Susannah Martin

Susannah was baptized in Olney, Buckinghamshire, England September 30, 1621. She was the daughter of Richard and Joan North. Her mother died at a young age, and she came to America with her father, stepmother, and at least one sister. Susannah married George Martin, a blacksmith, August 11, 1646 at Salisbury, MA and had eight children.

In 1669 Susanna was required to post 100 pounds bond to appear in court on a charge of witchcraft, a capital offense. At the same time George Martin sued William Sargent, Jr. for slander for saying that "...said Martyn's wife had a child at Capt. Wiggins and was wringing its neck in Capt. Wiggins' stable, when a man entered, and she took him by the collar and told him she would be the death of him if he told"; he sued William Sargent "...for saying his wife was a witch and he would call her a witch." George also sued Thomas Sargent "...for saying that his son George Marttin was a bastard and that Richard Marttin was Goodwife Marttin's imp," (a witch's familiar.)

Charges were dropped against Thomas Sargent, but William Sargent, Jr. was found guilty of accusing Susannah of " fornication and infanticide" and George was awarded the amount of "a white wampam peague (colonial currency) or the eighth part of a penny damage" by the magistrates. William Sargent (Sr?) was acquitted of witchcraft slander, although, "the Court did not agree." The records of Susannah's first trial for witchcraft have not survived, but as she lived another 23 years as a citizen in good standing with the community, it is assumed she was acquitted, and that the community was satisfied with the verdict.

Descriptions of Susannah say that she was short, slightly plump, active, and "of remarkable personal neatness." She was also said to be very outspoken, contemptuous of authority, and defiant in the face of slander which had followed her for years.

Mr. Merrill, in his History of Amesbury praised Susannah, saying "The idea of snatching this hardworking, honest woman from her home to be tried for her life by those who never knew her, and witnesses who were prejudiced against her...is almost too much for belief. ...Allowed no counsel, she was her own lawyer, and her answers are remarkable for independence and clearness. She showed herself to be a woman of more than ordinary talent and resolution."

On April 30, 1692 a warrant was issued for Susannah's arrest on a charge of witchcraft and she was arrested an May 2nd. During her preliminary examination the at same day, she vigorously answered the charges against her. When the " afflicted girls" began having fits, she laughed out loud. When the magistrates asked why she laughed, she responded, "Well I may at such folly." She refused to express any thoughts on what may have ailed the girls but bluntly stated that she didn't think they were bewitched. Her further testimony show that she realized the seriousness of her situation and she adamantly maintained her innocence.

"The mental anguish and suffering of the two and a half months while she lay in Salem jail...is beyond our power of description." Susannah Martin underwent the indignity of a physical examination on June 2 1692. She examinations were intended to discover whether the accused had any physical abnormalities, especially anything that could be used to suckle a familiar or even the devil himself. Susannah was examined twice during the same day; at neither examination was any abnormality discovered, but at the first her breasts appeared to be full and at the second slack. Doubtless the magistrates found this apparent indication that she had actually suckled even more satisfactory than an abnormal "witch's teat."

On June 26, 1692 her trial began. Susannah pleaded not guilty, but in the end she was found guilty and condemned to death.

Susannah Martin was hanged on Gallows Hill, July 19, 1692.

Let Goody Martin rest in peace, I never knew her harm a fly,
And witch or not - God knows - not I?
I know who swore her life away;
And as God lives, I'd not condemn
An Indian dog on word of them.
John Greenleaf Whittier