Reverend samuel paris biography of william
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The chief witnesses were the accusing girls, as they were called. He managed a sugar plantation in Barbados, but when it failed, he decided to change careers and become a Minister, without the benefit of credentials. In February of 1692, Betty Parris began having "fits" that the doctor could not explain. The Salem Witch Trials: A Reference Guide. Cotton Mather’s Relation to Salem Witchcraft. University of Chicago, 1922.
About Rebecca Beatrice Brooks
Rebecca Beatrice Brooks is the author and publisher of the History of Massachusetts Blog.
Greenwood Press, 2007.
Starbuck, Anward. Yet we are in duty bound, to protest against such actions, as being indeed a going to the Devil, for help against Devil, we having no such directions from nature, or Gods word, it must therefore be, & is, accounted by godly protestants, who write or speak of such matters as diabolical, & therefore calls this our sister to deep humiliation for what she has done, & all of us to be watchful against Satans wiles & devices.
Parris appears to have been frequently at the examinations of those accused of witchcraft, and put questions to those on trial. A general vote passed: no exception made. Sister Sibley, If you are convinced that you herein did sinfully, & are sorry for it: Let us hear it from your own mouth. March. Although Samuel Parris didn’t want his daughter to be involved in the witch trials, he himself was involved.
According to court records, Samuel Parris testified against nine people: Tituba, John Willard, Martha Corey, Susannah Martin, Rebecca Nurse, Martha Carrier, John Proctor, Elizabeth Proctor, and Sarah Cloyce.
He also acted as a recorder to the magistrates more frequently than others. It is in this way Mr. Parris’ name, as well as his neighbors, frequently appear in the court documents. This confession sparked a mass hysteria and started a massive witch hunt in the colony.
Many historians believe that the Putnam family, particularly Thomas Putnam, took advantage of this mass hysteria by accusing people they disapproved of or wanted revenge against.
But by this means (it seems) the Devil hath been raised amongst us, & his Rage is vehement & terrible, & when he shall be silenced the Lord only knows. She is a member of the American Historical Association, Historic Salem Inc, the Danvers Historical Society, the Salisbury Historical Society and she volunteers for the National Archives and the Massachusetts Historical Society transcribing historical documents.
1691-2 committed to Prison for that Fact, & was condemned to the Gallows for the same yesterday : And was this day in Publick by a general consent voted to be excommunicated out of the Church; & Lft. Nathanael Putnam, & the 2 Deacons chosen to signify to her, with the Pastor the mind of the Church herein. 1690. Historical marker on site.
Sources:
Hanson, John Wesley.
In fact, her actions got worse. Nevertheless, I do truly hope, & believe, that this our sister doth truly fear the Lord, & am well satisfied from her, that what she did, she did it ignorantly, from what she had heard of this nature from other ignorant, or worse persons. When sanity was eventually restored to the community, Rev. Parris was dismissed from the Salem church (1697) and subsequently moved on to Stow and then Concord, MA.
Reverend Parris eventually found his way here and as early as October 1, 1708, he was preaching in the Dunstable Meeting House, where he continued his duties until the Winter 1711 or Spring of 1712.
These being given in and related by children, and young persons, the Court required an endorsement from some older persons, who witnessed their supposed afflictions, and could attest to their depositions.