Martha Corey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Martha Corey
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Drawing of Martha Corey with her persecutors.
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| Born | Unknown (around 1620) |
| Died | September 22, 1692 (aged around 72) Salem Village, Province of Massachusetts Bay
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| Cause of death | Execution by hanging |
| Monuments | Salem Witch Trials Memorial (1992), Proctor's Ledge Memorial (2017) |
| Nationality | English |
| Occupation | Mother |
| Known for | Convicted of witchcraft in the Salem witch trials |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Children | Benoni Panon, Thomas Rich |
Martha Corey (born Panon; died September 22, 1692) was a woman accused of witchcraft during the famous Salem witch trials. She was found guilty on September 9, 1692, and was hanged on September 22, 1692. Her second husband, Giles Corey, was also accused and sadly died during this time.
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Martha Corey's Early Life and Family
Martha Panon was born in New England, but her exact birth date is not known. It is thought she was born around 1620. Before she married, Martha had a son named Benoni.
In 1684, Martha married Henry Rich and they had a son named Thomas Rich. After Henry Rich passed away, Martha married a wealthy farmer named Giles Corey in 1690. Martha's son Benoni lived with them. Giles Corey also had a difficult past. These past events might have played a role in why Martha and Giles were later accused during the Salem Witch Trials.
Accused During the Salem Witch Trials
Martha Corey was known for being a very religious person. She went to church often and was officially accepted into the Salem Village Church in 1691. Because of her strong faith, many people in the community were surprised when she was accused of witchcraft.
Martha did not believe in witches or warlocks. She openly spoke out against the witch trials and the judges involved. She thought the people making accusations were not telling the truth. When two young girls, Ann Putnam Jr. and Mercy Lewis, heard Martha speaking out, they quickly accused her of witchcraft.
Martha's Trial and Accusations
Martha did not realize how much fear and suspicion had spread through the village. When she went to trial, she simply told the truth, saying she was innocent. She believed she would be found not guilty.
As the girls testified against her, Martha asked the judge not to believe what she called the wild claims of children. She kept saying similar things throughout the trials. This made it easy for the girls to create a story to accuse her.
The girls began to copy Martha's movements, acting as if she was controlling them. Mercy Lewis claimed, "There's a man he whispered in her ear." Then, Ann Putnam Jr. cried out that Martha Corey had a yellow bird sucking on her hand. This was enough for the jury to believe she was guilty.
By accusing Martha, the Putnam family showed their power in the town. They made it clear they would attack anyone who doubted their reasons or authority. Martha Corey was hanged on September 22, 1692, at about 72 years old. Her accusation was a big moment in the Salem Witch Trials. Martha was a respected church member with good standing in the community. After her accusation, more and more people from all parts of society were accused of witchcraft. Over one hundred women were eventually accused.
Giles Corey's Fate
Martha's husband, Giles Corey, defended her against the accusations. Soon after, he was also accused of witchcraft. Giles refused to go through a trial. He did this mainly to make sure his property would go to his children and not be taken by the government. He died on September 19, 1692, just three days before his wife Martha was hanged. Because he was not found guilty, his property went to his children who believed he was innocent, as he wished in his will.
Images for kids
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Drawing of Martha Corey with her persecutors.
