When Pennsylvania Had Witch Trials - The Witch Of Ridley Creek

Eight years before the Salem Witch Trials, two women in Pennsylvania were tried for witchcraft. 

 In 1683, the cows near Ridley Creek, an area south of Philadelphia, were acting funny.  They weren't giving much milk, and livestock was dying at a faster than normal rate. 

 The Dutch and English Settlers, who had arrived to this area known as "New Sweden", were already disappointed to find  that the early Swedish settlers had claimed all of the best farmland.  And now their livestock was not doing as well as they thought it should. 

 Their frustration, and lack of communication with the Swedish settlers who spoke little English, led to rumors and accusations.  Before long, the communities traditional Finish Healer, a Swedish woman by the name of Margaret Matteson, was blamed for the troubles.  She was accused of "bewitching the animals", and was sent to trial for being a witch.  Mattson's neighbor, Gerto Hendrickson, was charged with the same crime.

William Penn was a man of wisdom, and he conducted the trial in such a way to avoid all of the hysteria that would later plague Salem.  The case was tried quickly, and the women were found guilty of  the crime of having the reputation of being witches, but not with the crime of performing witchcraft.  An important distinction.  The women's husbands were each charged a 50 pound peace bond, to be returned in 6 months as long as the women behaved and there were no further charges.

The Witch Of Ridley Creek

 The first European settlers on the West shores of Delaware Bay were a mix of Swedes and Finns.  This area known as "New Sweden" was located just south of Philadelphia, this town is today known as Eddydon. 

 On May 22, 1654,  Nils and Margaret Mattson arrived in New Sweden. On June 13 they acquired a tract of 100 acres  of rich farmland near Ridley Creek, from Olaf Persson Stille. 

Margaret was a traditional "Finnish healer", and for thirty years, had caused no problems. . But by 1684, many English families had settled in the New Sweden area.  And then some of the livestock stopped giving milk, the cows began to "act funny", and livestock died at a higher than normal rate.

The new, primarily English,  settlers  blamed Margaret, the Finnish healer   Several neighbors, as well as her own daughter in law, accused her of bewitching the animals. Margaret's alleged crimes included making threats against neighbors, causing cows to give little milk, bewitching and killing livestock and "appearing to witnesses in spectral form."

The complaint was lodged against both Margaret Mattson and Gertro Hendrickson.

The Hendrickson House in Ridley Twp. stood at the Delaware River and Crum Creek. In 1958 the house was moved  Fort Christiania State Park in Delware. 

The Trial

 William Penn presided over the trial himself.  He allowed Mattson to defend herself, which was unheard of at that time. Women were not allowed to take the stand in criminal cases until the 19th century in England.  

A jury of 12 Men were selected. William Penn, himself, stood as Judge.  William Penn Selected the jury, and ensured there was a translator for the two accused.    Penn disallowed the use of prosecution and defense lawyers, performing all the questioning himself.   He did allow the testimony of unsubstantiated hearsay, and it's important to note that  Mattson's daughter in law did not actually directly accuse her, but rather, a witness recounted what he said the  daughter in law told him.  

Penn allowed the  the trial be open to the public,  and the room was packed with witnesses.  The trial lasted just one day.

Gerto's  Hendrickson's role in the trial is fairly unknown.  She is often not mentioned in records, and may not have even attended the trial.  

Henry Drystreet  testified that he had been told 20 years previously the Margret was a witch, that she had reportedly bewitched several cows. He also stated that  James Sanderling's mother told him that she bewitched her cow, but afterwards said it was a mistake, and that her cow should do well again, for it was not her cow but another person’s that should die.

Charles Ashcom next took the stand to say that Mattson's daughter reportedly sold her cattle because her mother had bewitched them. He further stated that the  daughter also told him , of the appearance of a bright light and of the visage she'd seen of an old woman, standing at the foot of her bed, holding a knife.  

