In mid-17th century Haddington, the spectre of witchcraft loomed large, casting a sombre shadow over the quiet lives of its residents. Jon Bartleman, a married man residing in this modest Scottish town, found himself ensnared in the widespread witch trials that characterized the era. The year 1662 marked a particularly tumultuous time, with a significant number of individuals facing accusations that would alter the course of their lives irreparably. Jon, along with his wife, stood among those accused, their names denounced by young James Welch. Welch was considered too immature to face trial himself, yet his proclamations carried enough weight to warrant serious consideration by the authorities of the time.
The case against Jon Bartleman is recorded under the designation of C/EGD/498, with the proceedings dated April 17, 1662. This date signifies an intense period of scrutiny and legal entanglements for the Bartlemans. Despite the lack of a trial for Welch, whose youthful testimony might have otherwise been discarded, the authorities chose to pursue many of his denunciations earnestly. The details surrounding Jon's trial, catalogued under T/LA/1318, remain sparse in the annals of history, delineating a narrative typical of the precarious nature of justice during the witch hunts. Without explicit documentation of Jon's fate, the record serves as a solemn reminder of how swiftly accusations could lead to severe consequences in a climate of fear and suspicion.