In the late 17th century, the town of Paisley, Renfrew found itself embroiled in the turmoil of witchcraft accusations, a common affliction sweeping through Scotland during this period. William Kellie, a resident of Paisley, became ensnared in such a quandary when his name was brought forth by Margaret Murdoch, a young girl claiming to be beset by the machinations of witches. Margaret, daughter of John Murdoch of Craigtown in the parish of Govan, had identified several individuals she believed were responsible for her torments. Her case drew attention from various authorities, including a doctor and several ministers, who lent their ear to her troubling narrative.
Despite the gravity of these claims and the intensified scrutiny that often followed such accusations, William's involvement appears to have been limited in the judicial records. On April 22, 1699, one man did testify against him in Glasgow, indicating that some support for the allegations existed. Yet importantly, the archives do not reveal any subsequent formal proceedings against William Kellie. His case, like many in that era, runs through the historical records more as a whisper of suspicion than a catalogue of judicial process. It remains unclear what immediate impact these allegations had on his life or standing within the community.
The lack of further action against William may suggest that either the evidence was deemed insufficient or that other testimonies overshadowed his presence in the trials that were prompted by Margaret's affliction. The records do not elaborate on the outcome for William, leaving his story as part of the larger, complex tapestry of witchcraft trials that characterized this tumultuous chapter in Scottish history.