Which magistrate co-signed John Hathorne's Salem examinations?

John Hathorne’s Salem examinations were co-signed by Jonathan Corwin. In early 1692, Hathorne and Corwin served as local magistrates investigating accusations against people such as Tituba, Sarah Good, and Sarah Osborne. Their examinations were preliminary inquiries, not yet full criminal trials, and were intended to determine whether the accusations justified further proceedings.

Hathorne became known for forceful questioning, while Corwin signed arrest warrants and recorded some of the proceedings. The evidence gathered during these examinations—including testimony, accusations, and claims of spectral appearances—later influenced the formal prosecutions. The Court of Oyer and Terminer, established in May 1692, relied heavily on material collected during this earlier phase.

A common mix-up is confusing Corwin with the later judges and officials of the formal court. Bartholomew Gedney also participated in Salem proceedings, Thomas Danforth became involved in colonial oversight, and William Stoughton presided over the special court. But Corwin was Hathorne’s fellow magistrate and co-signer during the early examinations.