Jailed for Debt
In 1683, when George Burroughs salary was halted for his services as minister at Salem Village, Massachusetts he had only one choice in order to support his family. He left.
The Salem Village committee threatened to sue him for leaving his post. Being a man of honor, Burroughs returned to Salem Village to settle accounts, moneys owed him as well as debts he owed to others of the community.
At a meeting Burroughs was about to present his accounts when a Henry Skerry, the marshal, walked in. The marshal approached John Putnam Senior and whispered something to him. Putnam declared loudly that Skerry knew his duty and should now do it. Skerry then began to read out a warrant for Burroughs' arrest. The warrant, issued on the complaint of John Putnam, was for the purpose of attaching Burroughs' possessions, and if for lack of goods, to arrest Burroughs himself.
When Burroughs ask Putnam what debt he owed him Putnam listed them. Nathaniel Ingersoll arose and reminded Putnam that he, Putnam, and Burroughs had "reckoned and balanced accounts" several times since the money in question was due. He also reminded Putnam that until now he had made no mention of the supposedly money owed Putnam by Burroughs.
Putnam, although he admitted that this was correct still had Burroughs arrested and held over night. It was a fine example of the power the Putnams welded over citizens of Salem Village.
Putnam Demands What Is Due
It is believed that Putnam was attempting to extract money from Burroughs because certain people of Salem owed Putnam money and Burroughs, in turn, owed them. Meaning that one way or the other Putnam was going to see to it that he got what was owed to himself no matter what. Such was the root of much contention within the community in the years prior to the Salem Witch Trials.
Burroughs was paid his back wages the following day and was able to honestly pay those whom he owed, forcing Putnam to withdraw his case. The matter seemed to be settled but as time proved out the situation left a grudge to be held by the Putnam clan against George Burroughs.
The Reverend George Burroughs: continues with: Burroughs Accused of Witchcraft: A Witch's Church in Salem Village.
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