| Notes |
- Surname: Recorded as 'Huchenson' in Salem, Massachusetts VRs, p. 1:455.
Mr. Hutchinson lived through the ever memorable period of the Witchcraftdelusion of 1692. Strong in his mind, and sensible as he was on everyother subject, yet he was not proof against the current of thought whichpervaded some of the noblest intellects of that age. He was one of anumber who entered a complaint against Tituba, an Indian woman living inthe family of Rev. Samuel Parris, Sarah, the wife of Wm. Good, and Sarah,wife of Alex'r Osborn.
During the greater part of its seventeenth-century existence SalemVillage was torn by internal and external dissension. There were fierceboundary disputes with Topsfield, dissatisfaction with the village'srelationship to the mother town of Salem, quarrels between the parish(political) and the church (spiritual) and personal controversies overthe choice of ministers, all culminating in the horrors of the witchcraftdelusion of 1692. Joseph Hutchinson seems to have kept fairly clear ofcontention. He was, however, definitely of the parish party. In 1686 hefenced off his loand surrounding the meetinghouse acre, leaving anentrance on the end toward the road. The authorities sued him for sodoing and his answer is indicative of his character:
"Joseph Hutchinson his answer is as followeth:--First, as to the covenantthey spoke of, I conceive it is neither known of by me nor them, as willappear by records from the farmer's book. Second, I conceive they haveno cause to complain of me for fencing in my own land; for I am sure Ifenced in none of theirs. I wish they would not pull down my fences. Iam loath to complain, though I have just cause. Third, for blocking upthe meetinghouse, it was they did it, and not I, in the time of theIndian wars; and they made Salem pay for it. I wish they would bring memy rocks they took to do it with; for I want them to make fence with.
"Thus hoping this honored Court will see that there was no just cause tocomplain against me, and their cause will appear unjust in that theywould in an unjust way take away my land, I trust I shall have relief; soI rest, your Honor's servant.,
(Nov. 27, 1686.)
Joseph Hutchinson."
In the long controversy between the parish and the church resulting fromthe personality and cupidity of Mr. Parris, Hutchinson was definitelyarrayed against that clergyman, and thus placed himself and his family ingrave danger when, in the frantic months of 1692, Parris practically heldpowers of life and death in his control. This does not mean thatHutchinson did not believe in the existence of witchcraft. He obviouslydid, as in an emotional reaction to the accusations of the "afflicted"children, he was one of the complainants who procured the warrantsagainst the first unfortunate women accused-- Tituba, Mr. Parris'sIndian slave, Sarah Good and Sara Osburn. As the hysterical proceedingsadvanced, however, he seems to have had strong doubts. He and his wifewere among the signers of the declaration as to the character of RebeccaNurse, and later the close questioning to which he subjected the childAbigail Williams upon a casual meeting with her indicates gravesuspicion. He emerged safely from the crisis and in later yearscontinued to lend support to Mr. Parris's opponents. Hutchinson did notleave a will nor is there any administration of his estate on file. Hehad given to his sons much of his real property during his lifetime.
In his father's Will, it is expressed that the care of Sarah, hismother-in-law, be devolved on him. But shortly after his decease, shedesired "to take her abode among her relations," which was just prior toher marriage with Mr. Roots. In doing this some difficulty occurred inthe settlement of her affairs, between herself and Joseph.
In 1658 he was chosen constable and tax gatherer, and his name appears onthe jury list for 1679; he was frequently chosen administrator andoverseer, and often was witness to wills, deeds and inventories. Thereis no will or administration of his estate on record, he having duringhis life time, distributed his large property among his children.
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1633 - 1716 (83 years)