Has the distinction of being the only judge who actively participated in the Salem Witch Trials and never repented for the part he played in them. Also he was an ancestor of Nathanial Hawthorne, the author of the Scarlet Letter.

John Hathorne, Wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Hathorne

During the Salem witch trials he was a marshal for the court of Oyer and Terminer, which was used to try all of the witches during the Salem trials. Herick was noted for being particularly aggressive in his hunting of witches and is even listed as the plaintiff in a number of the trials.

George Herrick, Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Herrick

Oyer and Terminar, Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oyer_and_Terminer

Also accused John Proctor of witchcraft. Was one of the first two people to start making accusations of witchcraft that set off the 1692 witch hunt in Salem.

Abigail Williams, Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abigail_Williams

Was not executed even though she was convicted of witchcraft. She was pregnant so the sentence was commuted until she had her baby. This allowed time for the government to intervene and end this witch hunt.

Elizabeth Proctor, Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_Proctor

Was very suspicious of all the accusations of witchcraft. Question the truth of the accusations against his wife. He was soon accused of witchcraft himself. He was found guilty at his trial and was executed. It is interesting that the accusers accused him of witchcraft only after he questioned their accusations.

John Proctor, Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Proctor

Was a relative of John Proctor

John Proctor, Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Proctor