Description:

Stephen Sewall, Clerk of Salem Witch Trials, Signed Land Affidavit

1p, measuring 7.5" x 6", Ipswich, Massachusetts, dated March 30, 1686. A testimonial of Nathaniel Putman signed "Steph: Sewall Cler.", concerning a plot of land in Salem where he lived. Marked in Sewall's hand "Copia Vera of ye Origa. on file." Reading in part: "That I have livid [sic] Forty Years in Salem…at ye East:ly end of the Long Pond, that ye Country Road run through that…& whose ye Country Road ye doth come from Ipswich doth meet with ye Road ye comes from Salem. I say that Plain was Respected & commonly called Capt: Trasks Plaine, and this for ye space of ye first twenty six years yt I lived in Salem and further saith ye Capt Trask did in my hearing did owne yt Plain to be his Land and this was some time before his death…price of vacant Land in Salem Bounds was sold for one shilling for one acre…" Signed by John Appleton as a witness. With docketing on verso. The document has flattened folds, with light toning, soiling, and foxing. Faint warping at the top edge. Boldly signed.

Stephen Sewall (1657-1725) was the Clerk of Court at the Salem Witch Trials and brother to Samuel Sewall, who was one of the presiding magistrates at the trials. In this role, he was witness to the day-to-day proceedings of the trials. As well, when Betty Parris started having fits, claiming to be under the influence of the Devil, Sewall took her into his home to care for her.

Captain William Trask (1585- Ca. 1666) was one of the pivotal founders of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, named the five "Old Planters". In January 1635 he, along with John Balch, John Woodbury, Roger Conant, and Peter Palfrey, was granted two hundred acres of land at the head of Bass River near Salem. Trask was also given two grants in the South Peabody area including an l00-acre farm near Spring Pond. These men settled the land prior to the arrival of Governor Endicott.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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