Chief Daniel Wicom seemed because the main contour one of several accusers. As a prominent member of Rowley, one witchcraft problem one in it Wicom, which occupied many city leaders ranking, could have triggered legal action up against Scott.12 Based on depositions demonstrated up against Scott, the new citizens out-of Rowley suspected the lady of being a beneficial witch having as many as 20 years however, no action are drawn up until his de- subjected to her.
Several circumstances might have led Frances Wicom to help you testify to such as for example a bad feel including the lady family ecosystem and its experience of Indian disputes
The Wicoms just weren’t really the only popular class of Rowley inside it toward allegations against ily including starred a working character into the brand new trial. Thomas and you will Phillip Nelson was in fact brothers; Sarah is Philip’s girlfriend. Their father, Captain Philip Nelson, passed away in the 1691 making an estate away from five hundred lbs recommending you to both Thomas and you may Philip was basically well-off by themselves. Unfortuitously, facts don’t distinguish anywhere between Philip the daddy and you can Philip the latest child. However, the newest prominence of your title of Philip Nelson around records implies that your family are wealthy and strong.13
What is popular among the appearances off Nelsons and you can Wicoms throughout the Essex State info is basically exactly what did not are present
Since a few family members are available in of numerous belongings problems, they never ever are available just like the competitors. When you find yourself one cannot believe that both parents was indeed family relations, it’s secure to say that these were perhaps not opponents. Philip Nelson provided testimony one supported Daniel Wicom within the a 1679 demo along with 
1680 the two men sided with her an additional legal proceeding. fourteen The connection amongst the Wicoms and Nelsons since the Margaret Scott’s head accusers went on to your deposition away from Philip and you can Sarah Nelson exactly who testified into the condition away from inactive Robert Shillito, who lived-in Daniel Wicom’s tithing area. Wicom would have collected Shillito’s taxes, been in connection with your, and then have been most accustomed their heading disorder. The last connection occurred in the newest deposition from Thomas Nelson. After his testimony, the fresh listing shown him given that a person in the huge jury giving your the benefit to decide Margaret Scott’s destiny extending the latest Nelson-Wicom connection to several of areas of the fresh demonstration. fifteen
This new depositions given up against Margaret Scott focus on the latest rumors on the their reputation and the common philosophy one released throughout the witches in early The The united kingdomt. Of your own half a dozen depositions displayed till the Salem Court on the Sep 15th, five discussed brand new spectral image of Margaret Scott tormenting anyone else. Some depositions given indicated that we guessed Scott was good witch long before 1692. This new spectral research originated in the newest depositions off women just who might have been influenced by their paranoia encompassing Indian hostilities, public challenges, and you may faith.
With regards to the research, Margaret Scott’s specter basic assaulted Frances Wicom early in the brand new trials during the Salem in the 10th out-of ination to your August 5th. The brand new seventeen year old Frances gave her deposition into the legal in the Salem towards Sep fifteen, 1692. Outlining ailments that were thought to be common Frances mentioned that elizabeth in my experience and more than grievously torment me of the choacking and you will nearly presing us to passing”.sixteen
She undoubtedly would have read first-hand profile out of bloody issues having Indians. The new facts shows that a primary correlation is available anywhere between nervousness more than Indian Battles being battled for the Maine and you may witchcraft allegations. Such a stressful ecosystem where The latest England was tormented by Satan as a consequence of witches and you will Indians, who had been named servants of your own devil, little girls would have been prepared to accuse anybody exactly who are remotely skeptical and then make Scott, who currently got an unethical profile, a straightforward target.17
