property confiscated to pay court
costs and jail bills, but a married woman's husband
owned just about everything. The best source on the
confiscations is David C. Brown's article "The
Forfeitures at Salem, 1692" in the "William & Mary
Quarterly" 3rd series, 50(1993):85-111.
Accusers did NOT get the "witch"'s property and the
law did not take either land or houses. George Jacobs,
Sr. was condemned and executed. His son,
daughter-in-law, and granddaughter were all accused.
The sheriff confiscated crops and household goods and
even the widow's wedding ring, but the farm and house
remained in the Jacobs family until the 1930s.
Marilynne K. Roach
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