Hester Jonas facts for kids
Hester Jonas was a woman who lived a long time ago in Germany. She was a midwife, helping mothers have babies. She was also known as a "cunning woman," which meant she knew a lot about herbs and natural remedies. Sadly, she was accused of witchcraft and became known as the "Witch of Neuss."
Quick facts for kids
Hester Jonas aka The Witch of Neuss
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| Born | Around 1570 |
| Died | 24 December 1635 |
| Nationality | German |
| Occupation | Midwife |
| Known for | Accused of witchcraft |
Contents
Hester Jonas: A Life in 17th-Century Germany
Hester Jonas was born around the year 1570. She grew up in a place called Dormagen in Germany. Later, she moved to the town of Neuss when she married a man named Peter Meurer. He was a miller, someone who grinds grain into flour.
Her Work and Health
Hester worked as a midwife, helping women during childbirth. She also knew a lot about plants and their uses. People called her a "cunning woman" because she understood herbalism, especially plants like mandrake.
At some point in her life, Hester began to have serious health problems. She suffered from severe epileptic seizures. These were not well understood at the time.
Accusations and Trial
When Hester Jonas was about 64 years old, she faced a very serious accusation. She was charged with witchcraft. This was a common and dangerous accusation in those times. She was arrested and questioned by the court in Neuss.
The court accused her of many things. One main charge was that she had made a deal with the devil. In her first two hearings, held in November 1635, Hester Jonas said she was innocent. She denied all the charges against her.
However, she later confessed to causing harm to people and animals using what was called "black magic." Hester even managed to escape from where she was held, but she was caught again very quickly. After being recaptured, she tried to take back her confession. But the pressure on her was too great. She eventually confessed to all the accusations. The court then sentenced her to death.
The End of Her Story
Hester Jonas was executed on December 24, 1635. After her death, her ashes were scattered in all directions. This was a symbolic act.
Today, the records of her trial are still kept safe. You can find the transcripts of the proceedings in the city archives of Neuss. They tell the sad story of Hester Jonas.
More About Hester Jonas
- The writer Peter Maiwald wrote a poem called "The Ballad of Hester Jonas."
- A German folk rock band named Cochise wrote a song about Hester Jonas. You can listen to it here.
