Beyond A Reasonable Doubt?

An ancestor of mine, Benjamin Cooley, came to Springfield, Massachusetts, about 1643.  He was popular with his neighbors, and they chose him one of the selectmen for the community.

On March 4, 1650, Joshua Parsons, infant son of Hugh and Mary Parsons, neighbors of Benjamin, died.  The cause of death was a respiratory illness, possibly croup. His father, Hugh, a brick maker and chimney specialist, was charged with causing the death of Joshua by witchcraft, for the purpose of having his wife available to help with the corn harvest.

Hugh asked Benjamin Cooley to testify on his behalf, particularly that when he had informed Benjamin of his son's death, he had been quite upset and weeping.

Unfortunately for Hugh, Benjamin testified that he could not remember any sorrow, that instead Hugh had been smoking a pipe of tobacco at the time.  He further stated that Hugh's wife, Mary, had suspected her husband of being a witch, although she had been unable to find any direct evidence, having once searched him when he was asleep.

Other evidence against Hugh Parsons included statements that he had made that he would "be even" with anyone who did him wrong; that things he sold to others did not do well; that he sometimes talked strangely in this sleep; and that his wife often heard loud noises when Hugh was away from home.

Hugh and Mary Parsons were both found guilty of witchcraft and sentenced to prison.  Hugh's property was sold.  Eventually, Hugh was released, but Mary apparently died while still incarcerated.

Of course, in the 17th century, the cause of many illnesses was unknown.  It seems that persons could be suspected of witchcraft if they prospered over their neighbors, or if they weren't sociable. Another mark against poor Hugh was that he seldom attended local meetings or lectures, to the unhappiness of his wife, who was also kept from these social events.

So beware.  Be on good terms with your neighbors.  Help them prosper along with yourself.  Above all, give your wife no reason for suspicions about your conduct.