Do we have any unaccounted for John Willards in the genealogy? No.
Major Simon-1 Willard had one son named "John" who was born in 1657.
But he was busy getting married and siring children starting in 1698 —
long after John Willard, husbandman of Salem Village had been publicly
executed. And Simon would not have recycled the name when the original
recipient was still living.
Of Major Simon-1 Willard's grandchildren:
Josiah-2 Willard had a son John who was born
in 1672 (just barely in time to be considered). And there's no additional
data on him in the 1915 Willard Genealogy. But the editor of the
upcoming revision to the Josiah-2 Willard Supplement says there is evidence
that Josiah's John lived out his days in Connecticut.
Samuel-2 Willard had a son John who was born
in 1673 (again the right time period) at Groton (ta da!). But this can't
be our man as he left a record of activities post-dating the hysteria of
1692. Furthermore, the Rev. Samuel-2 Willard publicly criticized the trial
proceedings, and even went so far as to help one couple "jump bail", so
to speak, and escape. It is unlikely he would have allowed his son to go
to trial and not attend it himself, or to fail to enlist his powerful friends
on his son's behalf.
Simon-2 Willard had no sons named John. But
he's mentioned because he lived at Salem (Salem town, not Salem Village)
and as can be seen below, busied himself as one of the accusers of two
different individuals: one went to trial and was hung the same day John
Willard was, and the other was not brought to trial. (What must have Rev.
Samuel thought of his brother's testimony?)
Henry-2 Willard had one son named John, born
either in Groton or Lancaster (ta da!) but was too young. He was born in
1682.
Daniel-2 Willard had no sons named John, but
he was the keeper of the Boston jail possibly as early as 1693, and perhaps
also in 1692 when John Willard was incarcerated there.
Joseph-2 Willard, born in 1661, is a tad young
to have had a son young enough to be our man. He did have a son named John,
born in 1702.
George-1 Willard, brother to Simon-1 Willard, though we have no record
of him having a son named John, is a likely candidate for being the father
to this John Willard for the following reasons:
(1) We know so little of his whereabouts and his progeny there are
ample holes in which to fit a John Willard who lived in Salem Village in
1692.
(2) the youngest of the four known/suspected sons of George-1 Willard
was born in 1652 when George was about 38, leaving plenty of time for another
son to be born before his death in about 1656.
((3) being 1st cousin to "Henry Willard" and "Benjamin Willard" is
perhaps a sufficiently close relationship to explain the episode in Groton
and the receiving of shelter in Lancaster?
The following is from WFA Assistant Historian William L.
Willard, Sr.
Another Possibility:
There was a third Willard who came to America
in the 1630's. Jonathan Willard, then 16, came to America via the
West Indies aboard the William and John in 1635. He was the
Indentured servant to Thomas Price. Thomas Price and Jonathan Willard
both took the "Oath" at Saint Christophers. He is on the list of
residents at Salem in 1642.
Many Indentured Servants were people that agreed to work for someone
for a certain number of years in exchange for their passage to America,
usually four or five. If this was the case, Jonathan Willard would be living
in Salem as late as 1639 or 40 possibly longer.
There is no record of this Jonathan Willard after he reached America
except in the four Volume History of Boston "there Was a Jonathan
Willard who was a Harness Maker in Boston in 1665." Thomas Price was a
Harness maker. None of Simon's children or descendants could have been
this Jonathan.
I have yet to trace this Jonathan Willard in England. He departed
from "Lands End" and did not put a place of residence on his application
to take the Oath.
Since none of Major Simon's children or grandchildren fit the bill
to have been the Witch, I attribute John Willard, the Witch, as a son of
this Jonathan Willard. [Karen's Note: This Jonathan Willard would have
been born about 1619 (1635 minus 16) and could easily have finished his
apprenticeship (by 1641?) and had a son born by 1672 and thus old enough
to qualify being the man convicted of being a witch.]
Based on John Willard knowing Benjamin and Henry (2) is it possible
that this Jonathan was a relative to Simon and George?
Karen E. Willard continues the discussion:
Could this Jonathan have been a brother to Simon
and George Willard, or a nephew?
Richard Willard, the father of our Major Simon Willard and George Willard,
was buried at St. Margaret's Church, Horsmonden, Kent County, England on
20 February 1616/17. Joane, Richard's last wife and mother to our George
Willard, was buried there a few days later on 25 February 1616/17. We might
want to argue that Jonathan Willard's stated age of 16 when he boarded
the William and John is two or more years too old, and look for
him in the will of Richard Willard (pg. 53 of Willard Memoir; or Life
and Times of Major Simon Willard by Joseph Willard, 1858) to see if
he's mentioned.
