The First Witch of Boston

by Andrea Catalano

But when people cannot understand something, when they can’t make sense of a thing, they always become fearful. People fear what they do not understand, you see?”

Was Margaret Jones a witch? I suppose that depends on what your definition of a witch might be. Was she a woman who had a wealth of knowledge on how to heal and use herbal remedies, knew how to assist women through their labors and see them safely delivered of their children? Did she intuitively understand her patients’ ailments, their pain? Did she believe in the power found within nature? Most likely, yes, and unfortunately, at that time, on the edge of the world, such knowledge and skill in a woman were regarded suspiciously.