Margaret Scott: Victim of Salem Witch Trials
Her origins are unknown but what is known is that she was born Margaret Stevenson in England sometime around 1615. The record books show her first appearing in them in 1642 when she had married Benjamin Scott.
Around 1654 Margaret and her husband Benjamin had moved to Rowley, Massachusetts which was a small town a little ways north of Salem. Benjamin died there in 1671 leaving his widow a small estate in which to live off of.
Scott would survive the only way she could and this would open her up for accusations of witchcraft. Scott would beg and seek charity from her neighbors, those that refused to help her turned on her. Sadly to say that instead of offering her help, they condemned her a witch.
Another factor that opened Scott up to being accused of witchcraft was her high infant mortality rate. Out of seven children that Scott had only three of them made it to adulthood. In New England one was vulnerable to witchcraft charges if she had trouble raising children, as Margaret Scott did.
Frances Wycom testified against Margaret Scott claiming that she had used witchcraft to hurt her. Stating that Scott came to her and choked her and tried to press her to death. Wycom's testimony stated that Scott had afflicted her many times till the 5th of August 1692. Also that Scott did afflict her during the time of her examination as well as many times since then. The court records show that in the final part of Wycom's testimony that she stated she believed Scott to be a witch and to use witchcraft to afflict her.
Phillip Nelson and Sarah Nelson also testified against Margaret Scott. In their testimony they spoke of Robert Shilleto. In their testimony apparently two or three years before Robert Shilleto died they had heard him many times complain about Scott. They testified that Shilleto claimed that Scott was a witch and that he would never be well so long as she was alive.
Four other false testimonies would be given against Scott.
Reports show that Margaret Scott spent 45 days in prison from her arrest until her execution. She was hanged on Gallows Hill along with seven other people on the day of her execution. Reports also show that Scott was still declaring her innocence at her execution.
Scott's family was one of the few families that did not ever apply for restitution offered by Massachusetts Legislature in the early 1700s. In 1954 Scott's name was officially cleared and she was absolved of her crimes.
Published by Antoinette McGowan
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- Factor that opened Scott up to being accused of witchcraft was her high infant mortality rate.
- Reports show that Margaret Scott spent 45 days in prison from her arrest until her execution.
- Scott's family was one of the few families that did not ever apply for restitution.
9 Comments
Post a CommentMargaret Scott is my 12 great grandmother. my grandfather did a big family tree and he went back far.they still live in mass and im trying really hard to go back but a 14 year old and its kinda hard for me. if anyone can help me please email me at lax10life@yahoo.com
THE YEAR WAS 1692 NOT 1962. There is a typo in the first line of this article that says 1962 instead of 1692. I am an African American with the last name Scott. My family is mixed with the blood of the Scott family of Boston, Ma. I have Black and White relatives from Boston with the last name Scott who may be related to Margret Scott.
I am a decendent of Margaret Scott. My mother discovered the connection when she began to research our family history. A few years ago, my mother wrote to the govener of MA, has recived a full pardon on Margaret's behalf.
We also have another accused witch in the family. Mary Osgood spent time in jail, but was not hanged.
I have often told people that having two Salem witches in the family explains a whole heck of a lot. I plan on visiting Salem this upcoming October and will pay my respect to Margaret and the other victims and the memorial.
Hey, Joanie Scott, My grand, grand father´s name was Thomas Scott and he lived in Gloshester near Boston. And he was relate of Margaret Scott. I am looking for my relative from Thomas Scott. If anyone know's anyone related to him, if so please contact me at stinaodds@simnet.is
wtf!
I can not believe I never seen that typo. Thank you so much for pointing that out.
She could not have been killed in 1962. You should correct that error. There is a bench in Rowley, MA remembering her on Main Street opposite the Platts-Bradstreet House - she was a Bradstreet relative. I am a relative. There were no witches in the Salem witch trials, as everyone knows.
Hello, my name is Joanie Scott. I'm the late relative of Magaret Scott. I have recieved her witchly powers and have passed them onto my son kyle. The only problem is I haven't told him about our history yet. If anyone out there is listening please respind.
Hi,
my grandmas last name is scott and the other night i had a dream of a woman named Margaret Scott and i was wondering if i was related to her. If anyone know's anyone related to her if so please contact me at SamGilpin@gmail.com
P.S I dont think she is Victom more of a predator.