He was known as the "Witch Hanging Judge" for his part in th Salem Witchcraft Hysteria of 1692. He was also the great grandfather of Nathaniel Hawthorne, the famous writer, who added the "w" to his name in order to distance himself from the family history.

a link to a site about the Salem Witchcraft Trials

"Col. John Hathorne, merchant; esquire; colonel; representative; judge, etc. married Ruth Gardner March 22, 1674-5; died May 10, 1717; 29

Chronology of Events Relating to the Salem Witchcraft Trials

Salem Witch Trials Memorial

Visit Salem Witch Village

A story of the Salem Witch Craft Trials of 1692

You can read and or/join the Salem Witch mailing list, which discussed the Salem Witchcraft Trials.