John Willard, a figure shrouded in mystery and controversy, played a significant role in the Salem witch trials, and on johnchen.net, we aim to shed light on the life, accusations, and eventual exoneration of this man. Understanding John Willard’s story, particularly his complex relationship with the influential Wilkins family and his untimely demise, helps us grasp the broader social and psychological dynamics of the Salem witch trials. This article dives into John Willard’s life and the events that led to his tragic end.
1. What Are The Obscure Origins Of John Willard’s Early Life?
The specifics of John Willard’s early life remain shrouded in mystery due to incomplete historical records; although his exact birthdate and birthplace are uncertain, some researchers suggest he was born around 1655, making him 37 at the time of the Salem witch trials. Historians Paul Boyer and Stephen Nissenbaum proposed this birth year in their 1972 book, Salem-Village Witchcraft: A Documentary Record of Local Conflict in Colonial New England. Despite this estimate, other historians believe he was younger, but precise documentation is lacking. John’s presence in Lancaster, Massachusetts, during his youth and his subsequent marriage and family life in Groton, Massachusetts, in the 1680s raise the possibility of a connection to Major Simon Willard, a prominent figure in the Nashaway region.
1.1. The Possible Connection To Major Simon Willard
John Willard’s potential connection to Major Simon Willard is an area of ongoing historical inquiry, as indicated by Boyer and Nissenbaum in their book, Salem Possessed, The Social Origins of Witchcraft. John Willard’s land transactions in both communities often involved men known to be sons of Simon Willard. Simon Willard, who arrived in New England in 1634, was a founder of Concord, Massachusetts, and played a key role in the establishment of Lancaster, originally settled as Nashaway in 1643. He was also a resident of Groton until an attack during King Philip’s War devastated the town in 1676.
1.2. Simon Willard’s Prominent Role In Colonial Society
Simon Willard was more than just a settler; he was a fur trader, land speculator, expert in native relations, and a significant participant in government and the military. He served as a major in the militia during King Philip’s War in the 1670s and had at least 17 children from two marriages. One of his sons, Reverend Samuel Willard, served as a minister in Groton and later as pastor of Boston’s Third Church from 1678 until his death in 1707. Reverend Samuel Willard was notable for his skepticism regarding the Salem witch trials.
1.3. Expunged From Family Records?
Despite the geographical and transactional links, establishing a definitive family connection between John and Simon Willard has proven challenging. As noted in Salem-Village Witchcraft, published genealogies of the Wilkins and Willard families do not reference John Willard. Members of the Lancaster Historical Commission suggest that this omission might be due to the dark history associated with his involvement in the witch trials. While no direct family tie has been definitively established, ongoing research in Lancaster and Groton seeks to uncover additional information that might clarify this relationship. The proximity of John Willard to the Willard family and his dealings with Simon Willard’s sons provide a basis for hope that a concrete connection will eventually be found.
John Willard may have been written out of family genealogy because of his dark history.
2. How Did John Willard Become Embroiled In The Salem Witch Trials?
John Willard’s involvement in the Salem witch trials began to escalate due to his role as a Deputy Constable for Salem Village and his skepticism towards the accusations of witchcraft. By 1692, John Willard lived in the western Salem Village/Boxford area with his wife, Margaret Wilkins, and their two children, John and Hannah.
2.1. Initial Role As Deputy Constable
As a Deputy Constable, John Willard was responsible for executing warrants and transporting individuals, including those accused of witchcraft, to jail. Early in the trials, testimony indicated that he supported the prosecution, reportedly saying, “Hang them! They are all witches!” However, historian Charles Upham noted that by the spring of 1692, Willard’s attitude had shifted. After spending time with both the accusers and the accused, he became disillusioned with the proceedings.
2.2. Shift In Perspective And Growing Skepticism
Willard began to express doubts about the validity of the accusations. Upham noted that Willard felt that everyone involved—accusers, accused, magistrates, and the public—were equally bewitched. This change in perspective mirrored that of others, such as John Proctor and Giles Corey, who also voiced skepticism and subsequently became targets themselves.
