Financial Independence and Witchcraft Accusations: The Case of Katherine Harrison
Katherine Harrison, a wealthy widow in 17th century Wethersfield, Connecticut, faced accusations of witchcraft due to her financial independence and non-conformity to societal norms. After her husband's death, Harrison managed her farm and engaged in various trades, which led to her being perceived as a threat in a patriarchal society. Her case, occurring two decades before the Salem witch trials, highlights the vulnerability of women who defied traditional roles. Despite being convicted, she was spared execution due to weak evidence and was instead banished. This reflects a broader pattern where women with financial independence were often targeted during witch hunts. 
