Head Daniel Wicom featured because the central profile one of the accusers. Since the a well known member of Rowley, one witchcraft ailment one to on it Wicom, whom filled of a lot town leaders positions, might have triggered suit facing Scott.several Predicated on depositions demonstrated facing Scott, the latest residents regarding Rowley guessed her of being a great witch getting possibly 20 years however, zero action are pulled up until his de afflicted by their.
Several products have added Frances Wicom so you’re able to testify so you’re able to such as for example a poor feel along with their domestic environment and its own connection with Indian issues
Brand new Wicoms were not the only real preferred category of Rowley involved into allegations up against ily also starred an energetic role inside the brand new demo. Thomas and you will Phillip Nelson had been brothers; Sarah was Philip’s spouse. Its dad, Head Philip Nelson, died during the 1691 making a house regarding five-hundred pounds suggesting that both Thomas and Philip was well off by themselves. Sadly, information neglect to differentiate anywhere between Philip the daddy and you may Philip the brand new kid. But not, the new stature of your label of Philip Nelson in the city records shows that your family was wealthy and you will effective.13
What is actually recognized among styles out-of Nelsons and you will Wicoms in the Essex State suggestions is largely just what didn’t exists
Since the one or two family members are available in of numerous residential property issues, they never ever appear due to the fact opponents. When you are one cannot think that one 
another household was in fact loved ones, it’s safer to say that these were maybe not foes. Philip Nelson gave testimony you to definitely supported Daniel Wicom in the a great 1679 demo plus in 1680 both boys sided together with her in another legal proceeding. fourteen The relationship between your Wicoms and Nelsons because Margaret Scott’s captain accusers went on into the deposition from Philip and Sarah Nelson who affirmed into the problem out-of lifeless Robert Shillito, exactly who lived in Daniel Wicom’s tithing district. Wicom might have compiled Shillito’s taxes, been in experience of your, while having become really always his going problem. The last connection occurred in the fresh new deposition out-of Thomas Nelson. After their testimony, the new number indicated your because a member of the newest huge jury providing him the advantage to determine Margaret Scott’s future stretching the new Nelson-Wicom link with several of areas of new trial. fifteen
This new depositions offered facing Margaret Scott emphasize this new rumors regarding the her reputation and well-known values one to released throughout the witches in early New The united kingdomt. Of the six depositions showed until the Salem Court to your September 15th, five explained the spectral image of Margaret Scott tormenting other people. Certain depositions considering revealed that a lot of people thought Scott was an excellent witch a long time before 1692. The spectral research originated in the newest depositions regarding women whom might have been determined by its paranoia encompassing Indian hostilities, personal demands, and you can faith.
According to facts, Margaret Scott’s specter very first attacked Frances Wicom at the beginning of the fresh trials in the Salem within the 10th from ination to your August 5th. New seventeen-year old Frances offered the girl deposition to the judge during the Salem into the Sep fifteen, 1692. Detailing illnesses that have been believed to be common Frances stated that age for me and more than grievously torment myself by choacking and you may almost presing us to dying”.sixteen
She absolutely might have read first-hand membership out-of soft disputes which have Indians. New proof shows that an immediate relationship can be acquired ranging from stress more Indian Conflicts becoming battled inside Maine and you may witchcraft accusations. In such a stressful ecosystem in which The England was suffering from Satan through witches and Indians, who had been recognized as servants of devil, little girls could have been ready to accuse anyone which was remotely suspicious and then make Scott, just who already got a shady character, an easy address.17