How Did Martha Corey Accused

In 1692, in Salem Massachusetts, accusations of witchcraft caused fear and confusion throughout the town. Neighbors were accusing neighbors and everybody feared that they would be the next to be accused. In late February, Elizabeth Parris and Abigail Williams had accused Tituba, Sarah Good, and Sarah Osborne. These three were seen as misfits in the society by many and none of the three were members of the church. On March 11, 1692, under the pressure of Reverend Samuel Parris, the girls accused Goodwife Martha Corey, a god-loving midwife who never would have been taking part in any type of witchcraft. “The community was surprised to see Martha accused, as she was known for her piety and dedicated church attendance” (Find A Grave). Citizens

About twenty years earlier, Martha gave birth to an illegitimate son named Benoni who was thought to be mulatto and was living proof of Corey's indiscriminate past. The people of the church believed that if she was not discriminate towards race, she may also not be discriminate towards the religion that she practices. Since Benoni lived with Martha and her husband, Giles, town members were completely aware of her situation. This is a likely reason as to why she was accused. After being accused, Martha made a strenuous effort to dismiss the rumors that she was a witch, and used her religious passion as proof that she could never support nor believe in the devil. In turn, the people of Salem found other evidence to accuse Martha of

When asked by Judge Hathorne to confess to her crimes, Corey said that if she was guilty, she would admit it. She continued to say that she was an innocent woman throughout the entirety of the trials. No matter what she said on the stand, Corey realized the uselessness of her efforts and, like the other accused witches, was involved in a battle against the dramatic performances of the afflicted, and determined, young women. “In the courtroom Martha's accusers writhed in agony as they were forced by an unseen power to mimic the witch's every movement. When Martha shifted her feet the girls did also, when Martha bit her lip the girls were compelled to bit their own lips, crying out in pain” (Find a Grave). It was truly her word against the testimonies of others. Martha's sense of desperation was evident throughout the trial. On September 22 of the same year, Martha Corey was hung to death in Salem. She was one of nineteen men and women killed during the witchcraft