Family Connections

To honor ancestors and to help find cousins, some people have created family associations based on a specific ancestor or couple. Typically membership-based organizations, these groups may offer access to ancestor-related databases, unique library collections, digital and manuscript archives, newsletters, special events and reunions, book publication projects, DNA projects, research help, historical houses—and much more. It all depends upon the goals of that individual society.

Below, you’ll find links to ancestor-based family associations related to the witch hunt trials.

Alden: Capt. John Alden (c. 1626-1702) was accused, jailed, and escaped imprisonment. His famous parents were Pilgrims John Alden (c. 1599-1687) and Priscilla Mullins of the Mayflower.

Cummings: Descendants of Isaac Cummings (1601-1677) of Topsfield/Ipswich, his son Isaac Cummings Sr. (1633-1721) and grandson Isaac Cummings Jr. (1664-1746) and his wife Alice Howlett accused Elizabeth (Jackson) Howe (1637-1692) of witchcraft.

Felton: The Northern line of the American family was founded by Nathaniel Felton Sr. (1615-1705), who signed the Proctor petition along with his wife and three children. The Peabody Historical Society owns the Nathaniel Felton Sr. and Jr. homes.

Kimball: John Kimball (1645-1723) and his wife Mary Jordan of Amesbury were summoned as witnesses against Susannah Martin (1621-1692).

Parsons: Mary (Bliss) Parsons (1628-1712), the wife of Cornet Joseph Parsons of Northampton, Massachusetts, went to trial in 1656, 1674, and possibly again in 1679 for witchcraft.

Towne – Three daughters of William Towne and Joanna Blessing were accused of witchcraft. Rebecca (Towne) Nurse (1621-1692) and Mary (Towne) Esty (1634-1692) were hanged, while Sarah (Towne) (Bridges) Cloyce (1638-c. 1703) survived.

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