"Joan my wyfe" is named, as is her son by
her earlier marriage, "ffranncs Morebread," who wasn't yet 21 at the time
the will was drawn up. We read of the legacy left to "George Willard my
sonne", and Richard's "fower daughters namely Mary Elizabeth Margery &
Catherine." There's also "Richard Wyllard my sonne." "Thomas Bolde of Horsmonden
aforesayd housboundman my kindesman" was given rights in Richard's lands
called "Weestbines". Richard mentions "Thomas Willarde my late Brother,"
and "Thomas Humferie my Brother in Lawe," along with "John Tyboull of Marden
in the said countie my Sonne in Lawe." There's also "Roberte Goure of Stapelhurste
in the said Countie yeoman my brother in Lawe."
The bulk of the estate went to "Symon Willard
my sonne... when he shall come to his full age of two & twentie yeres."
If Symon "shall decease without heire or heires of his boddy lawfully begotten"
then it should go to "George Willard my sonne". Some mesuage & lands
was to go to "my sayd sonne Richard Willard." The executor [John Tyboull]
was to place Symon "with some honeste man wher he may learne some good
trade wherby he may geet pte of his lyveinge & to allowe him that shalbe
his master some porcon that he maye be the better instructede." The will
was signed "viiij Martij 1616". There's no mention of a Jonathan. [Aside:
Richard the son was 8 years older than Simon. There might have been property
not named in the will which automatically would have gone to Richard Jr
as oldest surviving son.]
Looking at the Willards mentioned in the parish
registers of Horsmonden as listed on pages 39-41 in the Willard Memoir,
[we dearly need a transcription of the actual records rather than this
3rd hand list — any volunteers?] — for the baptisms one finds no Jonathans;
in the list of marriages there are no Jonathans. [One does find Richard's
brother Thomas marrying Alice Aleworth on "1608, 20 Sept."] In the list
of burials we have no Jonathans. In fact, the earliest appearance of the
given name "Jonathan" in the Willard Memoir is with Simon's son
who was born in 1669 at Lancaster, modern Worcester county, modern Massachusetts.
So we're still left with tantalizing clues as to how Jonathan Willard (emigrated 1635) connects to the American family, and equally tantalizing clues as to how John Willard the convicted witch of Salem might connect in.
Here's what has been gleaned from the records surrounding the witch
hysteria of 1692:
John Willard married Margarett Wilkins, daughter of Henry Wilkins Sr, and granddaughter of Bray Wilkins, before 1692.1 Perhaps circa 1690 John Willard and Margarett Wilkins resided at Groton, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts Bay Colony. Groton is about 33 miles west of Salem Village.2 He and Margarett were living on a farm in 1692 just outside the limits of the village between Pout Brook and Beachy Brook and west of the Ipswich R, Salem Village (modern Danvers), Essex Co., Massachusetts Bay Colong.3 Their residence has been marked on the Upham map of 1692 Salem Village. Margarett's family home can be seen on that same map just a little ways away.
20 January 1692: 9 year old Elizabeth Parris, daughter of the minister of Salem, and 11 year old Abigail Williams began to exhibit strange behavior... Within a short time, several other Salem girls began to demonstrate similar behavior.4
1 March 1692: The first of the arrests begin, with the examination of Tituba, Sarah Good, and Sarah Osbourne. More follow on March 12, March 19, March 24, March 28.5
John Willard had been imployed to fetch in several that were accused; but taking dissatisfaction from his being sent, to fetch up some that he had better thoughts of, he declined the Service, and presently after he himself was accused of the same Crime, and that with such vehemency, that they sent after him to apprehend him; he had made his Escape as far as Nashawag, [the old name for Lancaster] about 40 Miles from Salem; yet 'tis said those Accusers did then presently tell the exact time, saying, now Willard is taken.6
[On May 14 Daniel Wilkins was stricken. This Daniel Wilkins may have
been Margarett's brother. The interpretation of what happened was included
in the John Willard arrest report delivered by George Herrick, Marshal]:
"I have an accompt from thees whoos names are under written that on the
14th day of Instant May Daniell Wilkins about tenn of the clock in the
morning was taken speechless and never spoak untell the 16th day in the
intervale of time wee often Endeavoured to make him take something in A
spoon but what hee took in which was but little hee spitt it out in our
faces with that wee sent to the french Doctor but hee sent word againe
that it was not a naturall Cause but absolutly witchcraft to his Judgment
that same day two of the afflicted persons came up to vissett to Daniell
Wilkins the last night beeing the 16th day Marcy Lewis and Mary Walkott
beeing their both did see the said John Willard and Goodwife Buckly upon
the said Daniell Wilkins and said that they would Kill him and in three
hours after the said Daniell Departed this life in a Most dolful and solome
