Mercy Lewis was one of the accusers during the Salem Witch Trials in Colonial America. She, along with other young ladies, accused many within the village of witchcraft, which led to the death of many.
She was originally born in Falmouth, Maine. Mercy Lewis was the child of Philip Lewis and Mary Lewis.
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Early Life
Mercy Lewis was a refugee from Maine who came to Salem seeking protection after her village was attacked by Native Americans.
After settling in Salem, Mercy Lewis's uncle, Thomas Skilling, died from an injury brought on by the attack. In 1683, the Lewis family traveled back to the island in Casco Bay.
The second attack by the Native Americans in 1689 resulted in the death of Mercy's parents and made her an orphan.
On September 30, 1689, an attack by Native Americans killed her grandparents, aunts, uncles, and most of her cousins. As a result, the 14-year-old Mercy was placed as a servant in the household of Rev. Burroughs.
By 1691, she had moved to Salem, where a married sister was living; she became a servant in Thomas Putnam's household.
Salem Witch Trials
Mercy Lewis played a pivotal role in 1692 when 20 people were executed for witchcraft during the trials. This included her former master, George Burroughs, who had helped her family after the initial attack on their village.
A key influence in the life of Mercy was Ann Putnam. Mercy was an orphan and was a servant to Thomas Putnam, Ann's father.
Mercy accused Elizabeth Proctor of tormenting her in their homes. There were also accusations of child abuse, and she was accountable for hindering Mary Easty's release from prosecution and eventual execution, although all other charges against her had been dropped.
In early April 1692, Mercy Lewis claimed that Satan had appeared to her, offering her "gold and many fine things" if she would write in his book; shortly thereafter, Satan appeared to her in the form of Burroughs, whom she reported, "carried me up to an exceeding high mountain and showed me all the kingdoms of the earth, and told me that he would give them all to me if I would write in his book."
No information or medical history was recorded on the mental state of Mercy Lewis during the Salem Witch Trials. However, it was reported that Mercy suffered from episodes of seizures.
One record stated that Lewis had a violent seizure on May 7, 1692, after experiencing torture and threats from Burroughs.
This act was brought on by Lewis's refusal to print her name in a book Reverend Burroughs owned in order to state her allegiance to him clearly.
Lewis also accused Mary Easty, sister of Rebecca Nurse, who would be tried and hanged. Others accused by Lewis include Giles Corey, Bridget Bishop, Susannah Martin, John Willard, and Sarah Wildes. Lewis was the subject of accusations.
Ann Putnam Jr. claimed she had seen Lewis' apparition, though she said it had not harmed her.
There is no record of her feeling sorry for her actions during the Salem Witch Trials. Her accusation took many lives and hurt many families. She did not seem to have much of a moral high ground as she went on to have an illegitimate son in Boston.
Go back for a complete list of the people involved in the Salem Witch Trials.