William Hathorne was a prosperous entrepreneur in early Salem and became one of its leading citizens. He led troops to victory in King Philip's War, served as a magistrate on the highest court, and was chosen as the first speaker of the House of Deputies. He was a zealous advocate of the personal rights of freemen against royal emissaries and agents.Anderson, Robert, The Great Migration Begins: Immigrants to New England, 1620–1633, Entry for William Hathorne, New England Historic Genealogical Society, Boston, MA, 1999. His son Judge John Hathorne came to prominence in the late 17th century when witchcraft was a serious felony. Judge Hathorne is the best known of the witch trial judges, and he became known as the "Hanging Judge" for sentencing accused witches to death.Starkey, Marion, The Devil in Massachusetts, Knopf, Doubleday, 1969.
William Hathorne was a prosperous entrepreneur in early Salem and became one of its leading citizens He led troops to victory in King Philip's War served as a magistrate on the highest court and was chosen as the first speaker of the House of Deputies He was a zealous advocate of the personal rights of freemen against royal emissaries and agentsAnderson Robert The Great Migration Begins Immigrants to New England 1620–1633 Entry for William Hathorne New England Historic Genealogical Society Boston MA 1999 His son Judge John Hathorne came to prominence in the late 17th century when witchcraft was a serious felony Judge Hathorne is the best known of the witch trial judges and he became known as the "Hanging Judge" for sentencing accused witches to deathStarkey Marion The Devil in Massachusetts Knopf Doubleday 1969