|
During the witch trials in Salem, one victim of the Salem witch hunt was not hanged, but rather pressed under
heavy stones until his death. Such was the fate of Giles
Corey who, after spending five months in chains in a Salem jail with his
also accused wife, had nothing but contempt for the proceedings. Seeing
the futility of a trial and hoping that by avoiding a conviction his farm,
that would otherwise go the state, might go to his two sons-in-law, Corey
refused to stand for trial. The penalty for such a refusal was being
pressed with rocks. Three days after Corey's death, on September 22, 1692,
eight more convicted witches, including Giles' wife Martha, were hanged.
They were the last victims of the witch hunt. |
