Sir Francis Bernard was a governor of the Royal Colony of Massachusetts, which lasted from 1692–1774. A governor is also a device that regulates the speed of a machine. ... Events February 13 - Massacre of Glencoe March 1 - The Salem witch trials begin in Salem Village, Massachusetts Bay Colony with the charging of three women with witchcraft. ... 1774 was a common year starting on Saturday (see link for calendar). ...