Stephen Sewall, Clerk of Salem Witch Trials, Signed Deed of Sale 1712

1p, measuring 12" x 12.5", Essex County, Massachusetts, dated January 16, 1712. A deed of sale, signed on verso "Stephen Sewall" as Registrar. The document records the sale of a two-acre parcel of salt marsh situated within Rowly, to Jonathan Spofford to Samuel Kimball for £9. Signed and sealed by Kimball and his wife at the conclusion, along with two witnesses. At the lower right is a later statement acknowledging this sale, dated June 27, 1722. With docketing on verso, along with Sewall's signature. The document has flattened folds, with creasing and separations at the folds and edges. Minor loss to some text, but still very legible. Toning, soiling, and ink stains throughout. Overall very good.

Nearly twenty years prior, Stephen Sewall (1657-1725) served as Clerk in the Court of Oyer & Terminer in Salem, the site of the notorious Salem Witch Trials. Hysteria, paranoia, and accusations swept through numerous towns in colonial Massachusetts during the year of 1692-1693, resulting in the execution of nineteen people accused of witchcraft. Sewall was responsible for attesting to the accuracy of all documents and transcripts produced by the court, making him an eye-witness at every trial. He and his wife also cared for one of the "bewitched" girls, Elizabeth "Betty" Parris, housing her under their own roof. In the Sewall household, Betty did experience some unusual symptoms but ultimately regained full health. Later in life, Sewall served on the committee to recommend compensation for the families of the witch trial victims and was appointed to distribute compensation.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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