People of the Salem Witch Trials: Cotton Mather
So much early American history has been made myth. The Salem Witch Trials is one of those historical events that has been mythologized. Most people have some awareness of the trials, but what I have always found most interesting are the key players involved.
Let’s set the scene: a new social culture is established in the colonies. Anxiety and tension are on the rise. Fears about the changing world and the hold of religion are causing tension.
This is where we begin our exploration of those involved in the Salem Witch Trials. I’ll be covering accusers, judges, writers, the accused, and others who played a role in the trials. My goal is to provide a brief overview of those involved.
First, let’s talk about Cotton Mather.
Early Life
Cotton Mather was born in February 12, 1663. At the age of 12, Mather attended Harvard before he joined his father, Increase Mather, as a clergyman and writer in Boston.
Before the Witch Trials
Cotton Mather was actually involved with witch trials before Salem. In the 1680s, he wrote about the children of the Goodwin family. The Goodwin children were experiencing hysterical fits, and they accused Goody Glover of participating in witchcraft. Goody Glover would be…
