Martha Carrier was one of the accused during the Salem witch trials, which took place in Massachusetts in 1692. She was born Martha Allen in Andover, Massachusetts, and later married Thomas Carrier. Martha Carrier was known for her strong-willed personality and outspoken nature, which made her a target during the hysteria that swept through Salem. The Salem witch trials were a dark period in American history when numerous individuals, mostly women, were accused of practicing witchcraft. The accusations were often based on rumors and hearsay, with minimal evidence needed to condemn someone. Martha Carrier's case was no different.
Sarah Abbot also, his Wife, testified, That her Husband was not only all this while Afflicted in his Body, but also that strange extraordinary and unaccountable Calamities befel his Cattel; their Death being such as they could guess at no Natural Reason for.
Samuel Preston testify d, that about two years ago, having some difference with Martha Carrier , he lost a Cow in a strange Preternatural unusual manner; and about a month after this, the said Carrier , having again some difference with him, she told him; He had lately lost a Cow, and it should not be long before he lost another; which accordingly came to pass; for he had a thriving and well-kept Cow , which without any known cause quickly fell down and dy d. 1710 These are to inform your Honours that my wife Martha Carrier was condemned upon an accusation of witchcraft, and suffered death at Salem in the year 1692.
Martha Carrier's case was no different. In May 1692, Martha Carrier was accused of being a witch by several members of the Salem community, including her own children. She was brought before a court in Salem Village, where she was interrogated and ultimately found guilty of practicing witchcraft.
Biography of Martha Carrier, Accused Witch
Jone Johnson Lewis is a women's history writer who has been involved with the women's movement since the late 1960s. She is a former faculty member of the Humanist Institute.
Updated on July 18, 2019Martha Carrier (born Martha Allen; died August 19, 1692) was one of 19 people accused of witchcraft who were hanged during the 17th century Salem witch trials. Another person died of torture, and four died in prison, although the trials lasted only from spring to September of 1692. The trials began when a group of girls in Salem Village (now Danvers), Massachusetts, claimed to be possessed by the devil and accused several local women of being witches. As hysteria spread throughout colonial Massachusetts, a special court was convened in Salem to hear the cases.
Fast Facts: Martha Carrier
- Known For: Conviction and execution as a witch
- Born: Date unknown in Andover, Massachusetts
- Died: Aug. 19, 1692 in Salem, Massachusetts
- Spouse: Thomas Carrier
- Children: Andrew Carrier, Richard Carrier, Sarah Carrier, Thomas Carrier Jr., possibly others
During her trial, numerous witnesses testified against her, claiming that she had used her powers to harm and bewitch them. Martha Carrier maintained her innocence throughout the trial, denying any involvement in witchcraft. However, her strong personality and alleged "unnatural abilities" worked against her. The court believed that her defiance and outspokenness were signs of her association with the devil. On August 19, 1692, Martha Carrier was executed by hanging, along with four other women who had been convicted of witchcraft. Her death is part of a dark legacy of innocent lives being lost during the witch trials. Over the years, Martha Carrier's case has attracted attention as a symbol of the injustices and hysteria that characterized the Salem witch trials. Her unwavering strength and refusal to admit guilt have made her a symbol of resistance against wrongful persecution. In 1957, Martha Carrier and the other victims of the Salem witch trials were officially exonerated by the Massachusetts government. This posthumous recognition served as a belated acknowledgment of the injustice that was done to her and others during this dark chapter in American history. Today, Martha Carrier's story continues to remind us of the dangers of mass hysteria, the importance of due process, and the need to protect individuals' rights even in times of fear and uncertainty. The Salem witch trials serve as a cautionary tale, reminding us to learn from the mistakes of the past and ensure that justice prevails over hysteria..
Reviews for "Martha Carrier: The Witch Who Stood Her Ground in the Salem Witch Trials"
1. John Smith - 2/5 stars - I was really disappointed with Martha Carrier: Salem Witch Trials. The book promised an intriguing glimpse into one of history's darkest chapters, but it fell flat for me. The writing was dry and lacked any depth or emotion. I found it hard to connect with the characters, and the pacing was painfully slow. Additionally, I felt that the author's focus on Martha Carrier herself was a missed opportunity to explore the wider impact of the Salem witch trials. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book unless you're a diehard fan of the subject matter.
2. Sarah Johnson - 1/5 stars - The portrayal of Martha Carrier in this book was infuriatingly one-dimensional. The author failed to fully develop her character, relegating her to a mere stereotype of the accused witch. I expected a more nuanced and thought-provoking exploration of the Salem witch trials, but all I got was a shallow and forgettable read. The historical accuracy also left much to be desired, as there were several factual errors and inconsistencies throughout the narrative. Save yourself the disappointment and skip this one.
3. Michael Thompson - 2/5 stars - As someone deeply interested in the Salem witch trials, I was excited to read Martha Carrier: Salem Witch Trials. Unfortunately, I found it to be a rather lackluster account of this dark period in American history. The storytelling lacked cohesion and failed to provide any fresh insights. Most disappointingly, I felt that the author missed an opportunity to fully explore the psychological toll experienced by both the accused and their accusers. Overall, this book fell short of my expectations and failed to make a lasting impression.