Walt’s Salem Relatives – Main Street Pop In

With Halloween just around the corner, stories set in the village of Salem crop up quite a lot (Hocus Pocus and the Agatha All Along series come to mind). But did you know that Walt is the real-life descendant of a victim of the Salem Witch Trials?

The Salem Witch Trials, a series of witchcraft hearings and prosecutions in colonial Massachusetts, lasted from June 1692 to May 1693. During the horror, 20 men and women were executed, and hundreds were jailed (five of which died in prison). Back then, having a large family was common and America today is populated with quite a number of famous people related to Salem’s early settlers—Walt Disney being one of them.

Walt and his siblings were the sixth great-grandchildren of the Rev. George Burroughs, the only minister executed for witchcraft during the trials. Unlike Walt, who was revered for creating magic, George Burroughs suffered tragically.

From what I can tell, Burroughs was born around 1650 and raised in Massachusetts. He graduated from Harvard and served as a minister in Salem Village from 1680-1683. From many accounts, he was described as good-looking, athletic, and well-liked. However, his congregation often didn’t have the funds to pay him, making it difficult for him to support his family. When his wife died, he had to borrow money to pay for her burial. Disputes over his salary and debt put him on the opposing side of a community leader named John Putnam. Unfortunately, it was that relationship that led to Burroughs’ death.

Although Burroughs left Salem for Maine in 1683 and eventually paid back the loan, John Putnam never forgave him. Nine years after Burroughs left Salem, the Putnam family found the perfect revenge—an accusation of witchcraft. (Apparently, many of Salem’s accused were residents involved in disagreements with a Putnam.)

The trial was infamous. Around 30 depositions were written against Burroughs, which were counteracted by a petition of support signed by 32 citizens. The accusations went beyond witchcraft to include spousal abuse, murder, making promises in the name of Satan, and super-human feats of strength. Through it all, Burroughs proclaimed his innocence.

On August 5, 1692, Burroughs was sentenced to death and was executed on August 19 at the age of 42. Twenty years later, his children received payment from the government for wrongful execution.

Burroughs fathered nine children over three marriages. His family tree has been closely followed over the centuries, and the list of his descendants is long and distinguished. Walt Disney was related to the pastor through his mother, Flora.

According to FamousKin.com, some other famous relations include John Cena, Glenn Close, Cara Delevinge, Billie Eilish, Dakota and Elle Fanning, Jake and Maggie Gyllenhaal, Katharine Hepburn, Jesse James, John Kerry, Harper Lee, John Lithgow, Marilyn Monroe, John Ritter, Roy Rogers, Kira Sedgewick, James Taylor, and Raquel Welch. Across the Atlantic, Burroughs’ family tree also links to King Charles, Queen Camilla, and Princess Di.

The New England Historical Society lists an astounding number of U.S. Presidents who can be counted among Burroughs relations. They include both Adams, Bushes, Roosevelts, and Harrisons, as well as Washington, Jefferson, Taylor, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Taft, Coolidge, Harding, Hayes, Hoover, and Cleveland. Perhaps the Hall of Presidents should be renamed Walt’s American Cousins.

There is something exciting about finding out through genealogy that you are related to someone who experienced a historical moment. Such knowledge often inspires us to dive deep and learn more. But frequently, that research fills us in on the not-nice parts of history.

As the season of gathering with family approaches, perhaps you’ll pick up the urge to investigate your family tree. Who knows? Maybe you’ll find out you’re linked to Salem and Walt Disney. It’s entirely possible.

Happy Halloween!