Rebecca Nurse

Rebecca Nurse
A fanciful representation of Rebecca Nurse's trial from The Witch of Salem, or Credulity Run Mad by John R. Musick
Born
Rebecca Towne

February 13, 1621 (1621-02-13)
DiedJuly 19, 1692(1692-07-19) (aged 71)
Cause of deathExecution by hanging
OccupationHousewife
Known forConvicted of witchcraft during the Salem Witch Trials
SpouseFrancis Nurse (or Nourse)
Children9
RelativesMary Eastey (sister)
Sarah Cloyce (sister)

Rebecca Nurse (née Towne; February 13, 1621 – July 19, 1692) was a woman who was accused of witchcraft and executed by hanging in New England during the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. She was fully exonerated fewer than twenty years later.

She was the wife of Francis Nurse, and had several children. Rebecca was a well-respected member of the community. She was tried and convicted in the spring and summer of 1692 and executed on July 19.

This occurred during a time when parts of the government and people of the Province of Massachusetts Bay were seized with witch-phobia. Her married sisters Mary Eastey and Sarah Cloyce were also accused. Mary was convicted and executed, but Sarah managed to survive.