On his paternal side Nathaniel's ancestors included Major William Hathorne (c. 1606/7-1681), who persecuted Quakers and even ordered the public whipping of one, and John Hathorne (1641-1717), son of Major William and Anna Hathorne, who was a magistrate of the Court of Oyer and Terminer. John Hathorne was a fierce interrogator of accused witches at the [[Salem Witch Trials]], and the only presiding judge who did not apologize later for his role. The conduct of these ancestors in persecuting others bothered Nathaniel immensely, and inspired multiple passages in his writings. | On his paternal side Nathaniel's ancestors included Major William Hathorne (c. 1606/7-1681), who persecuted Quakers and even ordered the public whipping of one, and John Hathorne (1641-1717), son of Major William and Anna Hathorne, who was a magistrate of the Court of Oyer and Terminer. John Hathorne was a fierce interrogator of accused witches at the [[Salem Witch Trials]], and the only presiding judge who did not apologize later for his role. The conduct of these ancestors in persecuting others bothered Nathaniel immensely, and inspired multiple passages in his writings. |