A Witch in the Family: Salem Witch Trial Descendants

People involved with the Salem Witch Trials have many descendants. Some have more than once accused witch in their family tree. Below is an overview of some of the resources available to research accused Salem witches, and a look at just a few of the people involved and their more well-known descendants.

Online Resources

• Associated Daughters of Early American Witches - A lineage society for women who can prove descent from an accused witch during the Colonial Era
• Descendant Packet - From the Salem Witch Museum, packets of information for each of the executed victims are available for sale
• Female Ancestors » Witches - A listing of related links compiled by Cyndi's List
• A Multitude of Salem Witch Trials Descendants - From the New England Historical Society
• Salem Witchcraft Family Trees - From FamousKin.com, a website produced by genealogist Rich Hall
• Son of a Witch - A male hereditary society created to honor the men and women who were accused of witchcraft in colonial America
• Verifying Descent from Salem's Accused Witches - Recorded webinar from the New England Historic and Genealogical Society (requires free registration)
• Witches of Massachusetts Bay- Family Connections - From genealogist Robin C. Mason

Famous Descendants

Captain John Alden

• The son of two of the first settlers of Plymouth, Captain Alden escaped from Boston Gaol before he could be tried and hid in New York until it was safe to return. He later wrote a book about the trials.
  • Famous Descendants:
    • Benedict Cumberbatch, actor
    • Charles Dana Gibson, illustrator

Mary Bradbury

• Convicted despite several people testifying in her defense, Mary Bradbury was sentenced to death, but escaped before she could be executed. She returned to Salem after the hysteria had died down.
  • Famous Descendants:
    • Ray Bradbury, author
    • Charlie Day, actor
    • Ralph Waldo Emerson, author
    • Linda Hamilton, actor
    • Christopher Reeve, actor
    • Alan Shepard, astronaut
    • Sam Waterston, actor

George Burroughs

• The former Minister of Salem Village was accused by people who had never seen him, and was arrested in Maine and brought back to Salem to stand trial. He was convicted and executed on August 19, 1692 along with four others.
  • Famous Descendants:
    • Walt Disney, animator, film producer, voice actor, and entrepreneur
    • John Ritter, actor

Rebecca Nurse

• Considered a pillar of the community by many, Rebecca Nurse received the most public support of the accused including a petition signed by 39 people. She was nonetheless convicted and executed on July 19, 1692 with four others.
  • Famous Descendants:
    • Amy Grant, singer
    • Vincent Price, actor
    • Mitt Romney, politician

Learn More

To learn more about the Salem Witch Trials and how to research your own ancestors, check out these Research Guides from the BPL:

• Salem Witch Trials - A guide to resources concerning the Salem Witch Trials at the BPL and beyond
• Genealogy - Links to Research Guides, online resources, and information about related programming at the BPL