Children fight to clear name of Salem witch trials victim

A WOMAN convicted of witchcraft in the 17th-century Salem trials is expected to be pardoned thanks to a group of campaigning US schoolchildren.

Elizabeth Johnson Jr. was sentenced to death in 1693 as mass hysteria swept colonial Massachusetts.

She was granted a reprieve and died in her late 70s in the 1740s but, unlike other convicted witches, has never been exonerated.

When eighth graders at North Andover Middle School, near Salem, learnt about her plight during their civics class, they decided to take action.

They carried out extensive research and found that Johnson was targeted because she was unmarried and possibly had learning difficulties.

“Part of our introduction to the civics class overall is based on the idea of identity, values, stereotypes and civil discourse,” teacher Carrie Lapierre said.

“So looking at the situation regarding Johnson from this lens helped students develop perspective and empathy for her case,” she added.

The 13 and 14-year olds also discovered Johnson had no immediate descendants lobbying for a pardon.

They began writing letters to local representatives and helped Diana Dizoglio, the state senator, draft a bill that will clear Johnson’s name.

She recently tabled the legislation, which is not expected to face any opposition.

More than 150 people, mostly women, were accused of witchcraft between 1692 and 1693 as Massachusetts was gripped by fear, paranoia and superstition.

Thirty people were found guilty and 19 were hanged.

“It is simply time to finish the job and clear the name of Elizabeth Johnson Jr. once and for all,” Senator Dizoglio said.

Ms Lapierre said: “In light of the present day events that have consumed the attention of most over this past year, this project may seem insignificant, but the kids’ efforts righted a long-standing wrong, and I want them to be proud of that.”

The students are receiving updates as their bill moves through the legislature.