Giles Corey was a rare example of a male witch. In his old age, his weakened mind was more susceptible to the Devil’s influence. He had not been to church in some time, and he had several marks, many of which (or perhaps even several of which) could be construed as a Devil’s mark. Both he and his wife were judged; his wife confessed, but Giles Corey pleaded innocent. His wife’s confession proved his guilt, but he insisted on pleading innocent; confession may have saved him, but the Devil’s influence was too strong. He went to his execution belligerent and unrepentant, demanding “more weight” upon being pressed by stones until death.
Bridget Bishop was the first to be found guilty of witchcraft by grand jury. She dressed masculinely and in black; she wore strange, fearsome costumes reminiscent of the Devil. Even disregarding her costuming, her typical manner of dress violated Puritan codes. She attended church only once a week, yet in years past, she attended every Sunday. She was put to death by hanging.
Mary Bradbury was accused and found guilty of witchcraft. She was widowed and elderly with several potential Devil’s marks. She kept close company with animals, and many outside her family found her demeanor stern and unwomanlike. Children would often have fits after approaching her. She was sentenced to death by hanging, but her escape from punishment was aided by devilish agents.
Elizabeth Proctor was accused and found guilty of witchcraft along with her husband, John Proctor. John Proctor was put to death, but Elizabeth Proctor was given a stay of execution due to her pregnancy. Many of the Proctor family were tainted by witchcraft, including children and multiple sisters-in-law. The Proctor family, it seems, was heavily entrenched with Satanic influence. As it was Elizabeth Proctor’s sisters in law who were also found guilty, it seems an unfortunate incident that she married into the Proctor family, the source of contamination. There is hope yet for her conviction to be overturned, as this was a rare case of a husband corrupting a wife, not the other way around.