In November 1629, Jon Hog, a man of middling socioeconomic status residing in Markle near Prestonpans, found himself the subject of an intensive legal investigation into accusations of witchcraft. The proceedings were initiated by a denunciation from an individual named Hammilton, a person known to beg at the Hog household and who had been permitted to sleep in one of the couple's outhouses. Following this accusation, a rigorous period of inquiry took place between the 7th and 23rd of November, overseen by Colville and the Bishop of Dunblane. During this time, neighbors and family members were subjected to intensive questioning to determine the veracity of the claims brought against him.
Beyond the charge of witchcraft, the records suggest a domestic environment marked by friction; contemporary accounts noted that Jon’s wife was frequently involved in quarrels with various members of the community. Jon himself faced additional scrutiny regarding allegations that he had attempted to seduce a neighbor’s wife. Despite the gravity of the accusations and the thorough nature of the investigation recorded in the judicial archives (JC26/9), the legal action against Jon did not result in a conviction. Ultimately, the case was dropped, and he remained free from the finality of a formal trial at the High Court in Edinburgh.