Answer to Question #299258 in History for HIstoryKid

Question

How does Mary Bradbury defend herself against witchcraft allegations? How does this compare with what her husband Thomas says in her defense? What could account for these differences?

Answer 1

Mary Bradbury was blamed by her accusers long before the hysteria started. A host of personal grudges made her the supernatural scapegoat of a family feud.

There was conflict between her and the Carr family; the most venomous was Ann Carr Putnam, a popular instigator of the witch hunts. Carr allies, including the Endicotts, were part of the malicious circle adding fuel to the growing fire.

To add insult to injury, some of the indictments brought against Mary were 20 years old. The superstitious squabble between the two families fed on the hysteria brewing in Salem. At the time of her sentencing, the matriarch was 72 and in delicate health.

The tribal wars between the two families were sparked when Mary passed over an offer of marriage from George Carr and married Thomas Bradbury.