Virginia's convicted witch exonerated

[icymist]

By SONJA BARISIC
Associated Press Writer Jul 10, 2006


VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - It took 300 years, but Grace Sherwood's name has finally been cleared.

Local resident Belinda Nash, 59, had asked Gov. Timothy M. Kaine to exonerate Virginia's only convicted witch tried by water and accused of using her powers to cause a woman to miscarry.

And on Monday, the 300th anniversary of Sherwood's "ducking," Kaine obliged.

"I am pleased to officially restore the good name of Grace Sherwood," Kaine said in a letter that was read aloud by Virginia Beach Mayor Meyera Oberndorf before a local re-enactment of the ducking.

Read the article

[Ilsa]

1. I was pleased to see this made the news.

It doesn't have to make the 30 minute evening news, but just recognition of the clearing of her name.

[marions ghost]

2. interesting

I spent part of my childhood in that area and always wondered why it was called Witchduck Rd.

The time period of Grace's life was when the height of the witch hunt frenzy was going on in Europe, wasn't it? Not surprising it spread to the colonies. I believe that some of the early immigrants to America were escaping witch allegations, lumped under the term "religious persecution."

How interesting that the parish felt the urge to exonerate her after 300 years! I bet she was a cool lady. There's something that feels right about this...like an old injustice is finally addressed. The legacy of those tortured and killed as witches, alchemists, pagans etc. in the past is a sad story.

I've looked at it from the historical angle, but does anyone here know of a definitive book about these times from more of the witchcraft angle?