In the waning years of the 17th century, amid the tense atmosphere of witch trials in Scotland, the name of James Jock emerges in the records as one of those accused, yet not fully prosecuted. Residing in Govan, Lanark, James found himself embroiled in a wave of accusations prompted by the testimony of Margaret Murdoch, a young girl caught in the throes of what her community believed were supernatural disturbances. With Margaret being the daughter of the reputable John Murdoch of Craigtown, her claims held significant sway and were taken seriously by the local authorities. Her plight drew attention from both medical and religious experts, who were called to examine her assertions of being tormented by witches.
While several individuals were implicated, James was among those specifically named by Margaret. However, in the tangled web of accusations and suspicions, James's case seemed to stall. Despite his inclusion in witness testimony during a proceeding in Glasgow on April 22, 1699, the historical records reflect a noteworthy absence of further formal charges or a trial. A lone woman provided testimony against him, but this did not culminate in a judicial proceeding that might have determined his fate more definitively. Thus, James Jock's story is one that illustrates the precarious position of many during this era, caught between allegation and exoneration, as his ultimate fate remains undocumented in the archives.