The Early Years and King Philip's War
George Burroughs has been described as being strong-willed and decisive. He was not only a man of God but also a man of action. Although he was short of stature, he was muscular and very athletic. And it has been noted that he was "highly attractive to women."
Although Burroughs was born in England he was brought to America in his early years. He was raised by his mother in Roxbury, Massachusetts. After graduating from Harvard in 1670, he took a position as minister in Casco, Main. At the time, Casco was considered a dangerous place to live because of Indian raids. Burroughs was there, in 1676, during King Philip's War. Although a large number of settlers were killed Burroughs managed to escape with his first wife and their children.
A Minister to Salem Village Church
He then settled in Salisbury, Massachusetts until he took a post as minister that would eventually prove fatal to him. He became, in 1671, the second minister to serve the staunch and witchcraft believing Puritans of Salem Village in Massachusetts.
In Salem Village, a parsonage was not built until 1680. Until that time, Burroughs and his wife lived for nine months in the home of John Putnam, Sr. and his wife Rebecca. During this period there seems to have been some sort of contention between Burroughs and his wife. At one point, while living with the Putnams, Burroughs asked Putnam and his wife to "arbitrate" between Burroughs and his wife.
Locking Horns with Putnam
It seems that Burroughs wanted his wife to sign "a covenant promising that she would not reveal any of his secrets." In light of later events involving the Salem Witch Trials it would be highly interesting to know what these secrets were. Whatever their nature, Burroughs' wife did not agree with his request.
It was later Putnam's claim that during the time that Burroughs and his wife lived with them the minister was "very sharp to his wife." Putnam also believed that Mrs. Burroughs was "a very good and dutiful wife to" Burroughs.
The Burroughs family moved into the completed parsonage in 1681, but by 1683 the church had ceased paying him his salary. Burroughs had no alternative but to leave Salem Village.
The Reverend George Burroughs: continues with: Burroughs' Debts Are Settled: But They Will Come Back to Haunt Him.
Recommended Reading:
The Salem Bewitchings Begin: Elizabeth Parris and Abigail Williams Under a Spell.