"Charles Ashcom attested, said that Anthony’s wife being asked why she sold her cattle, was because her mother had bewitched them having taken the witchcraft of Hendrick’s cattle, and put on their oxen; she might keep but no other cattle, and also that one night the daughter of the prisoner called him up hastily, and when he came she said there was a great light but just before, and an old woman with a knife in her hand at the bed’s feet, and therefore she cried out and desired Jno Simcock to take away his calves or else she would send them to hell."

Annakey Coolin testified that, while she and her husband were boiling the heart of a calf they believed died by witchcraft, Mattson entered their home and advised them it would be better to boil the bones.

"William Penn was a man of great tolerance.  He realized there was more at stake than petty jealousy and greed.  He must have seen this as a blatant land grab by the accusers. He also must have been concerned with keeping the peace between the Pre English settlers and the newcomers."

Penn himself gave the closing charge and directions to the jury, but what he told them was not transcribed. According to the minutes of the Provincial Council, dated February 27, 1683, the jury returned with a verdict of "Guilty of having the Comon Fame of a Witch, but not Guilty in manner and Forme as She stands Endicted."

In other words, the women were guilty of having the reputation of being a witch, but were not guilty of actually performing witchcraft.  This acknowledged the women's reputations, without actually labelling them guilty of a crime.  "Hence the superstitious got enough to have their thinking affirmed. Those less superstitious, and justice minded, got what they wanted."

" The accused were released on their husbands posting recognizance bonds of 50 pounds and promising six months' good behavior."

As punishment, the  husbands of the two women were fined with a "Peace Bond" of 50 pounds each.  This was a popular Quaker practice at the time, with the money serving as a sort of bail.  As long as the accused behaved and kept the peace, and no further charges were made against them,  the money would be returned in six months.

William Penn

The Trial Transcript

This is widely available online as the actual transcript of the trial, but with no source for its origins.  

…Margarit Matson’s Indictmt was read, and she pleads not Guilty, and will be tryed by the Countrey.

Lasse Cock attested Interpriter between the Propor and the Prisoner at the Barr.

The Petty Jury Impanneld; their names are as followed:  Jno. Hasting, foreman; Albertus Hendrickson; Robt Piles; Robt Wade; Nath. Evans; Edwd Darter; Wm. Hewes; Jer. Collet; Jno. Kinsman; Jno. Gibbons; Walter Martin; Edw Bezac.

Henry Drystreet attested, Saith he was tould 20 years agoe, that the prisoner at the Barr was a Witch, & that severall Cows were bewitcht by her; also, that James Saunderling’s mother tould him that she bewitcht her cow, but afterwards said it was a mistake, and that her Cow should doe well againe, for it was not her Cow but an Other Person’s that should dye.

Charles Ashcom attested, saith that Anthony’s Wife being asked why she sould her Cattle; was because her mother had Bewitcht them, having taken the Witchcraft of Hendrick’s Cattle, and put it on their Oxon; She myght Keep but noe Other Cattle, and also that one night the Daughter of ye Prisoner called him up hastely, and when he came she sayd there was a great Light but Just before, and an Old woman with a Knife in her hand at ye Bedd’s feet, and therefore shee cryed out and desired Jno. Symcock to take away his Calves, or Else she would send them to Hell.

James Claypoole attested Interpritor betwixt the Propor and the Prisoner.

The affidavid of Jno Vanculin read, Charles Ashcom being Witness to it.

Annakey Coolin attested, saith her husband tooke the Heart of a Calfe that Dyed, as they thought by Witchcraft, and Boyled it, whereupon the Prisoner at ye Barr came in and asked them what they were doing; they said boyling of flesh; she said they had better they had Boyled the Bones, with severall other unseemly Expressions.

Margaret Mattson saith that she Vallues not Drystreet’s Evidence; but if Sanderlin’s mother had come, she would have answered her; slao denyeth Charles Ashcom’s Attestation at her Soul, and Saith were is my Daughter; let her come and say so.