Condition therefore wee humbley begg of Yo'r Honnors to Dispach A Returne
for Examination to prevent any farther murther in the afflicted creatours
who continue in a lemetable Condition and so wee Remaine yo'r Hon'rs most
humble servants." G. Herrick
This breeiffe accompt was taken from Benj
Wilkins by the consent of wee whoos names are under written and sent by
me Ezekiell Cheever, Geo. Herrick Marshall, Joseph Neale Coss'tt, John
Putnam Coss'tt, Jonathan Putnam Constable, Nathaniel Putnam, John Putnam
Sen, Jonathan Walcott, Thomas Flint, Edward Putnam, John Buxton, Thomas
Putnam. Mr. pariss is gon to Salem.8
He was accused of causing the death of Daniel Wilkins
on 16 May 1692 Salem Village (modern Danvers), (modern Essex Co.), Massachusetts
Bay Colony, through witchcraft.9
(a lot of the accusations from the "afflicted" have been left out and
only accusations unique to John Willard and the Wilkins family is presented)
[COURT] ...Here is a returne of the warrant that you were fled from
Authority. That is acknowledgment of guilt, but yet notwithstanding this
we require you to confesse the truth in this matter.
[JW] I shall, as I hope, I shall be assisted by the Lord of Heaven, & for my going away I was affrighted & I thought by my withdrawing it might be better. I fear not but the Lord in his due time will make me as white as snow.
[COURT] ...Ben. Wilkins testifyed for all his natural affections he abused his wife much & broke sticks about her in beating of her. You had need to boast of your good affections.
[JW] There are a great many lyes told, I could desire my wife might be called.
[COURT] Peter Prescot testifyed that he with his own mouth told him of beating his wife... You cryed up your tender affections and here round about they testify your cruelty to man & beast, & by your flight you have given great advantage to the Law, things will bear hard upon you, if you can therefore find in your heart to repent it is possible you may obtain mercy & therefore bethink yourself.
[JW] Sir I cannot confess that I do not know.11
(Lydia Nichols and Margaret Knight v. John Willard)
The deposition of Ledia Nichols aged 46 yeares and of Margaret Knight aged 20 yeares who testefy and say. that the wife of John Willard being at her fathers house, [that's where she was when she told this story to Lydia & Margaret. Are they perhaps her sisters?] when the say Willard lived at Groton. she made a lamentable complaynt. how cruelly her husband had beaten her: she thought her selfe that she should never recover of the blows he had given her: the next morninge he was got into a litle hole under the stayres and then she thought some things extra ordinary had befallen him then he ran out at the dore and ran up a steep hill. almost impossible for any man to run up: as she sayde then she tooke her mare and rid away/fearing some evil had been intended agaynst her and when she came to the house of Henery or Benhamin Willard she told how it was with her and the sayd Henery Willard, or both went to looke after him and met him runninge in a strange destracted.12
(Henry Wilkins Sr v. John Willard)
The Deposition of Henery Wilkins sen aged 41 yeares who testifieth and sayth that upon the third of may last John Willard came to my house: and very earnestly entreated me to go with him to Boston which I at length consented to go with him. my Son Daniel comeinge and understanding I was goinge with him to boston, and seemed to be much troubled that I would go with the sayd willard: and he sayd he thought it were wel if the sayd willard were hanged: which made me admire for I never heard such an expression come from him to any one beeinge since he came to yeares of discretion but after I was gone in a few days he was taken sicke: and grew every day worse & worse where upon we made aplication to a phisitian who affirmed his sickness was by some preter natural cause & would make no application of any phisicke some tymes after this our neighbours comeing to visit my son Mercy Lewis came with them and affirmed that she saw the apperition of John Willard aflecting him... then my eldest daughter was taken in a sad manner & the sayd Ann saw the sayd Willard aflecting her... and this not but a litle tyme before his death.13
(Bray Wilkins v. John Willard)
The Deposition of Bray Wilkins of Salem Village aged about eighty & one years with reference to John Willard of said Salem, lately charged with Witchcraft when he was at first complained of by the afflicted persons for afflicting of them he came to my house greatly troubled, desiring me with some other Neighbours to pray for him. I told him I was then going from home, & could not stay, but if I could come home before night I should not be unwilling, but it was near night before I came home & so I did not answere his desire, but I heard no more of him upon that account. Whither my not answering his desire did not offend him, I cannot tell, but I was jealous afterwards that it did. a little after my wife & I went to Boston at the last Election, when I was as well in health as in many yeares before, & the Election day coming to my brother Lft. richard Way's house, at noon