Descended from Witches

Well, let me clarify the title, we are descended from accused witches in Andover, MA. during the late 1600's. I'm still researching this but the Lovejoy line does include accused witches during the hysteria of the time.  
Sarah Bridges, 7th great grandmother was born to John Bridges and Sarah Howe in 1673 in Andover, MA.  Sadly, her mother passed away in 1678, leaving John to raise Sarah and her older brother James (1671-1739) on his own. John married widow Mary Tyler Post that same year. Together they had Mary (1679), Samuel (1681), Elizabeth (1683) and Mehitable (1688). 
Mary Tyler Post Bridges was the daughter of Job Tyler (1619-1700) and Mary Horton (1619-1700). In addition to Mary, Job and Mary had Moses (1641-1727), Hopestill (1645-1734), John (1650-1652) and Samuel (1655-1695).

During the summer and fall of 1692, these are the family members who were accused of witchcraft. Many confessed under extreme duress and later recanted their confessions. 

Witch Trials

July28 Mary Tyler Post Bridges, 48; Job’s daughter, Moses’ sister 
August 2 Mary Post, 28; Mary’s daughter August 25 Susannah Post, 31; Mary’s stepdaughter 
August 25 Hannah Post, 26;Mary’s daughter August 25 Sarah Bridges, 17; Mary’s stepdaughter *7th great grandma
August 25 Mary Bridges, Jr., 13; Mary’s daughter *8th great aunt
August 31 Mary Parker, 55; John Tyler’s (Job’s son) mother-in-law 
September 7 Mary Lovett Tyler, 40; Hopestill Tyler’s (Job’s son) wife 
September 7 Hannah Tyler, 14; Mary and Hopestill’s daughter 
September 7 Joanna Tyler, 11; Mary and Hopestill’s daughter 
September 7 Martha Tyler, 11; Mary and Hopestill’s daughter

Of the ones listed above; all were imprisoned, found not guilty and released in 1693. The only exception was Mary Parker who was hanged 22 Sep 1692. 

The rest of the family during this time, did not escape the witch hysteria. John's brother Edmund (1637-1682) married Sarah Towne (1637-1703). They had nine children before his death. Sarah Towne Bridges then married Peter Cloyce (1640-1708) and they had three children. 

In 1692 Sarah Cloyce was accused and imprisoned for witchcraft. Her sister Rebecca Towne Nurse (1620/1-1692) was also accused of witchcraft and was executed on 19 Jul 1692. Another sister Mary Towne Estey (1634-1692) was hanged on 22 Sep 1692. Sarah escaped execution.

This is a very unpleasant part of our family history and certainly one I didn't expect. Rather than wipe it away, I want to learn about it. Grow from it and keep this from happening again.