Annakey Cooling’s attestation concerning the Gees, she denyeth, saying she was never out of her Conoo, and also that he never said any such things Concerning the Calve’s heart.

Jno. Cock attested, sayth he Knows nothing of the matter.

Tho: Balding’s attestation was read, and Tho: Bracy attested, saith it is a True coppy.

The Prisoner denyeth all things, and saith that ye Witnesses speake only by hear say.

After wch ye Govr gave the jury their Charge concerning ye Prisoner at ye Barr.

The jury went forth, and upon their Returne Brought her in Guilty of haveing the Comon fame of a witch, but not guilty in manner and forme as Shee stands Indicted.

Neels Mattson and Antho. Neelson Enters into a Recognizance of fifty pounds apiece, for the good behavior of Margaret Matson for six months.

Jacob Hendrickson Enters into the Recognizance of fifty pounds for the good behavior of Getro Hendrickson for six months

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Harry Emerson Wilds biography of William Penn

There were no official laws against witchcraft in Pennsylvania until 1718, after Penn’s death, when the province adopted English laws. The statue against "conjuration, witchcraft and dealing with evil and wicked spirits" ended in the 1750s. There is no record of any other trials.

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"Pennsylvania was a common law colony and the law of England applied. The English Witchcraft Act of 1604 made conjuration, witchcraft, and dealing with evil and wicked spirits a felony offense punishable by death by hanging without benefit of clergy.   Like other British colonies, Pennsylvania was subject to the James I of England 1604 statute against witchcraft."

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New Sweden was settled in 1638 on the Banks of the Delaware River.

 The  Dutch took over the colony in 1654.  

A series of wars later,the English took over the area is 1664.

 In 1681, The King, Charles the II grants the William Penn a large tract of land to pay off some Debts. This tract later becomes the States of Pennsylvania and Delaware.

It was 100 years before this land would become a nation of its own, and Pennsylvania was a "Common Law Colony", Subject to the law of England.   Governor William Penn however, appears to have made some  modifications to the laws.  Most importantly, Penn had abolished the death penalty for all crimes except willful murder.  (That would change in 1718, when 14 crimes were made capitol offenses)  In England, the statute against witchcraft was established in 1604, by James I.

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Misc Notes From Ancestry.com

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Margareta Erichzdr and Neels Mattson were married on 5 November, 1651 in Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden, per Vital Records Index, Scandinavia, Sweden - sources collection, Storkyrko (Sankt Nikolai); Svenska Kyrkan, On LDS FHL Film 77821, Batch M419741. Note: Torshalla, Sweden is very close to Stockholm, Sweden. A trip to Stockholm would be a short journey for Neels and Margareta. Reference book: "Anthony Nelson" By Elmer Garfield Van Name,LL.B.,LL.D.(*) (Oct. 1962) and book: Davis: A Quaker Family, By Eleanor Davis