there were many friends to dine there, they were sat down at the Table, Mr Lawson & his wife & severall more, John Willard came into the house with my sone Henry Wilkins before I sat down, & said Willard to my apprehension lookt after such a sort upon me as I never before discerned in any. I did but step into the next room, & I was presently taken in a strange condition, so that I could not dine, nor eat any thing, I cannot express the misery I was in for my water was sodainly stopt, & I had no benefit of nature, but was like a man on a Rack, & I told my wife immediately that I was afraid tha Willard had done me wrong, my pain continuing & finding no relief my jealousi continued: Mr. Lawson, & others there, were all amazed, & knew not what to do for me: there was a Woman accounted skilfull came hoping to help me, & after she had used means, she askt me whither none of those evil persons had done me damage. I said, I could not say they had, but I was sore afraid they had, she answered she did fear so too, as near as I remember. I lay in this case 3 or 4 dayes at Boston, & afterwards with the jeopardy of my life (as I thought) I came home, & then some of my friends coming to see me (& at this time John Willard was run away) one of the afflicted persons came in with them, & they askt whither she saw any thing: she said yes, they are looking for John Willard but there he is upon his grandfathers Belly (& at that time I was in grevious pain in the small of my Belly) I continued so in greivous pain & my water much stopt till said Willard was in chains, & then as near as I can guess I had considerable ease, but on the other hand in the room of a stoppage, I was vexed with a flowing of water, so that it was hard to keep my self dry. On the 5 July last talking with some friends about John Willard some pleading his innocency & my self & some others arguing the contrary, within about 1/4 of an hour after that I had said it was not I, nor my son Benja. Wilkins, but the testimony of the afflicted persons, & the jury concerning the Murder of my Grandson Dan. Wilkins that would take away his life if any thing did, & within about 1/4 hour after this was taken in the sorest distress & miser my water being turned into real blood, or of a bloody colour & the old pain returned excessively as before which continued for about 24 hours together.14
(Benjamin Wilkins, John Wilkins, and Nathaniel Richardson v. John Willard)
The deposition of Benjamin Wilkins aged 36 years and John Wilkins aged 26 years these deponents testifieth and say that Lidia Wilkins wiffe of John Wilkins was well delivered with child, and was well the next day after but the 2 day after shee was deleivered shee was taken with a violent feaver and flux as we supposed had in a litle time the flux abated but the feaver continued till she died which was about four dayes. Nathaniel Richardson tells of a Nashway man that speakes of a profound sleep that Willard was in.15
The Deposistion of Samuell Wilknes aged about 19 years who testifieth and saith that sence Jno: willard has ben in prizson I have been afflected in a strange kind of maner for about the later end of June or begining of July as I was a weaveing the yarn broak exceeding fast: and as. I was a tying a thread I had a stroak on my hand like a knife the blood being almost Redy to com out and I was also pinched several times by an unseen hand: also Riding to marblehead Just as I came to forrist River Bridge I was immediatly seazed with a violent wait on my back and I saw a black. hate: and was immediatly pulled ofe my horse or mare and almost pulled into the Rivere: but holding fast at last I gott up againe: awhile after as I was once in the woods and agoeing hom & a little boy with me. I thought I must run: and I said: to the boy let us Run: and as soon as I Ran there was a black hate Run a long by me: a while affter one morning about an hour by sun I was afflected and I saw John willard or his Apperance with a darke collored coot and a black hate very like that hate which I formerly saw: a litle while affter this one night as soon as I was a bed John willard whom I very well knew or his Appearance came in to the Room where I was a bed: and another man and woman along with him which I did not know and they tould me they would cary me away before morning.17
(Rebecca Wilkins v. John Willard)
The testomony of Rebeckah wilkins aged ninteen years Doe testifie that 29'th July at night shee se John wilard seting in the Corner and hee said that hee wold afflick me that night and forthwith hee did afflick me and the nax day I ded se him afflick me soer by Choaking & Polling me ear into Peases the nex day being the Lords day I being Going to meting I se John wilard and hee afflickted me very soer.18
[The trial of George Burroughs was held at the Court of Oyer and Terminer
in Salem. He was accused by 5 or 6 "afflicted" of causing misery to them;
8 of the confessing witches said he was the Head Actor; 9 accused him of
extraordinary Lifting and such feats of strength as could not be done with
the devil's assistance; miscellanous accusations totally in all about 30.
