This is an attempt to correct the history books, and it’s a different and possibly controversial dive into trying to TRULY answer how many people actually died in the Salem Witch Trials. Biography reports that the epidemic resulted in 20 deaths “ On September 22, 1692, eight people were hanged for … There are documented deaths directly caused by the Salem Witch Trials that, for whatever reason or another, are not being included in this official death count. Roger Toothaker was a “Witch Detecting Specialist”, who traveled to Salem to help identify and prosecute local witches. They were among 20 who were killed as a result of the hysteria that took place in the New England village of Salem where fear of demonic possession struck panic among the Puritans and led to more than 200 accusations against anyone suspected of witchcraft.”, Even The History Channel reports 20 executions without elaborating on the further deaths that resulted: “In accordance with English law, 19 of the victims of the Salem Witch Trials were instead taken to the infamous Gallows Hill to die by hanging. Just because someone wasn’t executed, doesn’t mean these trials are the direct reason they died. We’ll go through the 5 that are indisputable quickly: Lydia Dustin, her daughter, and grand-daughter all were accused and arrested of witchcraft, “Both Lydia Dustin and Sarah were found not guilty by the Superior Court of Judicature, Court of Assize and General Gaol Delivery in January or February, 1693, after the initial trials had been suspended when criticized for their use of spectral evidence. Mostly because her name was made famous by “The Crucible”, She died in prison before she could be tried. Over 10 reputable history/educational sites (I’m talking .org’s) had articles reporting 20 executions and leaving it at that. Source. Possibly one of the most forgotten about victims of the Salem Witch trials, was Mercy Good. The other thing that everyone agrees on- Giles Corey was pressed to death. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The official death count for the Salem Witch Trials is 20 people: 19 victims were hanged at Proctor’s Ledge, near Gallows hill, and one person was tortured to death. Did a lot of people die in the Salem Witch Trials? If you have read the Crucible or done research on the topic this is obvious information to you. Did a lot of people die in the Salem witch Trials? Names like Lydia Dustin and Ann Foster seem to have been forgotten. Sarah Good was later convicted and executed. During the Salem witch trials of 1692, twenty-four accused witches died, 19 were hanged, one was pressed to death, and four died in prison. She is a former faculty member of the Humanist Institute. The final hangings were on September 17th and Ann Foster withered away in prison just 5 days later. In one o the more ironic deaths. Now even Wikipedia’s list on how many people died in the Salem Witch Trials simply states that 20 people were executed in their introduction paragraph. Thirty were found guilty, nineteen of whom were executed by hanging (fourteen women and five men). How Many People Actually Died During The Salem Witch Trials? Bridget Bishop Arrested April 18, 1692 For more details, see our Privacy Policy. From here on out, I will be writing with the assumption that you have at least a basic understanding of the Salem Witch Trials. How many people died in the Salem Witch Trials? So let’s start with what everyone agrees on- Nineteen witches were hung on Gallows Hills.