In my previous post about my ancestor Joseph Herrick a brief biography by William
Richard Cutter mentioned that Joseph was involved with the "early proceedings"of the
witchcraft hysteria. As Constable for Salem, he was there from the very beginning, as the
following warrant and Joseph's response shows:
Whereas Mrs. Joseph Hutcheson Thomas Putnam Edward Putnam and Thomas Preston yeomen of Salem Village in ye County of Essex personally appeared before vs. And made complaint on behalfe of theire Majestees against Sarah Osborne the wife of Alexr Osburne, of Salem Village aforesd, and Titibe an Indian Woman Servant of mr. Saml Parris of sd place also; for Suspition of witchcraft, by them committed and thereby much injury don to Elizabeth Parris Abigail Williams Anna Putnam and Elizabeth Hubert all of Salem Village aforesd Sundry times within this two months and lately also dont at sd Salem Village Contrary to ye peace and Laws of our Sour Lord and Lady Wm & Mary of England & King and Queene.
You are there fore in theire Majs names hereby required to aprehend and forthwith or as soon as may be bring before vs ye abouesd Sarah Osburne and Titibe Indian at ye house of Lt Nathl Ingerfalls, in sd place. and if it may be by tomorrow aboute ten of ye clock in ye morning then and there to be Examined Relateing to ye abouesd premises. You are likewise required to bring at ye same tyme Eliz. Parris Abigl Williams Anna Putnam, and Eliz Hubert, or any other person or persons yt can giue evidence in ye abouesd Case.. and hereof you are not to faile.
Dated Salem ffebr 29. 1691/2
John Hathorne } Affissts.
Jonathan Corwin
To Constable Joseph Herrick Const. in Salem.
Joseph carried out orders of the warrant and sent this report back:
According to this warrant I have apprehended the parsons with In mentioned and haue brought them accordingly and haue made diligent search for Images and such like but can find none.
Salem Village this ist March 1691/2
p me Joseph Herrick Constable. pp41-42
Records of Salem Witchcraft: Copied from the Original Documents ... (Google eBook)
Priv. print. for W.E. Woodward, 1864
A few days later, Joseph Herrick and his wife Mary Endicott were called upon to testify
about something that happened after Sarah Good was taken into custody.
To be continued...
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