In the early 17th century, amidst the tumultuous backdrop of Scotland's widespread witchcraft hysteria, Margaret Alexander found herself entwined in a harrowing web of accusations. Residing in Pickiltillane, Haddington, Margaret became entangled in the fevered climate of suspicion after being denounced by Alexander Hamilton, himself rumored to be a warlock. Hamilton's denunciation, recorded on April 14, 1629, marked the beginning of a dire ordeal for Margaret. The records do not detail the content of his accusation, but his influence was noted, as he was involved in other notable witch trials of the time.
Margaret's case, recorded on February 3, 1630, is obscured by the absence of trial proceedings, suggestive of a tragic turn. The trial notes, or rather the lack thereof, indicate that Margaret likely did not survive to face formal judicial procedures. Her premature death before any trial could commence remains undocumented, leaving only fragmented insights into her life and the circumstances of her accusation. Among these fragments, she is mentioned by others entwined within the same perilous network of witchcraft allegations, including Agnes Lawder, hinting at the far-reaching and interconnected nature of these witch trials that claimed so many lives.
While the full narrative of Margaret Alexander's life and the specificities of her accusations remain elusive, her case exemplifies the dangerous milieu of early modern Scotland. The hysteria and fear that gripped communities led to many individuals, often women, being swept into accusations based on precarious evidence or association with other alleged witches. Her story, like so many others, is a somber reminder of an era when fear and superstition prevailed, leading to the suffering and demise of those ensnared by the ever-expanding witch trials.