Mary Black (Salem witch trials)

Mary Black[note 1] was an African-American enslaved by Nathaniel Putnam of the Putnam family who was accused of witchcraft during the Salem witch trials. Nathaniel's nephew was Thomas Putnam, one of the primary accusers. However, Nathaniel himself was skeptical and even defended Rebecca Nurse.[1] Mary was arrested, indicted, and imprisoned, but did not go to trial, and was released by proclamation on January 21, 1693 [O.S. January 11, 1692]. She returned to Nathaniel's household after she was released, another indication of Nathaniel's view of the charges against her.[2]

Along with Tituba and Candy, Mary was one of three enslaved people accused during the hysteria. All of them survived.


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  1. ^ Ray, Benjamin C. (May 29, 2015). Satan and Salem: The Witch-Hunt Crisis of 1692. University of Virginia Press. pp. 180–1. ISBN 9780813937083.
  2. ^ Staff. "Mary Black". Salem Witch Trials Documentary Archive and Transcription Project. University of Virginia. Archived from the original on March 7, 2015. Retrieved August 1, 2015.