The Abbott family was a well-known family in New England and was one of the original proprietors of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Benjamin Abbott would become one of the first accusers of Martha Carrier, with whom he had a dispute about a property line.
Benjamin Abbott was an influential man within his community and had given much to help it become prosperous. However, his legacy would become tarnished due to his participation in the death of Martha Carrier during the Salem Witch Trials.
Jump to:
Early Life
Benjamin Abbott was born to George Abbott and Hannah Chandler in 1661. He was 1 of 13 children born to the couple and would grow up to marry Sarah Farnum.
There is not much record of the early life of Benjamin Abbott. In fact, most of his life is outside the historical record. His family was one of the first to settle in Andover and, by the time of Abbott's birth, had established themselves as an affluent family.
The Dispute
The accusation of Martha Carrier came from a dispute between her and Benjamin Abbott about a property line.
Martha and her husband, Thomas Carrier, owned property close to the Abbotts. The property line was disputed, and in an alleged angry response, Martha told Benjamin that he was cursed for seven years and that even Dr. Prescott would not be able to treat him.
Ironically, Mr. Abbott did develop some health issues, which included a swollen foot and a postule one his side. (A postule is a hard bump that medical professionals now know they can drain)
These two minor ailments that occurred were unable to be treated by Dr. Prescott, which Benjamin Abbott deduced was due to Martha's "witchery".
Abbott was not the only accuser during Carrier's trial, and frankly, his accusation was not the most effective.
It would be the Salem girls that would accuse Martha of killing 13 people of smallpox. The Carriers were easy targets as they had recently moved from another location to Andover, and it was believed they brought smallpox with them.
Martha never admitted guilt, but it did not matter. She was hanged on August 19, 1962. Although not the most important accuser, Benjamin Abbott played a role in her eventual conviction and death.
The Abbott House is still standing in Andover. It is privately owned.
<- Return to List of People Involved in the Salem Witch Trials