The Specter of Salem’s Wealthiest Man Interrupts Church to Pinch a Girl: April 24, 1692

Specters in the Pews: April 24, 1692Drawing on 1692 records, we trace how Dorcas Hoar is said to begin afflicting Elizabeth Hubbard on the night of April 24 and is linked by multiple witnesses to claims about choking her first husband, while Ann Putnam Jr. also reports being tormented that day. Susannah Shelden describes a startling scene in the Salem Town meetinghouse where Philip English’s specter allegedly pinches her alongside a Boston woman called Goody Wy, then follows her home with a black man carrying a book and offering relief if she will touch it. The day’s accusations culminate with Ann Putnam Jr. naming John Willard for grievous afflictions.00:00 Show Intro00:11 Sabbath Specter Disruption00:29 Dorcas Hoar Accusations00:56 Philip English in Meetinghouse01:17 The Devil’s Book Offer01:43 John Willard Afflicts Ann