In 1666 John Proctor moved to Salem, where he worked on a farm, part of which he later bought. Although an upright man, Proctor was rash in speech, judgment, and action. As soon as the girls began accusing townspeople of witchraft, Proctor had denounced the whole proceedings and the afflicted girls as a scam. When Elizabeth, his wife, was accused and questioned, he stood with her throughout the proceedings and staunchly defended her innocence. It was during her questioning that he, too, was named a witch. In addition, both William and Sarah Proctor, his children, were accused. Although tried and condemned, Elizabeth was never executed because she was pregnant.

It was Mary Warren, the twenty- year- old maid servant in the Proctor house, who herself would later be named as a witch, who accused Proctor of practicing witchcraft. It is believed by some sources that when Mary first had fits Proctor, believing them to be fake, would beat her out of them. Even if it didn't actually beat her, he certainly threatened beatings and worse if she didn't stop the fits. It was this type of outspoken criticism of the afflicted that caused Proctor to be accused.

While in prison on July 23, Proctor wrote a letter to the clergy of Boston, who were known to be uneasy with the witchcraft proceedings. After the trial and execution of Rebecca Nurse, the prospects of those still in prison waiting trial were grim. If a person with a reputation as untarnished as hers could be executed, there was little hope for any of the other accused, which is why Proctor made his request. With the present judges, who were already convinced of guilt, the trial would just be a formality.

John Proctor was hanged on Gallows Hill, August 19, 1692.

Petition in favor of John and Elizabeth Proctor

Elizabeth Booth v. John Proctor