Giles Corey

Giles Corey was a successful farmer and an active member of the Salem church, but this reputable model citizen was not looked lightly upon when the word "witch" started floating around. In April of 1692, Ann Putnam, Jr., Mercy Lewis, and Abigail Williams pointed a scornful finger at Giles. Ann said that Corey supposedly came to her on the 13th of April and asked her to write in "the devil's book." She later said that a ghost came to her, asking to be avenged against his killer, Giles Corey.

Corey and his wife, Martha were good friends of the Porter family. Being great enemies of the Porters, the Putnams saw the Coreys as enemies, and dead enemies seemed much safer than living enemies. Thus, a trial began so as to determine the "wicked" characteristics of the Coreys.

For five long months, he waited in prison for word of his trial. When he was let out, several witnesses arrived, demanding proof against the Coreys. In light of his new "fan club," he chose to refuse to stand trial. Without a trial, there was a greater chance that his sons-in-law got his farm instead of the government.

On Monday, September 19, consequence came for his refusal to stand trial. The punishment was death by pressing, the use of large stones to crush a person to death. On his deathbed, he only begged the