William P. (William Phineas) Upham
House of John Procter, Witchcraft Martyr, 1692
"House of John Procter, Witchcraft Martyr, 1692" by William P. Upham is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book meticulously examines the life and legacy of John Procter, a notable victim of the witch trials in Salem, Massachusetts, during the infamous witchcraft hysteria of 1692. Upham delves into both personal history and broader social contexts surrounding the witchcraft delusions, providing a detailed exploration of Procter's land, burial, and family traditions. In this work, Upham combines historical documentation and anecdotal evidence to trace John Procter's life, land ownership, and eventual execution as a witch. He explores the various accounts and family traditions that surround the location of Procter's burial, highlighting the cultural memory and significance of his story within the community. Significant details include Procter's status as a tenant of the Downing Farm and his struggles as a victim of the witch trials, where he, along with his wife Elizabeth, faced imprisonment. Upham's narrative contributes to understanding both the individual experience of Procter and the collective trauma of the witch trials, laying the groundwork for recognizing the impact of these historical events on contemporary society.