FAMILY-HISTORY GROUP WELCOMES SALEM WITCH TRIAL DESCENDANTS

Descendents of Framingham's Salem's End First Settlers invited

SALT LAKE CITY -- A new family-history group will recruit and associate descendants of the English colonists who participated in the infamous Salem Witch Trials of 1692. The group, Bloodlines of Salem, was created by trials researcher David Nelson.

While such groups are traditionally concentrated among families who are related to notable military, religious or royal events, Bloodlines of Salem will remember the trials and its participants by documenting and preserving their lineages.

The trials unfolded more than three centuries ago and continue to figure prominently in the studies of
history, law and religion.

Framingham's Salem's End, now known as Salem End Road, was founded by "refugees" of the Salem Witch Trials. Former Framingham Town Historian Stephen Herring, couldn't find definitive proof that Thomas Danforth, owner of much of the land that became the town of Framingham, and Deputy Governor who presided over a council bringing the witchcraft charges in Salem, was instrumental in having some of the accused saved. But Herring's research and his book, Framingham, An American Town, show that there is strong reason to believe that Danforth was why they and their families moved from Salem and settled on his land in Framingham. Clara Barton, Founder of the American Red Cross, was a descendant of one of these Salem immigrants. Five of the homes they built are still standing and they and their descendants made significant contributions to the history of Framingham.

"As amateur and professional Salemologists, our study of the trials isn't limited to our lineages," Nelson said. "While the facts about our infamous ancestors might be the focus of our work, it's the celebration of their memories and mysteries that continue to fascinate
new generations of their families and the public."

That fascination attracted author Nathaniel Hawthorne to write many of his short stories about the events that his ancestor, John Hathorne, led as one of the trials associate magistrates. Other famous descendants include comedienne Lucille Ball, filmmaker Walt Disney and
U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt.

Nelson reported in June his research which showed that actor Tom Felton was related to several trials participants. Felton played the "Harry Potter" character Draco Malfoy.

Bloodlines of Salem will launch its web site(http://www.bloodlinesofsalem.org/) on Oct. 29, the 315th anniversary of the end of the trials. Like other such groups, Bloodlines of Salem will promote better understanding of the trials and its participants through state-of-the-art genetic and documentary research, and popular culture.

Related Link: <http://www.bloodlinesofsalem.org>