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A Brief History of Andover
A Brief History of Andover
1692 Salem Witch Hysteria
Andover’s role is not as well-known as Salem’s role but more people were accused of witchcraft in Andover than any other town.
The first accusations of witchcraft occurred in Salem in January 1692.
Andover’s accusations came in roughly 3 waves. In May 1692 troubles began in Andover with Martha Carrier who had been “warned out” of Billerica because the town selectman feared they would become public charges. The family brought smallpox with them when they moved to Andover where Martha had
1692 map compiled by the Andover & North Andover Historical Societies. Copies of the map are available for purchase at Andover Center for History & Culture and the North Andover Historical Society.
1692 map compiled by the Andover & North Andover Historical Societies. Copies of the map are available for purchase at Andover Center for History & Culture and the North Andover Historical Society.
grown up. Puritans believed that epidemics were God’s divine judgment upon an entire community, so the Carriers became targets as smallpox spread and take lives.
Martha refused to leave Andover when the town selectman attempted to warn the family out of town. She refused to stay in her place as a woman and had the reputation of being a “scold.” Martha was typical of many women who were accused of witchcraft in both Old and New England. When Martha Carrier got into a land dispute with Andover resident Benjamin Abbot, the trouble began. Abbot began to suffer pains in his side, his foot swelled, and his leg broke out in boils. Martha was arrested and accused of witchcraft and so began Andover’s descent into the witch hysteria. Accusations and imprisonment followed for many of Martha’s family. She was hanged in August 1692.
Shortly after Martha Carrier was arrested, William Barker, living in what is now North Andover, was accused by local girls and confessed. Those who refused to confess to witchcraft were considered unrepentant sinners and sentenced to death. Those who confessed and named others were imprisoned but eventually saved. Accusations spread through the community because confessed witches were required to name the person who bewitched them.
Andover’s third wave of accusations began when Joseph Ballard brought the afflicted girls of Salem Village to Andover to help rout out the witches in the community.
Between July and September 1692, more than fifty people in Andover were accused, a town with a population of about 600. Of the 48 arrested, 42 were related through extended family lines. It wasn’t until 1709 that survivors were granted reparations for their suffering, loss of family, and loss of property.
Shortly after Martha Carrier was arrested, William Barker, living in what is now North Andover, was accused by local girls and confessed. Those who refused to confess to witchcraft were considered unrepentant sinners and sentenced to death. Those who confessed and named others were imprisoned but eventually saved. Accusations spread through the community because confessed witches were required to name the person who bewitched them.
Andover’s third wave of accusations began when Joseph Ballard brought the afflicted girls of Salem Village to Andover to help rout out the witches in the community.
Between July and September 1692, more than fifty people in Andover were accused, a town with a population of about 600. Of the 48 arrested, 42 were related through extended family lines. It wasn’t until 1709 that survivors were granted reparations for their suffering, loss of family, and loss of property.
Reference: Juliet Haines Mofford, Andover Massachusetts: Historical Selections from Four Centuries
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Andover Center for History & Culture
97 Main Street
Andover, MA 01810
978-475-2236
Andover Center for History & Culture
97 Main Street
Andover, MA 01810
978-475-2236
The History Center is funded by individual, foundation, and corporate donations and receives no Town of Andover funding.
Show your commitment to Andover's history by donating today.
The History Center is funded by individual, foundation, and corporate donations and receives no Town of Andover funding.
Show your commitment to Andover's history by donating today.
Show your commitment to Andover's history by donating today.
