In the heart of 17th-century Scotland, surrounded by the rolling landscapes of Haddington in the bustling village of Prestonpans, lived Jon Hog, a middling-status resident known to be married and established within the community. His life, however, was soon overshadowed by whispers and accusations when the name Jon Hog appeared in the annals of a court case dated the 26th of November, 1629. Jon found himself implicated in a case of witchcraft, a perilous accusation in those volatile times. The charges against him were precipitated by a certain Hammilton, a familiar beggar who often sought shelter and support at Jon's home in Markle.
Jon's situation became precarious as his household entered into disputes and alleged misconduct came to light. The investigation, led by Colville and the Bishop of Dunblane, revealed a tapestry of community conflicts and personal grievances. Jon's wife was embroiled in quarrels with several neighbours, adding further complication to their shared reputation. Moreover, Jon faced an accusation of attempting to seduce his neighbour’s wife, an allegation that cast a shadow over his character, though unrelated to witchery, adding dimension to the social tensions at play. From November 7th to 23rd, 1629, an intensive bout of questioning of Jon’s neighbours and family sought to establish the veracity of Hammilton's claims. However, despite the fervent nature of these interrogations, the accusations against Jon failed to gain traction, and the case was ultimately dropped. While the details of Jon's trial in Edinburgh, cataloged under T/LA/22 and T/LA/86, remain succinct, they reflect the acute societal pressures and complexities of early modern Scottish life at this time.