John Hathorne stands as a pivotal, if unsettling, figure in the history of the Salem Witch Trials. As a judge during this tumultuous period, John Hathorne played a significant role in the examinations and sentencings, most notably showing a keen interest in the case of Reverend George Burroughs. Hathorne, alongside other judges, presided over the trials that gripped Salem Village, leaving an indelible mark on American history, characterized by his unwavering conviction and lack of subsequent remorse.
John Hathorne’s involvement in the Salem Witch Trials is particularly highlighted by his intense scrutiny of Reverend George Burroughs. Burroughs, a former minister in Salem Village, had served in the position starting in 1681 for a brief three-year tenure. His departure was likely influenced by inconsistent pay and internal conflicts within the village. However, during the witch trials, Burroughs became a central figure of suspicion. It wasn’t just Judge Hathorne who focused on Burroughs; even the influential Cotton Mather considered Reverend Burroughs to be the “king of witches,” believing he was orchestrating a spiritual downfall of the colony from within. John Hathorne, along with Judges Stoughton, Corwin, and Sewall, conducted a rigorous examination of Burroughs at Beadle’s Tavern after he was brought back from Maine, demonstrating the high level of judicial attention focused on this particular accused individual.
Born in 1641, John Hathorne inherited a legacy of civic duty; his father had served as a Salem magistrate, embedding public service in his family lineage. Hathorne married at the age of 33 and became a father to six children. Despite his family life, he experienced considerable personal loss, outliving his three brothers and becoming the sole inheritor of the family estate. Although not formally trained in law, John Hathorne was a respected and trusted official within the legal system. Like his fellow judges, Hathorne was also a prosperous merchant, engaging in trade and owning a wharf and a license to sell liquor. His land holdings extended beyond Salem, including property in Maine, showcasing his economic influence in the region. His career in public service began early when he was chosen as a delegate to the General Court. His dedication and standing in the community led to a lifelong career in the judiciary. He achieved a promotion to the Superior Court in 1702, further solidifying his judicial career until his resignation in 1712.
What sets John Hathorne apart in historical memory is his apparent lack of regret for the death sentences he delivered during the Salem Witch Trials. Unlike some figures involved in the events of 1692 who later expressed remorse or doubt, there is no record of John Hathorne ever questioning or apologizing for his role. He lived to the age of 76, passing away in 1717. John Hathorne was laid to rest in the Old Burying Point/Charter Street Cemetery in downtown Salem, a site that stands today as a historical landmark, a silent witness to the complex and often dark chapters of Salem’s past.
Adding another layer to his historical profile, John Hathorne also led a military expedition in 1696. This expedition to Acadia, Maine, was intended as retaliation against the French for destroying English fishing stations in Newfoundland and aimed to attack a French stronghold on the St. John River. However, the expedition led by John Hathorne was unsuccessful. This failure was interpreted by some contemporaries as another sign of divine displeasure with Massachusetts, adding to the sense that the colony was being punished for its failure to properly atone for the events of 1692 and the Salem Witch Trials.
The legacy of John Hathorne extends beyond his own life through his great-great-grandson, the renowned author Nathaniel Hawthorne. Nathaniel Hawthorne’s literary works often explore themes of guilt, sin, and the weight of the past, and it is widely speculated that his ancestor’s role in the Salem Witch Trials deeply influenced his writing. Some believe that Nathaniel Hawthorne added the “w” to the family name as a deliberate act of distancing himself from the actions and reputation of his great-great-grandfather, John Hathorne. Alternatively, it has been suggested that this name change was simply in line with the period’s fashion of altering names to reflect original English spellings. Regardless of the reason for the name change, Nathaniel Hawthorne’s disdain for his ancestor is evident. In his 1851 novel, The House of the Seven Gables, the antagonist Judge Pyncheon is widely understood to be a representation of Judge John Hathorne, portrayed in a critical and unfavorable light, ensuring that the shadow of John Hathorne and his role in Salem’s history continued to resonate through generations.
