About this episode

The episode explores the tragic story of Roger Toothaker and his family during the Salem Witch Trials, highlighting themes of witchfinding and folk magic.

The Toothaker Family: Folk Magic, Witchfinding, and Tragedy in the Salem Witch TrialsA folk healer known as “Dr. Toothaker,” Roger Toothaker was the only male healer/physician accused of witchcraft in 17th-century New England, and his story pulls our Salem Witch Trials podcast into a web of witchfinding, fear, and family fallout. After leaving his wife Mary Allen Toothaker and their children behind in Billerica, Roger was arrested in May 1692 for allegedly afflicting Salem Village girls and died in Boston jail; testimony linked him to diagnosing victims under an “evil hand” and to a “witch bottle” said to kill a witch. Soon Mary Toothaker and their young daughter Margaret were accused, and daughter Martha Toothaker Emerson was jailed after dramatic examinations and spectral allegations, while son Allen testified against aunt Martha Carrier. Though Mary and Martha were ultimately cleared, war violence later killed Mary and took Margaret captive, underscoring how folk magic, Andover/Salem Village accusations, and ties to Carrier made the Toothakers prime targets.00:00 Meet the Toothakers00:13 Roger's Early Life01:05 Healer Turned Accused01:51 Testimony and Witch Bottle03:05 Mary…

People in this episode

Hosts: Josh Hutchinson, Sarah Jack

Topics covered

• Salem Witch Trials
• folk magic
• witchfinding
• family tragedy
• accusations
• historical figures

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Salem Village, Billerica

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