Person:John Chater (1)

John Chater arrived in Newbury, MA sometime before 1644, and married Alice Emery. He owned a farm. In 1652, John was seriously ill, as was his servant, Daniel Gunn. Daniel was a Scotchman who had been deported and sold into servitude following the battle of Worcester. Alice Chater, carrying food to Daniel Gunn, told him that, if her husband should die, he should become her husband. Daniel took immediate advantage of the situation. Eighteen montha later she confessed to her invalid husband in front of witnesses. Adultery being a capital offense, she and Daniel were soon in front of magistrates and on trial for their lives. It was decided they were not guilty but that, because of her shameful behavior, Alice should be severely admonished and tied to the whipping post for one hour and then be released and returned to her husband. Daniel was to be whipped after his physician had returned him to health.