Hendry Wilson, a loadman of modest means residing in Fogo Milne, a small settlement within the parish of Fogo in Berwick, found himself embroiled in the fearful tide of witchcraft accusations that swept through Scotland in the late 17th century. Despite the communal reliance on individuals like Hendry, who were essential in the transportation of goods and supplies, he was not immune to suspicion and the pervasive atmosphere of fear that often targeted the most vulnerable in society.
On the 8th of April, 1669, Hendry's case was formally registered under the docket of case number C/EGD/1726, marking the beginning of his legal ordeal. However, the surviving historical records provide scant details about the nature of the accusations he faced or the events that led to his arrest. What is known is that his social standing and occupation as a loadman might have made him an object of scorn or prejudice, factors that frequently contributed to accusations during this fraught period.
Unfortunately, the trial record for Hendry, noted as T/JO/640, does not elucidate the proceedings or the outcome, leaving a gap in the narrative of his life and the community's perceptions of him. Such absences in the documentation are not uncommon, reflecting the chaotic and often unjust manner in which these trials were conducted. Hendry Wilson's story, though incomplete, serves as a poignant reminder of the countless individuals whose lives were indelibly marked by the witchcraft hysteria of early modern Scotland.