Martha Corey

Victim of witchcraft hysteria, date and place of birth unknown. The wife of Giles Corey of Salem Village (now Danvers) in colonial Massachusetts, she was accused by two emotionally aroused young girls of witchcraft. Refusing to confess, she was hanged, and her husband was crushed to death under a rock. Her chief accuser and the trial judge later publicly admitted their error.

Martha Corey was accused of being a witch during the 1692 Salem witch trials. The community was surprised to see Corey accused, as she was known for her piety and dedicated church attendance. However, she had never shown support for the witch trials, since she did not believe witches existed. She was outspoken about her belief that the accusers were lying, and upon hearing this several young girls promptly accused her of witchcraft. As the girls testified against her during examination Corey asked the judge not to believe the rantings of hysterical children. The girls began mimicking her movements as if they were being controlled by her, which was evidence enough to persuade the jury of her guilt. Her husband, Giles Corey, had defended her against the allegations, and in due time he was accused of witchcraft himself.

Martha Corey is also known as Mary Corey, which can be seen on her gravestone in the Salem Graveyard where she and her husband Giles are buried.