Further, the survival in Europe of the ancient pagan beliefs and and practices of witchcraft could hardly fail to span the Atlantic; and about 1663, Neals Matson's wife had been called a "witch" (SSD 667). Later the slander was revived, and fear of persecution, torture, or even execution might arise. In any case, Neals Matson, and his son, Anthony, determined to sell their properties in Pennsylvania, and to move across the river. Altho the reasons for this move are not known, the planting of corn (really winter wheat), in the fall of 1683 to be harvested the following summer, might suggest that the decision had not been long contemplated, (or was just good husbandry); for the sale intervened. Whether news and resentment concerning the sale precipitated prosecution, or whether it would have come anyhow, is not clear, but come it did. Altho Mrs. Matson was acquitted, this harrowing experience certainly very distressing to her, and her family, as well as a study of the documents of sale, afford memorials by which Mrs. Matson's name, and those of her husband and son, are perpetuated. The superstitious rumors, or intentional falsehoods, concerning Mrs. Matson and Mrs. "Yeshro" Hendrickson were brought to the attention of William Penn, the Proprietor, and his associates, on February 7, 1683/4(W&H 1:265). Mrs. Hendrickson's husband was Hendrick Jacobson. Jacob Hendrickson entered into bond for "Getro" Hendrickson in the amount of 50 Pounds for a period of 6 months (Col. Rec. 1:95). Mrs. Matson was indicted on February 27, 1683/4 and brought to trial the same day! The Judges were, William Penn, James Harrison, William Biles,Lasse Cock, William Haigue, Chris Taylor, William Clayton, and Tho.Holmes. The members of the Grand Jury and the petit jury appear to have been predominantly English, excepting Gunner Rambo, of course. Mrs .Matson had as interpreters, Lasse Cock (one of the Judges) and James Claypoole, confirmation of the fact that she spoke a foreign language, no doubt, Swedish (W&H 1:266; 0 175, 177). One witness testified that James Sanderling's mother, had said Mrs. Matson bewitched her cow. Another testified that Anthony's wife sold her cattle because her mother had bewitched them, having taken it off of Hendricks' cattle. Oxen she might keep! He further testified that Mrs.Matson desired Jno. Symcock to take away his calves. In defense, Mrs.Matson denied the charges and said they were "hearsay", and that if Sanderlin's mother had come, she would have answered her; she values notthe evidence, denying it "at her Soul", she said "Where is my daughter; let her come and say so." Governor Penn charged the jury, who returned a verdict of "Not guilty" (Col. Rec. 1:40). Altho Mrs. Matson was acquitted, Neels Mattson and Anthony Neelson entered into a bond for 50 Pounds to assure her good behavior for six months. (Not guilty, but don't do it again!) Thus was the majesty of the law able to triumph over sinister forces! (Col. Rec. 1:95; PaM 5:169; W&H 1:265, 274). We know that trifling and untenable hearsay such as this would not for a moment be entertained in this day. It is reminiscent of the following quip found on a scrap of paper in the library of The Historical Society of Pennsylvania: "They keep talkin about somethin they don't no nuthin about - till its 10 times as bad as it was, when it wasn't not in at all in the first place." The trial, said to be one of the few such cases in Pennsylvania, had ended; and thus did William Penn and his community of Quakers exert asane and Godly influence upon the destiny of the Province. Their example apparently created an atmosphere that dissuaded persecution of others,even during the succeeding decade when hysterical fanaticiam ran rife in Massachusetts, and heathenism, even among the clergy, hunted down and brought trial and death to the innocent!

Referring now to the documents of sale: Nels Matson sold to Edward Pretchett of Chester, his plantation (for 120 Pounds payable in aspecified way), reserving the crop of corn already sown. He signed bymark in the presence of Anthony Nealson who signed his name. The penmanship is difficult to read and the date somewhat faint, but it appears to be 17 day, 11 mo. 1683 (January 17, 1684, New Style). On February 18, 1683/4 the following was signed: Know all men by these presents that wee neales mattson and Anthoney nealson of the province of Pensilevenia Husband men doe sell bargain and grant unto Edward Prettchetof the same province all their right and title in a Certain planttacionlieng and being one the west sid of Delawer river and on the west sid ofthe Crum Crek with all and singler the apertances land and medow grownd the corn now sowed upon the land and the stock only exsepted in Considration wherof hee the sd Edward Prettchet is to pay unto the sdneales mattson and Anthony the sume of ??

ANOTHER REPORT FOUND IN BOOK: 'Samuel Carpenter and His Decendants' At a Council held at Philadelphia the seventh of the twelfth month1683--Present--William Penn Proprietor and Governor, Lasse Cock, WilliamClayton, John Symcock, Thos. Holmes. Margaret Mattson and Yestro Henderickson examined and about to be proven witches. Whereupon this Board ordered that Neils Mattson should enter into a Recognizance of fifty pounds for his wife's appearance before this board the 27th instant. Jacob Hendrickson doth the same for his wife. At a Council held the twenty-seventh of the 12th Mo. 1683, the Grand Jurybeing attested, the Governor gave them their charge, and the Attorney General attended them with the presentment. [Their names follow--twenty-one--the second in order being Samuel Carpenter.]

