Salem Witch Trials Begin
Dane had lived in Andover for forty-four years, and he was seventy-six years old when the Salem Witch Trials began.
On October 18, 1692 Francis Dane, Thomas Barnard, and twenty-three others wrote a letter to the governor and to the General Court public condemning the witch trials. Dane and his family were in danger as half a dozen family members stood accused, including Francis Dane himself. Another minister, George Burroughs, had been hanged, and thus Dane's status did not guarantee protection. He warned that his people were guilty of blood for accepting unfounded accusations against covenanted members of the church.
Two of Francis Dane's daughters, Elizabeth Johnson and Abigail Faulkner, and his daughter-in-law, Deliverance Dane were all arrested. Abagail Dane Faulkner's two daughters, Abagail Faulkner and Dorothy Faulkner were also accused of witchcraft.
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