Rebecca Nurse

Massachusetts colonist, executed as a witch

Rebecca Nurse (February 13, 1621 – July 19, 1692) was a woman who was accused of witchcraft and executed by hanging in New England during the Salem Witch Trials of 1692.

She was fully exonerated fewer than twenty years later.She was the wife of Francis Nurse, had several children and grandchildren, and was a well-respected member of the community.

She was tried and convicted in the spring and summer of 1692 and executed on July 19.This occurred during a time when parts of the government and people of the Province of Massachusetts Bay were seized with witch-phobia.

Her married sisters Mary Eastey and Sarah Cloyce were also accused.Mary was convicted and executed, but Sarah managed to survive.