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  1. Home
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  3. Salem Witch Trials: Discovering The Noteworthy Descendants

Salem Witch Trials: Discovering The Noteworthy Descendants

Tania Calderón / November 24, 2024 - 03:00 am

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Pinterest Sarah Jessica Parker
(© 2023 Getty Images)

Sarah Jessica Parker

While exploring her family history, the 'Sex and the City' actor uncovered her remarkable connection to Esther Elwell, who faced accusations of witchcraft during the trials. Fortunately, Esther escaped trial after the prosecution for witchcraft was abolished, adding a personal and touching element to Sarah Jessica Parker's ancestral heritage.

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Pinterest Alexander McQueen
(© 2009 Getty Images)

Alexander McQueen

The celebrated British fashion designer, Alexander McQueen, discovered through his mother's family tree that he is related to Elizabeth Howe, a victim of the Salem witch trials who was executed in 1692. In a poignant tribute, McQueen even named his autumn/winter 2007-2008 collection after his long-lost relative, celebrating her memory through his artistry and design.

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Pinterest Princess Diana in Pink Dress

Princess Diana

The late Princess of Wales shares a historical link as the 5th cousin nine times removed of Rev. George Burroughs, who was tried and executed during the Salem witch trials in August 1692. This intriguing connection to an infamous figure from the trials adds a unique perspective to Princess Diana's esteemed royal lineage.

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Pinterest Tom Felton
(© IMAGO/Future Image)

Tom Felton

The actor renowned for his portrayal of "Draco Malfoy" in the 'Harry Potter' series has a noteworthy ancestral connection to the Salem witch trials. Reports suggest that Tom Felton is a descendant of John Proctor, a prosperous farmer who tragically faced execution after his trial. Additionally, he has ties to Lt. Nathaniel Felton, who played a role as a defense witness during the trials, adding a compelling layer of historical significance to the actor's lineage.

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Pinterest Lucille Ball
(© imago images/Everett Collection)

Lucille Ball

The beloved 'I Love Lucy' star, Lucille Ball, shares a fascinating ancestral link to the Salem witch trials. She is the 8th great-granddaughter of William Towne, who was the father of three accused witches during the trials. Additionally, she is the 8th great-grandniece of Mary (Perkins) Bradbury, who was famously convicted during that harrowing period in history.

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Pinterest Franklin D. Roosevelt
(© Getty Images)

Franklin D. Roosevelt

The 32nd President of the United States has notable connections to both victims and a judge from the Salem witch trials. As a 6th great-grandson of Mary Bradbury, a 10th cousin seven times removed of Rev. George Burroughs, and a 6th great-grandnephew of William Stoughton, the chief judge and prosecutor at the trials, Roosevelt's lineage ties him directly to key figures involved in this infamous chapter of American history.

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Pinterest Mark Wahlberg
(© 2023 Getty Images)

Mark Wahlberg

The talented actor is said to be related to John Hathorne, who served as a judge during the Salem witch trials. This ancestral link sheds light on the actor's historical connection to one of the influential figures involved in the trials, offering a fascinating insight into his family's past.

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Pinterest George W. Bush
(© 2009 Getty Images)

George W. Bush

The 43rd President of the United States shares an intriguing ancestry with Mary Parker, and it's possible that he is related to approximately 200 individuals involved in the Salem witch trials. Among them are jurors, marshals, constables, and others, highlighting the extensive reach of this historical event into the present-day political realm.

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Pinterest Wil Wheaton
(© IMAGO/ZUMA Wire)

Wil Wheaton

Best known for his role as "Wesley Crusher" on 'Star Trek: The Next Generation,' Wil Wheaton is listed as a relative of the Salem witch trial victims, although specific details are not readily available. In addition to this connection, he is also distantly related to the Bush family, who have known ties to the trials, further intertwining his heritage with prominent historical figures.

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Pinterest Walt Disney
(© Getty Images)

Walt Disney

America's visionary animator and producer, Walt Disney, is related to Rev. George Burroughs, a Puritan minister who tragically met his fate through hanging at Proctor's Ledge during the witch trials. This historical connection provides a thought-provoking context to Disney's incredible legacy, tying his creative achievements to a significant and haunting chapter in American history.

The Salem witch trials of 1692-1693 left an indelible mark on American history, claiming the lives of 20 innocent souls while accusing over 200 of witchcraft, leading to over 150 arrests. Beyond its enduring presence in literature and pop culture, the descendants of those persecuted souls have dispersed across the globe over three centuries.

The Remarkable Legacy of Salem's Descendants

From actors to the British royal family, the genes of those once condemned have found their way into unexpected places, silently echoing the haunting echoes of a dark chapter in history.

Click through to discover the fascinating identities of Salem's enigmatic descendants!

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