Simon was one of the 9 who accused the Reverend George Burroughs of being
supernaturally strong and gave the following testimony:]
John Willard's relative (a 1st cousin if John's father was George-1 Willard), who lived in Salem Town, testifies against a former Salem Village minister, while John is in Jail in Boston:
(Simon Willard and William Wormall v. George Burroughs)
The: Deposition of Simon Willard aged:about forty two years sayth:
I being att the house of Mr Robt Lawrance: at falmoth in Casco Bay:
in Septemb'r 1689 s'd Mr Lawrance was commending Mr George Borroughs his
strength: saying that we none of us could doe what he could doe: for s'd
he Mr Borroughs can hold out this gun with one hand Mr. Borroughs being
there: sayd I held my hand here behind the lock: and took it up: and held
it out. I s'd deponant saw Mr Borroughs:put his hand on the gun: to show
us: how he held it and where he held his hand:and saying there he held
his hand when he held s'd gun out: but:I saw him not hold it out then:
s'd gun was about or near seven foot barrill:and very hevie: I then tryed
to hold out s'd gun with both hands: but could not do it long enough to
take sight
*Simon Willard Jurat in Curia
Simon willard owned:to the Jury of inquest:that the above written evidence:
is the truth Aug'st 3: 1692
(Wm Wormall v. Geo. Burroughs.)
Capt Wm Wormall Sworne to the above & that he Saw him Raise it from the ground, himselfe. Jurat in Curia
(Simon Willard v. George Burroughs)
The Deposition of Simon Willard [aged about 42] years saith I being
at Saco in the year [1689] some: in Capt Ed Sarjants garison was speaking
of mr George Borroughs his great strength saying he Could take:a barrill
of mallasses out of a Cannoe or boat alone: and that he Could. take it
in his hands or arms out of the Cannoo or boat and carry it and set it
on the shore: and mr Borroughs being: there sayd that he had carryed one
barrill of molasses.or sider: out of a cannoo that had like to have done
him a displeasure: s'd mr Borroughs intimated: as if he did not want strength
to do it but the disadvantage of the shore was such: that his foot slipping
in the sand: he had like to have strained his legg
*Simon Willard
Simon Willard ownd: to the Jury of Inquest, that the above written
evidence is the truth. Jurat in Curia
[George Burroughs had been arrested on May 4, 1692 in Wells, York county,
Maine. He was hanged the same day as John Willard on August 19. Burroughs
was the most notable of the victims at Salem. A graduate of Harvard in
the class of 1670, he preached in Maine for some years, and in 1680 became
pastor at Salem Village, where he fell heir to a parish quarrel, and, becoming
involved in it, found it wise to remove in 1683, Deodat Lawson was pastor
in Salem Village from 1684 to 1688, followed by Parris in whose home the
scandal began. Burroughs returned to Maine, and was a pastor there at Wells
when his accusation by the "afflicted" at Salem caused his arrest. He was
brought back to Salem on May 4, committed on May 9, and tried on August
5.].19
(Thomas Brattle wrote a letter criticizing the witchcraft trials. This letter had great impact on Governor Phips, who ordered that reliance on spectral and intangible evidence no longer be allowed in trials. Also, on October 29 Governor Phips dissolved the Court of Oyer and Terminer.)
