Eunice Cole, better known as “Goody Cole,” stands out as a notable figure in early Colonial New England history. Born around 1590 in England, she later settled in Hampton, New Hampshire, where her life took a dramatic turn. Cole holds the unfortunate distinction of being the only woman convicted of witchcraft in New Hampshire during the 17th century.
Cole’s story reflects the fears and superstitions that gripped many communities in Colonial America. Accused of witchcraft in 1656 and again in 1673, she faced harsh treatment from her neighbors and spent time in prison. Despite these challenges, Cole’s case differed from many other witch trials of the era, as she survived her ordeals and lived to old age.
The legacy of Eunice “Goody” Cole continues to intrigue historians and locals alike. Her experiences offer a window into the social dynamics, legal systems, and belief structures of 17th-century New England. Cole’s life story serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of fear and prejudice in tight-knit colonial communities.
Historical Background
The story of Eunice Cole unfolds against the backdrop of 17th century Colonial New England. This period was marked by deeply rooted Puritan beliefs and a society grappling with fears of witchcraft.
Colonial New England
Colonial New England in the 1600s was a harsh frontier environment. Settlers faced numerous challenges, including harsh winters, conflicts with Native Americans, and limited resources.
Communities were tightly knit, with religion playing a central role in daily life. The colonies of Massachusetts and New Hampshire were established during this time.
Towns like Hampton, where Eunice Cole lived, were small but growing. Colonists worked hard to build homes, farms, and establish local governments.
Puritan Society and Beliefs
Puritans dominated the social and religious landscape of Colonial New England. Their strict moral code and religious fervor shaped every aspect of life.
Belief in the supernatural was common. Puritans saw the world as a battleground between God and Satan. This worldview made them susceptible to fears of witchcraft.
Women, especially those who didn’t conform to societal norms, were often viewed with suspicion. Accusations of witchcraft could arise from personal disputes or unexplained events.
The legal system was intertwined with religious beliefs. Trials for witchcraft, like those Eunice Cole faced, were conducted by local courts.
Eunice Cole: A Life Enshrouded in Mystery
Eunice Cole, known as “Goody Cole,” faced multiple witchcraft accusations in colonial New Hampshire. Her life was marked by controversy, imprisonment, and social ostracism.
Biographical Overview
Eunice Cole was born around 1590 in England. She immigrated to the American colonies, settling in Hampton, New Hampshire. In 1656, Cole faced her first formal accusation of witchcraft in Boston. Several townspeople testified against her, leading to her imprisonment until 1660.
After her release, Cole returned to Hampton. The town provided her with a hut for shelter. Residents took turns supplying her with food and fuel. Despite this assistance, suspicions about Cole persisted.
In 1673, Cole faced a second witchcraft trial. She was sentenced to life imprisonment but petitioned for release to care for her aging husband. The authorities granted her request.
Familiarity with the Devil
Rumors swirled about Cole’s alleged supernatural abilities and demonic connections. Townspeople accused her of harming people and livestock. Some claimed she could shape-shift.
Stories circulated of Cole conversing with the devil. Fearful parents warned that she attempted to steal children. These accusations reflected common witchcraft beliefs of the time.
Cole’s reputation as a witch endured long after her death in 1680. The persistent legends surrounding her life demonstrate the power of superstition in colonial New England society.
Accusations and Trials
Eunice Cole faced multiple witchcraft accusations spanning over two decades. Her trials and imprisonments highlight the complex social dynamics and legal procedures surrounding alleged witchcraft in colonial New England.
The Initial Witchcraft Accusations
In 1656, Eunice Cole was brought to Boston to stand trial for witchcraft. Several Hampton townspeople testified against her, claiming she caused illnesses and mysteriously killed animals.
The court found Cole guilty of the charges. As punishment, she was sentenced to imprisonment and whipping. Cole remained in prison until 1660.
This initial trial set a precedent for future accusations against her and established her reputation as a suspected witch in the community.
Subsequent Trials and Imprisonments
Cole faced additional witchcraft charges in 1673 and again in 1680. During her second trial, she was sentenced to life imprisonment.
However, Cole petitioned for release to care for her aging husband. The authorities granted her request, allowing her to return to Hampton.
In 1671, town selectmen ordered residents to take turns supporting Cole on a weekly basis, indicating her precarious social and economic status.
These repeated trials and imprisonments reflected the ongoing suspicion and hostility Cole faced in her community. They also demonstrate the persistence of witchcraft accusations in colonial New England prior to the more famous Salem witch trials.
Goody Cole and Popular Culture
Eunice “Goody” Cole’s story has inspired various artistic and cultural works, becoming a part of New Hampshire’s folklore. Her legacy continues to captivate local historians and artists alike.
John Greenleaf Whittier’s Portrayal
John Greenleaf Whittier, a renowned 19th-century poet, immortalized Goody Cole in his works. He penned two poems about her: “The Changeling” and “Wreck of Rivermouth.” These poems helped popularize Cole’s story beyond Hampton’s borders. Whittier’s portrayal painted her as a sympathetic figure, wronged by society’s superstitions. His works contributed significantly to keeping her memory alive in American literature.
