Richard Carrier (Salem witch trials)

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Richard Carrier
SalemWitchcraftTrial
An 1876 illustration of the courtroom where Richard needed to testify against his mother.
Born 19 July 1674
Billerica, Massachusetts
Died 17 November 1749 (aged 75)
Colchester, Connecticut
Nationality American
Known for Witness in the Salem witch trials
Spouse(s)
  • Elizabeth Sessions (1694–1704; her death)
  • Thankful Brown (1707-1749; his death)
Children 10

Richard Carrier (Born 19 July 1674 – Died 17 November 1749) was a witness during the 1692 Salem witch trials who needed to testify against his mother.[1]

Early Life

Richard Carrier was born in 1674 to Martha Carrier (1643-1692) and Thomas Morgan (1630-1739) in Billerica. He was the second oldest of 8 children and had three sisters and two brothers. He moved to Andover with his family and survived a smallpox outbreak in 1690 of which his family was accused of causing.

The Salem witch trials

When Richard was 18 years old in 1692, he was arrested together with his family on accusion of witchcraft on 28 May 1692. During his mother's trial, Richard and his 7 year old sister Sarah testified against their mother on the accusation of witchcraft. He however was tortured before his testemony by hanging him by his heels "until the blood was ready to come out of his nose" or until he said what his interrogators wanted to hear. His mother was convicted and executed on 19 August 1692 and Richard and his family were set free again.[2]

In 1711, Richard and his family received a small amount of recompense from the Massachusetts government for her conviction: 7 pounds and 6 shillings.[3]

Later Life

Richard went on to marry Elizabeth Sessions on 18 July 1694 in Andover and had six children with her:[4]

  • Elizabeth Carrier (1697-1704)
  • John Carrier (1695-1739)
  • Timothy Carrier (1705-1781)
  • Sarah Carrier (1701-1717)
  • Mehitable Carrier (1698-1750)
  • Martha Carrier (1702-1769)

After Elizabeth's death, Richard went on to marry Thankful Brown on 29 July 1707 in Colchester and had four children with her:[5]

  • Hannah Carrier (1709-1741)
  • Thankful Carrier (1708-1704)
  • Remembrance Carrier (1703- )
  • Amos Carrier (1704-1730)

Richard led the rest of his life in Colchester until he died on 17 November 1749. He was buried in Colchester Burying Ground.[6]

See Also

References

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