George Jacobs (Salem witch trials) George Jacobs (Salem witch trials) George Jacobs Sr. (1609–1692) was an English colonist in his 70s in the Massachusetts Bay Colony who was accused of witchcraft in 1692 during the Salem witch trials in Salem Village, Massachusetts. He was convicted and hanged on August 19, 1692. His son, George Jr., was also accused but evaded arrest. Jacobs' accusers included his daughter-in-law and granddaughter, Margaret. Jacobs is believed to be the George Jacob baptized 13 February 1608/09 at St. Dunstan in the West, London, son of barber-surgeon George Jacob and wife Priscilla of Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire. Jacobs' body was buried near
Margaret Scott (Salem witch trials) which he and his neighbors considered unnatural, causing him to conclude Margaret was a witch. These last two examples highlight a phenomenon commonly seen in witch hunts, what historians call "refusal guilt syndrome". This occurs when people who refuse beggars feel guilt about doing so, and instead of admitting this, they vilify the person that caused them to feel guilty. Margaret maintained her innocence throughout the process, but was found guilty on September 17, 1692 and sentenced to be executed. She was executed by hanging on Thursday, September 22, 1692, with seven others. Nicholas Noyes, officiating as clergyman, reportedly turned