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William Barker Sr.: The Salem Witch Trials

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In Massachusetts during 1692, Salem Village underwent a time of grief, trial, death, and Witchcraft. The chaos in Salem Village began when young girls would have what they called “fits” and they would scream vey vulgarly and fall onto the ground and shake uncontrollably (Magoon 6). These fits frightened the surrounding people and the Doctors of Salem couldn't find a diagnosis. After studying and trying to understand the illness they had, the people of Salem came to the conclusion that these girls were possessed by the Devil (Magoon 7). The result would lead to one of the most recognized events in American History, the Salem Witch Trials. For some citizens who lived in Salem these trials would bring life or death situations, “Authorities arrested …show more content…

was born in Andover, Massachusetts and was one of those accused of Witchcraft in 1692, however Barker wasn't executed like the majority of the ones inflicted. William Sr. was a town man and was known for his hard work. Although he worked hard to provide for his family, he seemed to always be in debt and owe something to someone. William said “he had a greate family the world went hard w'th him & was willing to pay Every Man his owne” (Salem Witch Trials). William had several jobs to his name, he was known as a fence viewer, and pound keeper. William had a total of 12 children and was married to Mary Dix (“Zrust Genealogy: Information”). Although William seemed like the perfect family man, he had his faults. William was accused of Witchcraft and was arrested and examined in Salem …show more content…

William begged magistrates for forgiveness and their condolences that he was in fact, innocent. Even though William did the accusations he was being convicted for he prayed for forgiveness and sympathy from the girls he afflicted (Salem Witch Trials). William tells magistrates that he “promises to renounce the devil and all his works” (“Zrust Genealogy: Information”). William later escaped the convictions and resumed to his life in Andover and then died peacefully in

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