The seventy one year old was accused of performing witchcraft by her neighbor, Ann Putnam, and her twelve year old daughter. When Nurse’s trial took place, it was said that she afflicted a great number of people throughout the entirety of the trial (Brand 34). It was said that every time Nurse moved, people felt as though they were being tortured. If she leaned back people claimed, “it was as if their backs was broken.” If she leaned forward, their breasts became bruised. People also stated to have witnessed a ‘black man’ whispering into …show more content…
Following multiple trials, Nurse was found guilty and executed by hangings on July 19, 1692 (Brandt 35). The trial and execution of Rebecca Nurse are examples of how the Salem Witch Trials were unnecessary. Nurse was known by the colonists who lived in Salem to be one of the most devout members of society. This is a result of her generosity towards her neighbor. When her neighbor relocated from his home in the Salem area, she volunteered to raise his daughter until his return. In addition to her generosity, her reputation throughout the village was nearly impeccable. For example, she was seldom involved in constant lawsuit actions for slander, or land disputes (Brandt 36). Nurse is an example of how the accused and executed people of the trials were sincerely virtuous and moral people who did not deserve the punishments they