A great article. Very interesting. I knew of my 8th and 9th great grandmothers (the Sarahs) involvement in the witch trials but your article made it all the more human.
Another fascinating post, Toni!. Well done. I was fascinated looking at homes Margaret lived in - and how they are still standing. Interesting history, too, on the Andover Preservation web site.
After 44 years of living in Andover, my wife just found out that; her fifth great grandmother's sister was accused of whitchcraft in Andover and imprisoned for 15 weeks. Also it appears that her husband was accused of witchcraft but never imprisoned (?) which needs to be verified. Imprisoned was Eunice (Potter) Frye
Wonderful post, Toni! I've long been fascinated with Arden, the Dove (later the Wood Estate and wondered about the history of the Gardner's Cottage. Fascinating to learn so much!
Great work bringing attention to the often-overlooked Andover side of the events! I’m afraid you omitted the other person convicted and executed on 22 Sep 1692, Mary Ayer Parker (my ancestor). For a great look at the Andover in the Essex witch hunts: “In the Shadow of Salem” by Richard Hite.
Jul 16, 2021Liked by Elaine Clements, Toni Armstrong
Martha (Allen) Carrier was in Andover in 1690. Her husband Thomas was reputed to have beheaded King Charles and had to flee after the Restoration.....Her brother in-law, James Holt died of small pox on December 30, 1690. He was married to Martha's sister Hannah. James Holt (2) and his wife also lost a infant son James who died December 13, 1690. Widow Hannah lived until September 30, 1698. Her son Timothy Holt (3) built the house now standing at the end of Prospect Street. It was built in 1714... Martha's other sister, Sarah, was married to Samuel Holt (2) and they lived on the east side of the "Stoney Plaine" on what was the "Way to John Fries Farme," now Holt Road..Just sayin'.
Jul 15, 2021Liked by Elaine Clements, Toni Armstrong
I'm directly related to Ann Alcock Foster (accused - 9th Great GM) & Samuel Preston (an accuser - 8th Great GF). Interestingly, I was born in Wisconsin and never thought that I ever had family in Mass. I've lived in Andover for 10 years now and found out 2 years ago that we coincidentally live on the exact land where Samuel Preston's wife, Susannah Gutterson (8th Great GM) , was raised. Crazy coincidence.
Jul 14, 2021Liked by Elaine Clements, Toni Armstrong
I’m a Barker and had family members accused and others who did the accusing. By extension, I’m related to the Danes who were instrumental in defending the accused and putting a stop to it. I’d love to learn more about the Danes and Barkers involved!—Deana Barker
She says: “[I] earnestly beg forgiveness of God.” How does the author interpret this as her NOT seeking forgiveness from God?
A great article. Very interesting. I knew of my 8th and 9th great grandmothers (the Sarahs) involvement in the witch trials but your article made it all the more human.
Another fascinating post, Toni!. Well done. I was fascinated looking at homes Margaret lived in - and how they are still standing. Interesting history, too, on the Andover Preservation web site.
After 44 years of living in Andover, my wife just found out that; her fifth great grandmother's sister was accused of whitchcraft in Andover and imprisoned for 15 weeks. Also it appears that her husband was accused of witchcraft but never imprisoned (?) which needs to be verified. Imprisoned was Eunice (Potter) Frye
Wonderful post, Toni! I've long been fascinated with Arden, the Dove (later the Wood Estate and wondered about the history of the Gardner's Cottage. Fascinating to learn so much!
Well done, Toni!
Tom Adams
Sarah Lord Wilson is my 9th great grandmother, and Sarah Jr is my 8th great grandmother.
Lovely sccrapbook! Thanks for sharing it Toni. Have you seen the glass flowers exhibit at the Harvard Museum of Natural History? You'd love it!
Very cool stuff here!
Another terrific column, Toni. well done indeed!
Tom Adams
Excellent article. Jealousy (and greed) fueled a lot of this hysteria.
Great work bringing attention to the often-overlooked Andover side of the events! I’m afraid you omitted the other person convicted and executed on 22 Sep 1692, Mary Ayer Parker (my ancestor). For a great look at the Andover in the Essex witch hunts: “In the Shadow of Salem” by Richard Hite.
This is an eye opening piece that spreads light on an otherwise little known part of our towns history, Great Job!!!
Martha (Allen) Carrier was in Andover in 1690. Her husband Thomas was reputed to have beheaded King Charles and had to flee after the Restoration.....Her brother in-law, James Holt died of small pox on December 30, 1690. He was married to Martha's sister Hannah. James Holt (2) and his wife also lost a infant son James who died December 13, 1690. Widow Hannah lived until September 30, 1698. Her son Timothy Holt (3) built the house now standing at the end of Prospect Street. It was built in 1714... Martha's other sister, Sarah, was married to Samuel Holt (2) and they lived on the east side of the "Stoney Plaine" on what was the "Way to John Fries Farme," now Holt Road..Just sayin'.
Excellent piece!
I'm directly related to Ann Alcock Foster (accused - 9th Great GM) & Samuel Preston (an accuser - 8th Great GF). Interestingly, I was born in Wisconsin and never thought that I ever had family in Mass. I've lived in Andover for 10 years now and found out 2 years ago that we coincidentally live on the exact land where Samuel Preston's wife, Susannah Gutterson (8th Great GM) , was raised. Crazy coincidence.
I’m a Barker and had family members accused and others who did the accusing. By extension, I’m related to the Danes who were instrumental in defending the accused and putting a stop to it. I’d love to learn more about the Danes and Barkers involved!—Deana Barker