Joshua Ward House is located in Salem, Massachusetts next to the Salem Witch Musuem.
While Joshua Ward constructed his house in 1784, the property has a much older history, dating back to the 17th century, an era that Salem, Massachusetts is best remembered for its involvement in the Salem Witch Trials.
These trials had a serious impact on not only the town, but the entire country during the 17th century and its effect can still be felt throughout the city today. While Joshua Ward could not be involved in the trials that occurred nearly a century before his time, the property that he purchased was heavily involved. The land that Joshua Ward built his home upon was once owned by another notable figure who had a significant role in the Salem Witch trials.
What’s more, a large amount of the trail hearings were left to the local officials. This gave some of these individuals an inflated sense of power as they suddenly had a massive responsibility in preserving the “safety” of the community. One of these individuals who has a significant role in these trials was Mr. George Corwin, the man who previously owned the property where the Joshua Ward House now resides.
George Corwin is one of the men who served as a town official charged with running the trial proceedings throughout the Salem Witch Trials. It all started on May 27, 1692, when George Corwin was elected as the High Sheriff of Salem, at the age of 25. Most likely the reason that Corwin was thrust into this position at such a young age was due to nepotism, given the fact that his family was well connected with several uncles as well as his father-in-law serving as Justices.
George Corwin was involved in all 19 of the deaths that came as a result of the Salem Witch trials. Given his role as High Sheriff, it is fair to assume that he had a hand in executing each of these death sentences as well. Because of his involvement as well as his apparent pleasure that came from his role, George Corwin became a man that was feared and hated in the Salem community.
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