2.3. Accusations Begin
In late April, Ann Putnam Jr. claimed to be tormented by Willard’s specter, marking the beginning of the accusations against him. Seeking guidance, Willard turned to his grandfather-in-law, Bray Wilkins, for help and prayerful advice. However, instead of receiving support, Wilkins was suddenly afflicted with a severe gastric ailment, which he attributed to Willard giving him the evil eye. Shortly after, Wilkins’ grandson, 17-year-old Daniel, also fell gravely ill, further fueling suspicions against John Willard among family members.
Accusations against John Willard were fueled by the illness and death of members of the Wilkins family.
3. What Were The Specific Accusations Leveled Against John Willard?
The accusations against John Willard were multifaceted, encompassing claims of spectral torment, murder, and spousal abuse. These charges, primarily originating from the afflicted and members of his wife’s family, contributed significantly to his conviction and execution.
3.1. Spectral Torment And Murder Accusations
Afflicted individuals, such as Ann Putnam Jr., Elizabeth Hubbard, and Susanna Sheldon, claimed to be tormented by Willard’s specter. Mercy Lewis, a servant in the Putnam household, asserted that Willard was also responsible for Bray Wilkins’ continued suffering. Some accusations even came from ghosts, who blamed Willard for their murders; among these spirits were those of Samuel Fuller and Lydia Wilkins.
3.2. Death Of Daniel Wilkins And Mounting Evidence
The death of Daniel Wilkins a week after Willard’s flight intensified the accusations. An inquest determined that Daniel had died “an unnatural death by some cruel hands of witchcraft or diabolical art,” further incriminating Willard. By this point, the evidence against John Willard appeared overwhelming to the court and the community.
3.3. Accusations Of Spousal Abuse
In addition to witchcraft, John Willard was accused of spousal abuse by his brother-in-law, Benjamin Wilkins. He stated that John Willard abused his wife, Margaret, and physically assaulted her.
4. What Actions Did John Willard Take To Avoid Arrest?
Upon learning of the arrest warrant issued for him on May 10, John Willard fled, leading to further suspicion and incrimination. Constable John Putnam, who was tasked with serving the warrant, reported that Willard had fled Salem, stating, “…I went to the house of the usual abode of John Willard’s and made search for him, and in several other houses and places but could not find him, and his relations and friends then gave me account that to their best knowledge he was fleed Salem.”
4.1. Flight To Nashua River Property
Willard’s decision to flee was seen as an admission of guilt by many. He was eventually tracked down on property he owned along the Nashua River. Records indicate that Marshall George Herrick reported on May 18 that Constable John Putnam apprehended John Willard at Nashaway (an old reference to Lancaster) while he was working with a hoe. The timing of his capture, the day after the inquest into Daniel Wilkins’ death, added to the perception of his culpability.
4.2. Reactions To Willard’s Capture
The news of Willard’s capture was met with immediate reactions from the afflicted in Salem Village. According to Robert Calef, a contemporary skeptic of the witch trials, the afflicted cried out, “Now Willard is taken” upon hearing of his arrest. This collective response underscored the community’s charged atmosphere and the belief that Willard’s capture was a significant victory.
John Willard’s flight and eventual capture fueled suspicions of his guilt.
5. What Occurred During John Willard’s Examination And Trial?
John Willard’s examination and trial were marked by accusations from the afflicted, condemnation from his wife’s family, and his own attempts to proclaim his innocence. The magistrates made it clear they viewed his earlier flight as a sign of guilt. During his examination, Willard stated, “… I was affrighted and I thought by my withdrawing it might be better, I fear not but the Lord in his due time will make me white as snow.”
5.1. Reactions Of The Afflicted
The afflicted, including Ann Putnam Jr., Mercy Lewis, and Mary Warren, reacted strongly to Willard’s presence, falling into fits at his gaze. These displays were interpreted as evidence of his malevolent influence and further solidified the accusations against him.
