Sarah Osborne was one of the first women accused of witchcraft during the infamous Salem Witch Trials in 1692. The evidence against her was largely circumstantial and rooted in the social and political turmoil of the time.
One key piece of evidence presented was her tumultuous relationships with her family and the community. Osborne had disputes with her relatives over inheritance and property, which placed her in a negative light among her peers. Additionally, her habit of opposing the Puritan community’s norms, such as her remarriage to a man outside the church, further alienated her.
Furthermore, several young girls in Salem Village claimed to be afflicted by Osborne’s spirit. They would suffer fits and convulsions, which they attributed to her witchcraft, igniting fear and suspicion among the townsfolk. The testimonies of these girls were taken seriously and fueled the panic surrounding witchcraft in the community.
Ultimately, the combination of personal grievances, societal status, and dire accusations from local children created a climate in which Sarah Osborne was deemed guilty by association and conviction rather than concrete proof.