Massachusetts Bay Colony magistrate during the infamous Salem Witch Trials (1641–1717) who issued warrants and conducted initial examinations for several accused witches. Manuscript DS, one page, 7.75 x 9.75, July 25, 1690. Attestation in the case of a deceased shipwright, in part: "John Peach aged bout 77 years and Thomas Pickman aged about 80 years Testieth and Saith that Richard Hollingsworth….formerly of Salem of County of Essex in New England Shipwright Doth had Two Ten acre Lotts lying on Darby Port Side Locale…of Towneship of Marbleheadin the County afore'sd…And ye said Richard Hollingsworth Cut Timber upon ye said Land for building…and enjoyed ye said Teo Tenn acre Lotts in his Owne right as his owne proper Estate for forty years agao & more and so during his Natural life And William Hollingsworth…of Salem…of ye County afore'sd Deceased was Eldest Son of ye said Richard Hollingsworth." Signed at the conclusion by Hathorne. In fine condition, with two small tape repairs on the reverse, and another on the front. Most notably associated with his significant role in the Salem Witch Trials, in particular his harsh questioning of Rebecca Nurse and Bridget Bishop, Hathorne is also remembered as the great-great grandfather of famed writer Nathaniel Hawthorne; the author later changed the spelling of his surname to dissociate himself from his maligned ancestor.
