Who was Giles Corey in the Salem Witch Trials?

Giles Corey was a farmer in Salem, Massachusetts during the Salem Witch Trials. He was one of the first people accused of witchcraft during the trials, and he was ultimately executed by pressing.

Biography

- Corey was born in England around 1611.

- He immigrated to the Massachusetts Bay Colony in the 1630s.

- He settled in Salem and became a farmer.

- He married Martha Corey, and they had three children.

Accusations of Witchcraft

- In 1692, Corey's wife, Martha, was accused of witchcraft.

- She was tried and convicted, and she was executed by hanging.

- Giles Corey was also accused of witchcraft, but he refused to enter a plea.

- Under the English common law of the time, a defendant who refused to enter a plea could be pressed to death.

- Corey was subjected to this torture, but he refused to give in.

- He died after two days of being pressed.

Aftermath

Corey's death was a turning point in the Salem Witch Trials. It began to turn public opinion against the trials and led to the eventual end of the hysteria.