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Intolerance and superstition led to several "witch" trials in
colonial Boston (similar to Salem Massachusetts). In general, the
final result of such trials was the elimination of any person deemed undesirable
by the community. Quakers and supposed "witches" were hanged for their beliefs or opinions. In 1656, Anne Hibbons was hanged in Boston
Neck for being a witch. Below is a paraphrased excerpt from "Rambles Around Old Boston" by Edwin M. Bacon:
Mrs. Anne Hibbons, gentlewoman, was the sister of
Governor Bellingham and
the wife of William Hibbons. Mr. Hibbons was a very important merchant,
and a member of the Court of Assistants. Mrs. Hibbons was a
widow when the trouble came upon her. She was clever but
opinionated, with a short temper. She was considered to be a
scold and gossip by the community.
Her statements were reported to the church, which censured her
for quarrelling with her neighbors. The neighbors then accused her of
being a "witch," and she was tried by a jury and condemned to
death. The verdict had been set aside, but the case was prosecuted again by
the General Court. She defended herself ably, but the popular clamor
at that time was more than the court could withstand, and she was found guilty again. Governor
John Endicott pronounced the sentence of death upon her.
So in June 1656, this spirited woman, who was guilty solely of
"having more wit than her neighbors," was hanged in Boston Neck as a witch.
Other "witch" related CelebrateBoston pages include the
Mather Tomb at
Copp's Hill Burying
Ground, and the Salem, Mass
page. YankeeGhosts.com has pages concerning puritan intolerance.
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