LETTER OF THOMAS BRATTLE, F. R. S., 1692
... As to the late executions, [those of John Proctor, John Willard, Rev. George Burroughs, George Jacobs, and Martha Carrier] I shall only tell you, that in the opinion of many unprejudiced, considerate and considerable spectatours, some of the condemned went out of the world not only with as great protestations, but also with as good shews of innocency, as men could do. They protested their innocency as in the presence of the great God, whom forthwith they were to appear before: they wished, and declared their wish, that their blood might be the last innocent blood shed upon that account. With great affection [emotion] they intreated Mr. C. M. [Cotton Mather] to pray with them: they prayed that God would discover what witchcrafts were among us; they forgave their accusers; they spake without reflection on Jury and Judges, for bringing them in guilty, and condemning them: they prayed earnestly for pardon for all other sins, and for an interest in the pretious blood of our dear Redeemer; and seemed to be very sincere, upright, and sensible of their circumstances on all accounts; especially Proctor and Willard, whose whole management of themselves, from the Goal to the Gallows, and whilst at the Gallows, was very affecting and melting to the hearts of some considerable Spectatours, whom I could mention to you: but they are executed, and so I leave them.21
Margarett Town of Topsfield in the County of Essex in N. England, formerly Margarett Willard Relict of John Willard Late of Salem who suffered death in that hour of the power of darkness as if he had been guilty of one of the greatest of crimes that ever any of the Sons of Adams have been left of God to fall into,
Having been notified by order of the Generall court to appear before your Honors to give an account as near as I can what dammage my self together with my aforesaid former Husband did sustain in our Estate besides the fearfull odium cast on him by imputing to him & causing him to suffer death for such a piece of wickedness as I have not the least reason in the world to thinke he was guilty of I say besides that reproach & the grief & sorrow I was exposed to by that means I do account our dammage as to our outward estate to have been very considerable. for by reason of my said former Husband being seized by order of the civil Authority & imprisoned all our Husbands concerns were laid by for that summer we had not opportunity to plant or sow whereas we were wont to raise our own bread corn I Reckon (which your Honors may please more certainly to Inform your selves from the Records of those unhappy times & things that happened) I say according to my best Remembranc from the time of his first imprisonment to the time of his suffering was near upon half a year all which time I was at the trouble & charge to provide for him in prison what he stood in need of out of our own estate, my aforesaid Husband was 3 weeks a prisoner at Boston which occasioned me to be at yet more charge & trouble & altho I had after his sentence of death was past upon him obtained a Replevin for him for a little time which not coming as was expected at the time appointed I was forced to hire a horse at Salem & go to Boston to see what was the reason of the failure, I have nothing further to add but only to pray your Honors to guess at the dammage as well as you can by the Information I have here given & that God will direct you in & about what you are now concerned about, & so take Leave to subscribe my self Your Honors Humble & sorrowful servant the marke of Margarett Town
I Judge that my Loss and damage in my estate hath not been Less than
thirty pounds, But I shall be satisfyed If I may have twenty pounds allowed
me.
The principal
speaker at this year's annual WFA meeting was the Director of Education
from the Salem Witch Museum. She described the events surrounding the
witch hunts, trials and executions of 1692. Included in her remarks was
a discussion of this John Willard who was hung in Salem Village (present
Danvers). In response to a question by our WFA historian Ruth Willard about
the ancestry of John Willard, Alison D'Amario said that it has been very
difficult to collect information from the local families. This is because
when the episodes were over, a curtain seemed to drop about the events.
The clergy elsewhere in Massachusetts Bay Colony disapproved of the allowance
by the judges in the court to allow testimony concerning apparitions seen
only by the presumed victims of the alleged witches, and many of the ordinary
citizens of the colony were more embarrassed by the events than frightened.
18th century families didn't include those relatives who'd been accused
witches in their genealogies. She said that many researchers today experience
great difficulty in actually connecting the accused positively to their
family lines because of this. Interestingly, this reticence continues to
be encountered. Up until the 1980s, present-day families of Danvers with
connections going back to the events of Salem Village remained ill-at-ease
discussing both accusers and accused who may have been ancestors, even
with professional historians and historical sociologists. With everyone
in the 1700s deliberately keeping quiet about what they knew concerning
the participants in the tragedy and therefore not creating the kinds of
records that have proved so helpful in genealogical research, we may be
as close as we'll ever get to solving our puzzle as to John's lineage.
For a chronology of general events:
http://www.salemweb.com/memorial/default.htm
Witchcraft in Salem Village (now Danvers, Massachusetts)
This site introduces the infamous Salem Witch Trials of 1692, and is
designed to provide accurate general information about these events, as
well as information on other aspects of the history of Danvers (formerly
Salem Village), Massachusetts
http://etext.virginia.edu/salem/witchcraft/
Upham's 1866 map of Salem Village circa 1692:This map shows the locations
of major landmarks, farms, land grants, physical features, and the dwellings
of prominent and important residents in Salem during 1692.
http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/salem/witchcraft/maps/
The Complete 1692 Verbatim Transcripts
http://etext.virginia.edu/salem/witchcraft/texts/transcripts.html
The easiest way to see all of the documents that pertain to John Willard
and Simon Willard and Samuel Willard is to use the index:
http://etext.virginia.edu/salem/witchcraft/texts/nameindex.html.22
Link to Gravestones at the Salem Witch Trials Memorial page