Osborne, Sarah

In February of 1692, Sarah Osborne became one of the first three victims to be accused of witchcraft in Salem Village.

As the widow of Robert Prince-a Salem Villager who purchased a 150-acre farm next to his friend Captain John Putnam's,

Osborne was required (by Prince's will) to carry-over their estate to their two young sons.

However, by attempting to overtake possession of the property for herself and her new husband, Irish immigrant Alexander Osborne,

Sarah Osborne upset social norms that consequently resulted in accusations of witchcraft by the Putnam family. She died in prison on May 10, 1692.

See Also

Important Persons in the Salem Court Records Salem Witch Trials, Univ. of Virginia

Salem possessed; the social origins of witchcraft by Paul Boyer and Stephen Nissenbaum 1974.