The Legend of Goody Cole
The legend of Goody Cole has grown over centuries, blending historical facts with folklore. Stories about her alleged supernatural powers circulated widely in Hampton and surrounding areas. Some tales claimed she could transform into animals or curse ships. These legends often portrayed Cole as a mysterious and feared figure in the community. Local storytellers and writers have continued to embellish her story, making her a staple of New Hampshire’s ghostlore.
Tuck Museum and the Goody Cole Society
The Tuck Museum in Hampton plays a crucial role in preserving Goody Cole’s history. It houses artifacts and documents related to her trials. The museum offers educational programs about Cole’s life and the wider context of witch trials in colonial America.
The Goody Cole Society, a local organization, works to honor her memory and promote historical awareness. They organize events and initiatives to educate the public about Cole’s story. The society has been instrumental in efforts to exonerate Cole and recognize her as a victim of injustice.
Witch-Hunting in Historical Context
Witch-hunting practices varied across regions and time periods, with notable differences in accusation patterns and legal procedures. The case of Eunice Cole in Hampton intersects with broader New England witch hunts and local maritime folklore.
Comparative Witch-Hunting Practices
Witch hunts in colonial New England differed from European counterparts in scale and execution methods. While thousands were executed in Europe, New England saw fewer than 40 executions. The Salem trials of 1692-1693 marked the peak, with 19 hangings.
Accusations often targeted marginalized individuals like Eunice Cole. Women, especially older widows or those with unconventional behaviors, were frequent targets. Unlike Salem’s spectral evidence, Hampton relied more on physical “proof” and witness testimony.
Legal procedures varied. Some towns used water tests, while others focused on physical examinations for “witch marks.” Hampton’s approach to Cole’s case involved multiple trials and imprisonments rather than immediate execution.
Exeter and the Wreck of the Rivermouth
The 1657 wreck of a small vessel near Hampton, resulting in eight drownings, became intertwined with Eunice Cole’s witch accusations. This maritime disaster heightened local fears of supernatural influences.
Exeter, a neighboring town, played a role in the regional witch hunt atmosphere. While not directly involved in Cole’s trials, Exeter’s proximity contributed to the spread of rumors and accusations in the area.
The Rivermouth incident exemplifies how natural disasters often fueled witch hunts. Coastal communities, vulnerable to maritime dangers, were particularly prone to seeking supernatural explanations for tragedies.
This event solidified Cole’s reputation as a witch in local lore, demonstrating how singular incidents could shape a person’s long-term public image in witch hunt contexts.
Legal and Social Repercussions
Eunice Cole faced severe consequences for her alleged witchcraft, including imprisonment and social exclusion. Her case highlights the injustices of witch trials in colonial New England and efforts at posthumous reconciliation.
Imprisonment and Social Ostracism
Eunice Cole endured multiple imprisonments in Hampton, New Hampshire and Boston, Massachusetts. In 1656, she was convicted of witchcraft and sentenced to flogging and life imprisonment. Cole spent several years in Boston jail before returning to Hampton.
The community shunned her upon release. Neighbors accused her of cursing crops, causing illnesses, and consorting with the devil. Cole lived in poverty, relying on reluctant town support.
In 1673, she faced new charges in Exeter but was acquitted. However, hostility persisted. Cole’s final arrest came in 1680, shortly before her death. She remained stigmatized until the end.
Posthumous Exoneration
Centuries later, Hampton sought to right historical wrongs. In 1938, townspeople held a ceremony to revoke Cole’s witchcraft conviction. They burned copies of her indictments and buried the ashes.
A plaque now stands in Hampton commemorating Cole. It recognizes her as a victim of injustice and superstition. Local groups have worked to preserve her story and educate about witch trial history.
In 2024, the American Nurses Association (ANA) honored a different Eunice Cole, showcasing how perceptions of women named Eunice Cole have evolved over time.
Preservation of Historical Records
Court records and local chronicles provide crucial insights into Eunice Cole’s life and trials. These documents offer a window into 17th century legal proceedings and community attitudes.
Documenting the Trials
Court records from 1656 and 1673 detail Eunice Cole’s witchcraft trials. These documents, preserved in the Massachusetts Archives Collection, include witness testimonies and judicial decisions. They reveal the specific accusations against Cole and the legal reasoning behind her convictions.
The records highlight the community’s fears and suspicions during this tumultuous period. Researchers can access digitized versions of these documents, ensuring their long-term preservation and wider accessibility.
Joseph Dow’s Chronicles
Joseph Dow, a 19th century historian, compiled extensive records of Hampton’s early history. His work includes detailed accounts of Eunice Cole’s life and trials.
Dow’s writings provide context for Cole’s experiences within the broader community. His chronicles draw from town records, personal accounts, and oral traditions passed down through generations.
These historical narratives offer a more comprehensive view of Cole’s life beyond the trial records. Dow’s work remains a valuable resource for researchers studying Hampton’s colonial era and the witch trials phenomenon.