Salem Witch Trials: Giles Corey

Salem Witch Trials in History and LiteratureAn Undergraduate Course, University of VirginiaSpring Semester 2001Born in England about 1611, Giles Corey was one of the six mento be executed during the Salem witch trials of 1692. John Proctor,George Burroughs, George Jacobs Sr., John Willard, and SamuelWardwell were all hanged after being convicted of witchcraft, whileGiles Corey was pressed to death with stones for refusing to "puthimself on the country," that is, to allow himself to be put ontrial. He emigrated from England to Salem and remained there until1659 when he relocated to Salem Farms, just south of Salem Village.There he owned an extensive plot of land, which resulted in theappearance of his being a prosperous farmer. His personality,reputation and relationships with others however tainted thatpicture. Although he had become a full member of the Village churchand had close ties with the Porter faction in the Village, hisreputation as one who lacked consideration for others in...