Isaac Estey

Isaac Estey (27 November 1627 – 11 June 1712) was an early resident of Salem Village and Topsfield, Massachusetts. He married Mary Towne, who was executed during the Salem witch trials, and they had nine recorded children. Isaac held several town responsibilities in Topsfield, including service as a selectman, and his will was dated 26 March 1709 and probated 11 June 1712. He is identified as Barbara’s 10th great-grandfather.

Isaac Estey was born 27 November 1627. Family-tree notes state that he came to America with his parents, identified there as Jeffry Esty or Easty, and that the family first settled in Salem Village.

By 1660, Isaac was living in Topsfield, Massachusetts, where he was a commoner on the south side of the Ipswich River. In 1672, he and Deacon Howlet, Lieutenant Peabody, Joseph Towne, Edmund Towne, and Thomas Baker received a grant of all the swamp meadow lying upon the Ipswich River.

Isaac married Mary Towne. She was executed during the Salem witch trials. Their recorded children, all said to have been born in Topsfield, were Isaac, Joseph, Sarah, John, Hannah, Benjamin, Samuel, Jacob, and Joshua.

Isaac took part in Topsfield town affairs. He served as a selectman in 1680, 1682, 1686, and 1688. He was a juryman in 1691 and 1696 and held other town duties. In 1684, Isaac and his wife were received into full communion in the church.

Isaac made his will on 26 March 1709. It was probated on 11 June 1712, the date also given for his death. He was the father of Sarah Estey, through whom this family line descends.

Historical context

Isaac Estey lived in seventeenth- and early eighteenth-century Massachusetts, where local government and church membership were important parts of community life. His service as a selectman and juryman reflects his participation in Topsfield civic affairs. His wife Mary Towne’s execution during the Salem witch trials connects the family to one of the best-known events in colonial New England history.

Sources & research

Topsfield Historical Collection, 1899, vol. 5.

Original Family Tree Maker notes supplied for this profile.