John Bradstreet (Salem witch trials)

John Bradstreet (1652-1718) was a merchant and magistrate in Salem, Massachusetts, during the period of the Salem witch trials in 1692. He played a relatively minor role in the events, but his actions and beliefs reflect the complexities and tensions of the time.

Bradstreet served as a justice of the peace for Essex County. He was involved in the examination of several accused individuals, including Bridget Bishop, the first person to be executed during the trials. Bradstreet, along with other magistrates such as John Hathorne and Jonathan Corwin, questioned the accused based on the accusations of the afflicted girls. He signed warrants for the arrest of suspected witches and contributed to the formal proceedings that led to their imprisonment and trials.

However, Bradstreet also exhibited some skepticism towards the accusations and the methods being used. In the case of John Proctor, he requested further evidence before issuing a warrant, demonstrating a degree of caution not always seen in the proceedings. He also showed reluctance in accepting spectral evidence—testimony based on visions and dreams of the afflicted—which was heavily relied upon during the trials.

Later in his life, Bradstreet appears to have regretted his involvement in the witch trials. He participated in efforts to rehabilitate the reputations of those who were wrongly accused and condemned. His experience highlights the ethical dilemmas faced by individuals in positions of authority during the hysteria surrounding the Salem witch trials. He died on May 12, 1718, in Topsfield, Massachusetts.