The Thing About the Salem Witch Trials · Josh Hutchinson and Sarah Jack

Salem Witch Trials: Nothing But Putnams

February 22, 2026·16 min·1 clip

Discover how the powerful Putnam family drove witchcraft accusations in Salem, starting with their 1641 land grant.

This episode examines the influential Putnam family's roles in the Salem Witch Trials. Hosts Josh Hutchinson and Sarah Jack trace the family's history from its founding settlers to its involvement in the 1692 accusations. They focus on three branches descended from the original John Putnam and Priscilla Gold. The hosts detail Captain John Putnam Senior, who testified with his wife Rebecca against former lodger George Burroughs. Their testimony concerned Burroughs's relationship with his wife and his desire for secrecy. John and Rebecca Putnam also signed a petition related to the proceedings. The episode outlines the family's substantial landholdings, beginning with a 100-acre grant to John Putnam in 1641. It distinguishes between the three sons: Lieutenant Thomas Putnam, Lieutenant Nathaniel Putnam, and Captain John Putnam Senior. A key insight is how interconnected the Putnam family was to the trials through multiple accusers and witnesses. The testimony against George Burroughs from his former landlords reveals personal disputes fueling formal accusations. The episode clarifies the complexity of the Putnam lineage to explain their collective influence. It suggests the family's prominence made their accusations particularly impactful in the village. The tone is educational and conversational, with the hosts guiding listeners through a complex family tree. The style is methodical, breaking down historical relationships and events clearly. Listeners interested in the social dynamics and key families of the Salem Witch Trials will find this episode valuable. Those seeking dramatic storytelling or analysis of the accused witches' perspectives might find it too narrowly focused.

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