Author Archives: Rebecca Beatrice Brooks

About Rebecca Beatrice Brooks

Rebecca Beatrice Brooks is the author and publisher of the History of Massachusetts Blog. Rebecca is a journalist and history writer who got her start in journalism working for small-town newspapers in Massachusetts and New Hampshire after she graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a B.A. in journalism. She is a member of the American Historical Association, Historic Salem Inc, the Danvers Historical Society, the Salisbury Historical Society and she volunteers for the National Archives and the Massachusetts Historical Society transcribing historical documents. Visit this site's About page to find out more about Rebecca.

Samuel Sewall: Salem Witch Judge

Samuel Sewall was a judge in the Salem Witch Trials and the only judge to apologize for his role in the trials. Sewall was born in Bishopstoke, England on March… Read more »

"Court Trial of Witches," illustration by unknown artist, published in "Witchcraft Illustrated" by Henrietta D Kimball, circa 1892

Bartholomew Gedney: Salem Witch Judge

Bartholomew Gedney was one of the judges during the Salem Witch Trials. Gedney was also a physician, town selectman, ship carpenter, merchant and a colonel in the Essex County militia…. Read more »

“Giles Corey's Punishment and Awful Death”, illustrator unknown, in Witchcraft Illustrated by Henrietta D. Kimball, circa 1892

George Corwin: High Sheriff of Essex County

George Corwin was the high sheriff of Essex County during the Salem Witch Trials in 1692. He was the nephew of Judge Jonathan Corwin and Judge Wait Winthrop and the… Read more »

History of Ring’s Island in Salisbury, Massachusetts

Ring’s Island is a peninsula in Salisbury, Massachusetts located near the mouth of the Merrimack River. On March 26, 1642, two acres of Ring’s Island was granted to colonist Robert… Read more »

Salem Historic Sites

Salem, Mass is a historic town with many historic sites. The city’s history spans centuries and visiting these historic sites is a great way to experience Salem’s history first hand…. Read more »