William Harding

William Harding (born c. 1625, date of death unknown), was the first man to have been convicted of witchcraft in the Colony of Virginia, and also one of the few men to have been tried in a witch trial in Colonial America. Background Wright was born around 1625 in England. He emigrated to British America and resided in Northumberland County. where he later was a landowner near Nomini Creek. He was described as a "cunning man" and a troublemaker who caused dissension. Witch trial In November 1656, Scottish Reverend David Lindsay of Wicomico Church, Virginia accused William of witchcraft and sorcery, and he was subsequently imprisoned. A 24-member jury was convened, and the witch trial heard testimony from numerous county residents. All records regarding his charges have been lost.