Bartholomew Gedney

Bartholomew Gedney (c. 1640 - February 28 1698/99) was a merchant, physician, military officcer, and native of Salem, Massachusetts. He is best known as one of the magistrates in the Salem witchcraft trials.

Life

Bartholomew Gedney was born, probably in Salem in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. His father, John Gedney, was one of Salem's founders and leading citizens, and Bartholomew followed in his father's footsetps. He served as a selectman of the town, and was involved in the local militia, rising to the rank of colonel. He was offered command of an expedition against Port Royal, Acadia in 1690, but refused.

Gedney was present at several of the examinations and later served as a member of the Court of Oyer and Terminer. He was present at the examination of his friend John Alden on May 31, 1692, in Salem Village. When Gedney saw how Alden tormented the girls, he told Alden that he had "always look'd upon him to be an honest Man, but now he did see cause to alter his judgment." ^[1]

The Gedney House which still stands in Salem was constructed by his brother Eleazar.

References

• History of Essex County

This article relating to the Salem witch trials is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. v t e