5.2. Condemnation From The Wilkins Family
The accusations from the Wilkins family carried significant weight. As noted by Boyer and Nissenbaum, “In 1692, the Wilkins family turned with particular ferocity against this outsider.” Ten members of the family accused him of witchcraft, blaming him for the death of Daniel Wilkins and the illness of Bray Wilkins. This unified front from a prominent family in Salem Village added credibility to the charges.
5.3. John Willard’s Defense And Denial
Despite the overwhelming accusations, John Willard maintained his innocence. He denied all charges, asserting that they were lies, and requested that his wife, Margaret, be called to testify. However, Margaret was never questioned during the trial.
6. What Was Margaret Willard’s Role During And After The Trial?
Margaret Willard played a crucial role both during and after the trial, attempting to defend her husband and later seeking restitution for the injustice he suffered. Two days before John’s scheduled execution, Margaret made a final attempt to free him. According to Marilynne Roach in her book The Salem Witch Trials: A Day-By-Day Chronicle of a Community Under Siege, Margaret somehow obtained John’s temporary release from prison. Roach writes, “… the necessary papers had not yet reached Salem. So Goody Willard made her way from Boxford to Salem, hired a horse, and headed for Boston to see for herself about the delay, however, to no avail.” Despite her efforts, she was too late.
6.1. John Willard’s Execution
John Willard was hanged on Proctor’s Ledge at Gallows Hill on August 19, along with John Proctor, Reverend George Burroughs, George Jacobs Sr., and Martha Carrier. His execution marked a tragic end to his life and underscored the severity of the witch trial hysteria.
6.2. Potential Burial Site
The exact burial location of John Willard is unconfirmed. Popular tradition suggests that families of those executed often returned at night to collect the bodies and secretly bury them on their properties or nearby. Some believe that John Willard might be buried in the Old Rowley Village Cemetery in Middleton. Lura Woodside Watkins, in her 1970 book Middleton, Massachusetts: A Cultural History, stated that the earliest graveyard in the town is on the Symonds place on Peabody Street and that John Willard, a victim of the witchcraft delusion, is buried there. This location is not too far from the site of John Willard’s farm, possibly indicating that Margaret Willard, with the help of friends, retrieved her husband’s remains and buried them there.
6.3. Petition For Restitution
In September 1710, a committee was established to formally consider claims for restitution by the survivors and loved ones of those affected by the Salem witch trials. Margaret Willard submitted a petition detailing the damage done to her husband, stating, “causing him to suffer death for such a piece of wickedness as I have not the least reason in the world to think he was guilty of…” On October 17, 1711, the Massachusetts legislature approved the reversal of the attainder of twelve of those who were executed and seven of those who were condemned but not executed in 1692. With this act, John Willard’s name was legally cleared of all charges, nearly twenty years after his death.
A memorial to John Willard was erected in 1992 next to the Middleton Historical Society building.
7. How Did Margaret Willard Rebuild Her Life After John’s Execution?
Margaret Willard remarried two years after John’s execution, finding solace and companionship with William Towne, a nephew of Rebecca Nurse, Mary Easty, and Sarah Cloyce, all of whom had been accused of witchcraft in 1692. This union highlights the shared trauma and solidarity among the families affected by the Salem witch trials.
7.1. Memorial And Recognition
In 1992, a simple memorial to John Willard was erected next to the Middleton Historical Society building on Pleasant Street. This memorial serves as a reminder of the injustices of the Salem witch trials and honors the memory of John Willard.
7.2. Connection To The Wilkins Family
Despite the accusations and condemnations from the Wilkins family, a descendant recently noted that Margaret’s father, Thomas, was the only one of Bray Wilkins’ children to join the anti-Parris movement after the trials. This detail suggests that at least some members of the Wilkins family may have harbored doubts about Willard’s guilt and supported Margaret in the aftermath of the trials.
8. What Lessons Can Be Learned From John Willard’s Story?
John Willard’s story offers several important lessons about the dangers of mass hysteria, the importance of due process, and the lasting impact of historical trauma. His experiences underscore the need for critical thinking, skepticism, and justice, even in the face of widespread fear and accusation.
