Sewall, Samuel (1652-1730) English-born, early American statesman
known for his then liberal views. His famous Diary gives us a glimpse
of life in early Boston. Sewall held a number of political positions in
the Massachusetts colony and presided as a judge at the Salem
witchcraft trials. He later repented in a public confession read to the
congregation at his church.
How Judge Sewall Courted Madam Winthrop (1882) Excerpted from the
third volume of the "Sewall Papers," published by the Massachusetts
Historical Society. A number of diary entries detail Sewall's failed
courtship of Madam Catharine Winthrop. Sewall, recently widowed, writes
"'twas hardly convenient for me to think of marrying again; however I
came to this resolution, that I would not make my court to any person
without first consulting with her."
