Background
Parris, Samuel was born in 1653 in London, England. Son of Thomas Parris.
Parris, Samuel was born in 1653 in London, England. Son of Thomas Parris.
Educated Harvard.
Came to American before 1674. Pastor, Salem, Massachusetts, 1689-1696. Believed that Satan was attacking his flock, that as a faithful pastor he must fight back, 1692.
Accepted spectral evidence contrary to the advice of Boston ministers. During witchcraft trials sometimes acted as court clerk, also a witness. Read sermon Meditations for Peace to his congregation in which he acknowledged his error in countenancing spectral evidence, begged forgiveness, 1694, congregation vindicated him, but required him to leave village, left, 1697.
Married Elizabeth; married second, Dorothy.