8.1. Dangers Of Mass Hysteria
The Salem witch trials, including the case of John Willard, serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of mass hysteria and the potential for baseless accusations to lead to tragic outcomes. The collective frenzy and paranoia that gripped Salem Village resulted in the unjust persecution and execution of innocent individuals.
8.2. Importance Of Due Process
John Willard’s trial was marred by the lack of due process and the reliance on spectral evidence, highlighting the importance of fair legal proceedings and the protection of individual rights. The accusations against him were not subjected to rigorous scrutiny, and his defense was undermined by the prevailing atmosphere of fear and suspicion.
8.3. Lasting Impact Of Historical Trauma
The Salem witch trials left a lasting impact on the families and communities involved, with the trauma reverberating through generations. John Willard’s story, and the stories of others accused of witchcraft, continue to resonate today, reminding us of the need to confront and learn from the mistakes of the past.
John Willard’s farm was near the intersection of Liberty Street and Peabody Street.
9. How Does John Willard’s Story Reflect Broader Themes Of The Salem Witch Trials?
John Willard’s story encapsulates several broader themes of the Salem witch trials, including social divisions, religious extremism, and the scapegoating of outsiders. His experiences reflect the complex interplay of factors that contributed to the tragedy in Salem Village.
9.1. Social Divisions And Tensions
The Salem witch trials were fueled by underlying social divisions and tensions within the community. John Willard, as an outsider married into the Wilkins family, may have been particularly vulnerable to accusations due to existing social dynamics and resentments.
9.2. Religious Extremism And Superstition
Religious extremism and superstition played a significant role in shaping the beliefs and attitudes of the people of Salem Village. The belief in witchcraft and the influence of the devil led to an environment of fear and paranoia, making it easier for accusations to gain traction.
9.3. Scapegoating Of Outsiders
John Willard’s status as an outsider, combined with his skepticism towards the trials, made him an easy target for accusations. The scapegoating of individuals who challenged the prevailing orthodoxy or who were perceived as different was a common theme in the Salem witch trials.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About John Willard
FAQ 1: Who was John Willard in the Salem witch trials?
John Willard was a Deputy Constable in Salem Village who was later accused of witchcraft and executed during the Salem witch trials in 1692. Initially involved in arresting accused witches, he later became skeptical and was subsequently accused himself.
FAQ 2: What were the main accusations against John Willard?
John Willard faced accusations of spectral torment, causing illness and death through witchcraft, and spousal abuse. These accusations came from afflicted individuals and members of his wife’s family, contributing to his conviction.
FAQ 3: How did John Willard try to avoid arrest?
John Willard fled Salem upon learning of the arrest warrant against him. However, he was eventually captured while working on his property along the Nashua River.
FAQ 4: What role did Margaret Willard play during and after the trial?
Margaret Willard attempted to defend her husband, even securing his temporary release before his execution. After his death, she sought restitution for the injustice he suffered and later remarried, finding solace with a member of another family affected by the trials.
FAQ 5: Was John Willard ever exonerated?
Yes, John Willard was legally cleared of all charges in 1711 when the Massachusetts legislature approved the reversal of his attainder, nearly twenty years after his execution.
FAQ 6: What can we learn from the story of John Willard?
The story of John Willard teaches us about the dangers of mass hysteria, the importance of due process, and the lasting impact of historical trauma, underscoring the need for critical thinking and justice.
FAQ 7: How is John Willard’s story related to the broader themes of the Salem witch trials?
John Willard’s story reflects themes of social divisions, religious extremism, and the scapegoating of outsiders, highlighting the complex factors that contributed to the tragedy in Salem Village.
FAQ 8: What is John Willard’s farm location?
John Willard’s farm was near the intersection of Liberty Street and Peabody Street.
FAQ 9: Where is the memorial of John Willard?
A memorial to John Willard was erected in 1992 next to the Middleton Historical Society building on Pleasant Street.
FAQ 10: Is John Willard related to Simon Willard?
Although no direct family tie has yet been found between John and Simon Willard, further research is underway in Lancaster and Groton to seek more information. The fact that John Willard lived in two towns where the notable Willard family lived, and made several land deals with Simon Willard’s sons, gives us hope that we can one day find a solid connection.
