The most famous Salem witch trial descendants -

Which famous individuals have a family lineage connected to this tragic historical event?

The well-known events of the Salem witch trials, which occurred between the years 1692 and 1693, resulted in the tragic deaths of 20 individuals. A significant number of people, totaling over 200, were accused of practicing witchcraft, and out of these, upwards of 150 were apprehended. This dark chapter in American history has left a lasting impression not only on our literature, media, and popular culture, but also in the bloodlines of those affected. After more than three centuries have passed, the descendants of those involved in the trials have dispersed to various corners of the world, including well-known figures such as actors and even members of the British royal family.

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Lucille Ball (1911-1989) -

The late well-known actress from 'I Love Lucy' has some interesting ties to the Salem witch trials. She is the direct descendant of William Towne, who had three daughters accused of being witches, and Mary (Perkins) Bradbury, who was found guilty during the trials.

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Tom Felton (1980-) -

It is reported that the actor, renowned for his portrayal of Draco Malfoy in the 'Harry Potter' films, is believed to be a descendant of John Proctor. Proctor, a prosperous farmer, was executed after his trial. Additionally, the actor has other ties to the Salem witch trials as he is related to Lt. Nathaniel Felton, who served as a witness for the defense in one of the trials.

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Mark Wahlberg (1971-) -

The actor is said to be related to John Hathorne, who acted as a judge in the trials.

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Clara Barton (1821-1912) -

The founder of the American Red Cross, a pioneering nurse, is believed to be the great-granddaughter of William Towne, who was accused of witchcraft alongside his three daughters.

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Walter Disney (1901-1966) -

America's most iconic animator and producer is related to Rev. George Burroughs, who was hanged at Proctor’s Ledge for witchcraft during the trials. Burroughs was the only Puritan minister to be arrested and executed.

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Alexander McQueen (1969-2010) -

The British fashion designer and couturier's mother traced her family tree and discovered that she is related to a victim of the Salem witch trials. McQueen even named his autumn/winter 2007-2008 collection after his long-lost relative Elizabeth Howe, who was hanged in 1692.

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Sarah Jessica Parker (1965-) -

During her genealogical investigation, the 'SATC' performer discovered her lineage traces back to Esther Elwell, who was accused of witchcraft. However, she luckily avoided trial when laws against witchcraft were repealed.

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George H. W. Bush (1924-2018) -

The 41st President of the United States descended from Mary Parker, who was tried on September 17, 1692, and hanged after five days.

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George W. Bush (1946-) -

The 43rd President of the United States, like his father, is also a descendant of Mary Parker. It is possible that Bush is related to over 200 out of the 1.500 individuals who were involved in the trials, including jurors, marshals, and constables.

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Wil Wheaton (1972-) -

The actor, famous for his role as Wesley Crusher in the TV show 'Star Trek: The Next Generation,' is also identified as a family member of the Salem victims, although information is limited. Nevertheless, he is distantly linked to the Bushes, who have historical links to the Salem witch trials.

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Gerald Ford (1913-2006) -

The 38th President of the United States has familial connections to three victims of the trials. Mary Parker, his 8th great-grandaunt, Mary Bradbury, his ninth great-grandaunt, and Rev. George Burroughs, his 10th cousin 10 times removed. While two of his relatives were executed, the third was convicted but managed to evade trial.

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Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882-1945) -

The 32nd President of the United States shares connections with both victims and a judge of the trials. He is the sixth great-grandson of Mary Bradbury, and the tenth cousin, seven times removed, of Rev. George Burroughs. Additionally, he is the sixth great-grandnephew of William Stoughton, who served as the chief judge and prosecutor during the trials.

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Princess Diana (1961-1997) -

The late Princess of Wales has a family connection to Rev. George Burroughs, who was tried on August 5, 1692, and executed on August 19, 1692. They are fifth cousins, separated by nine generations.

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Prince William and Prince Harry -

As a result, Rev. George Burroughs is related to her sons Prince William and Prince Harry as fifth cousins ten times removed.

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Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis -

This means that the Princes and the Princess of Wales are also connected to the minister who was executed.

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Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804-1864) -

Born in Salem, MA, the renowned American author is believed to have ties to the trials, as he is the great-great-grandson of Judge John Hathorne. Curiously, the writer's surname initially matched the prosecutor's, until he altered it to avoid any association with him.

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Ray Bradbury (1920-2012) -

The writer of 'Fahrenheit 451' (1953) was indeed connected to Mary Bradbury, who was accused but evaded prosecution.

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Edgar Rice Burroughs (1875-1950) -

The author of science fiction novels and the famous character 'Tarzan' is reportedly connected to the Salem witch trials as a descendant. However, there is currently no readily accessible information about this alleged connection. Is it possible that he is related to Rev. George Burroughs?

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John Kerry (1943-) -

The ex-American Secretary of State has a familial connection to a victim and a prosecutor. He is a seventh great-grandnephew of Chief Judge William Stoughton and a fifth cousin nine times removed to Reverend George Burroughs.

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William Howard Taft (1857-1930) -

The 27th President of the United States has a familial connection to George Jacobs Sr. and Jr., both of whom faced accusations of practicing witchcraft. While Jacobs Sr. was convicted and put to death, his son managed to elude capture. Additionally, the ex-President is also linked to Rev. George Burroughs, who suffered the same fate.

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Buffalo Bill (1846-1917) -

There is some uncertainty regarding the connection between famous hunter and showman William Frederick Cody, commonly known as Buffalo Bill, and the Salem witch trials. However, he is indeed related to former President William Taft, who has established ties to the trials.

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Calvin Coolidge (1872-1933) -

The 30th President of the United States has a family connection to Mary Bradbury, who was arrested but managed to avoid being executed. He is also related to Rev. George Burroughs, who is his distant cousin, nine times removed.

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Chester A. Arthur (1829-1886) -

The 21st President of the United States has familial connections to two individuals involved in the trials: Susannah Martin, a widow from Amesbury who was executed on July 19, 1692, and John Proctor, a prosperous farmer executed on August 19, 1692.

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Millard Fillmore (1800-1874) -

The 13th President of the United States belongs to the group of individuals associated with both prosecution and the accused. He is a distant relative, being a first cousin five times removed of Judge John Hathorne, and a fifth great-grandnephew of Mary Bradbury.

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Ithiel Town (1784-1844) -

One of America's first generation professional architects—who designed, among many others, the Connecticut State Capitol (pictured)—is also listed as a descendant of the trials, but details are unclear.

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John Quincy Adams (1767-1848) -

Rev. George Burroughs, like numerous US Presidents, is also related to the 6th President of the United States.

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George Washington (1732-1799) -

America's inaugural President, who happens to be connected to Rev. George Burroughs, presumably possessed formidable hereditary qualities, given the considerable number of notable descendants he has.

Source: (Famouskin) (The Truth Seeker) (Historyofmassachusetts.com)

See also: Signs you'd be accused of witchcraft in the 17th century

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