Judge Nathaniel Saltonstall was chosen to preside over the Salem witch trials in the 17th century; however, he found the trials objectionable and recused himself. Historians cite his reluctance to participate in the trials as one of the reasons that the witch hysteria did not take as deep a root in Haverhill as it did in the neighboring town of Andover, which had among the most victims of the trials. However, a number of women from Haverhill were accused of witchcraft, and a few were found "guilty" by the Court of Oyer and Terminer.
Judge Nathaniel Saltonstall was chosen to preside over the Salem witch trials in the 17th century,; however, he found the trials objectionable and recused himself. Historians cite his reluctance to participate in the trials as one of the reas.ons that the witch hysteria did not take as deep a root in Haverhill as it did in the neighboring town of Andover, which had among the most victims of the trials However, a number of women from Haverhill were accused of witchcraft and a few were found "guilty" by the Court of Oyer and Terminer.