Post Meridian. The Grand Jury made their return and found the Bill. Margaret Mattson,indictment made--She pleads not guilty and will be tryed by the country--Lasse Cock attested Interpreter between the proprietor and the prisoner at the bar. The Petit Jury empanelled [twelve men, whose names are given. Then follows the testimony reported.] The prisoner denyth thethings and sayeth that ye witnesses speak only by hear-say. After which the Governor gave the Jury their charge concerning the Prisoner. The Jury went forth and upon their return brought her in guilty of having the common fame of a Witch but not Guilty in manner and form as she stands indicted. YET ANOTHER REPORT per a Bethel Township Report A Witch Trial in Pennsylvania Much has been written about witch hunts, trials and executions of witches in early colonial Massachusetts, but little has been noted abou tPennsylvania's famous witch case. In 1684, before a Provincial Court was established, William Penn. asproprietor and governor, was called upon to preside at the triIal of analleged witch some 18 years before the famous trial at Salem, Massachusetts. The basis of calling for the trial was a 1603 English Statute, making witchcraft punishable by death. In Pennsylvania, here in our own Delaware County, it was the case of Margaret Mattson, wife of Swedish settler Neels Mattson. She was accused of bewitching cows and doing the strange things witches are accused of doing. She was said to be unable to speak English, and had Lasse Cock,prominent leader of the Swedish community as interpreter. According to one authority, William Penn himself questioned the accused,"Art thou a witch?" he asked her, "Hast thou ever ridden through the air on a broom stick?" The poor lady insisted that she had. Penn told herthat be knew no law against it, and recommended that the case be dropped.So, according to the story, they found her guilty not of witchcraft but of having the "common fame of being a witch", and set her free. This story is of interest to Bethel Township, because included among the jurors were pioneer settlers John Gibbons, Edward Bezer and Robert Piles(Pyle) of Bethel, and Walter Mantin of Chichester, who married Jane Bushell of Bethel, daughter of the pioneer settler, Joseph Bushell. It isalso a tribute to our Quaker ancestors, who in a trying situation, showed understanding of mental illness and the problems of the persecuted.(Information from Smith, History of Del. Co. 1862, and Ashmead, Historyof Del. Co. 1883) Book: Witchcraft and Quakerism, by Amelia M. Gummere, 1908 - Excerpt from Chaper 4 The only witchcraft trial in the province of Pennsylvania occurred before the Council, previous to the organization of the Provincial Court, on December 27, 1683. Only one of two old women, both of them Swedes, seems to have been tried. Yeshro Hendrickson's name disappears. Margaret Mattson lived upon her husband's plantation on the Delaware, near Crum Creek, in Ridley township, now Delaware County. She remained for long in local legend, the "Witch of Ridley Creek." At her trial she appeared before William Penn, his Attorney General, a Grand Jury of twenty-one persons, all apparently English, and a Petit Jury of twelve persons, one of whom was a Swede. One Councilman, Lasse Cock, was also a prominent Swede. The case was heard, all the formalities gone through with, and the verdict rendered the same afternoon, as follows: "Guilty of having the Comon Fame of a Witch, but not Guilty in manner and Forme as Shee stands Endicted." There were various accusations of a vague sort against the poor woman, as that she had bewitched calves, geese, cattle and a few persons. Her own daughter testified that she was in league with the Devil, But the sober sanity of the Quaker Jury brought in an eminently safe verdict. Tradition has it that William Penn said to her: "Art thou a witch? Hast thou ridden through the air on a broomstick?" When the poor, confused creature answered, "Yes," he said that she had a perfect right to ride upon a broomstick, that he knew no law whatever against it, and promptly ordered her discharge. This was the only witchcraft trial ever before the Pennsylvania Courts.