In the annals of Salem’s dark history, few figures loom as large — or as ominously — as Giles Corey. A prosperous farmer turned accused witch, Corey’s final act of defiance became a legend that still echoes through the streets of Salem.
The Trial and Torture
In 1692, Giles Corey was arrested alongside his wife Martha Corey, both accused of witchcraft. Refusing to enter a plea, Corey was subjected to peine forte et dure — a brutal form of torture where heavy stones were placed on his chest to force a confession.
For three agonizing days, Corey lay in silence, uttering only two words: “More weight.” He died on September 19, 1692, becoming the only person in American history legally pressed to death.
The Curse
According to legend, Corey’s death was not the end. Before his final breath, he is said to have cursed Sheriff George Corwin and all future Salem sheriffs. The curse gained traction when:
- Corwin died suddenly at age 30, reportedly of a heart attack.
- Multiple Salem sheriffs over the next century suffered from heart conditions, blood disorders, or early retirement due to illness.
- The sheriff’s office was eventually moved out of Salem — some say to escape the curse.
Ghostly Sightings
Corey’s spirit is said to appear before major disasters in Salem, including:
- The Great Salem Fire of 1914
- Local tragedies and unexplained deaths
- Apparitions near the Howard Street Cemetery, where Corey was buried
Some believe his energy lingers near the Joshua Ward House, built atop Corwin’s former home — a place tied to Corey’s tormentor.
Legacy of Defiance
Giles Corey’s story is one of resistance, injustice, and spectral vengeance. His final words — “More weight” — have become a rallying cry for those who challenge corruption, and a chilling reminder of Salem’s haunted past.