Issobell Fergussone facts for kids

Issobell Fergussone or Isobel Ferguson was a Scottish woman. She lived in the 1600s. People accused her of witchcraft in a town called Dalkeith, near Edinburgh. She was put to death in 1661.

Issobell's Early Life

Not much is known about Issobell's early life. She lived in Liberton Parish. Later, she moved to Newbattle, Dalkeith. She was married to a man named Baxter. They had a son named Robert Baxter.

Accusations Against Issobell

People made several accusations against Issobell. They said she threatened her neighbors. She supposedly told them they would become poor. After her threats, their horse became ill. The neighbors then faced hard times.

She also had an argument with her son. She told his wife that he would have a bad return home. When he came back, he became sick. Sadly, he later died.

The Witchcraft Trials

Issobell Fergussone's trial began on July 3, 1661. She was found guilty. At first, Issobell denied all the accusations. She asked to be "pricked." This was a way people tried to prove innocence. They believed a witch would not bleed or feel pain in certain spots.

On July 5, 1661, during the pricking, a mark was found. People believed this was a "devil's mark." After this, Issobell confessed to witchcraft.

She described the devil as a man named William Twedie. He wore a black gown. She said he gave her black gloves. There were two men named William Twedie she knew. One was her landlord, and the other was his half-brother. This caused some confusion during the trial.

People believed she met the devil in different places. These included her house or William Tweedie's house. Meetings also supposedly happened between Skloutford and Liberton Road. Other spots were her farm yard or near a bridge by John Ballingtyne's shore. William Tweedie was always said to be present at these meetings.

Issobell Fergussone was put to death on August 6, 1661.