Johanna Blessing

Johanna Blessing, also called Joanna Blessing, was born about June 1595, probably near Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, England. She married William Towne in Yarmouth in 1620, raised a family first in England and later in Salem and Topsfield, Massachusetts, and was named administrator of her husband's estate after his death in 1673. She reportedly died in 1682.

Johanna Blessing, also recorded as Joanna Blessing, was born about 1595. Her approximate age was given in a lawsuit in 1670, according to family-tree notes. She was probably born near Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, England, although no birth or baptism record has been found. She was said to be the daughter of William Blessing, also spelled Blyssyne.

On 25 April 1620, Joanna married William Towne at the Church of St. Nicholas in Yarmouth. Their first six children were baptized at St. Nicholas.

Before 1636, William Towne brought the family to New England. They settled in Salem, where he received a land grant in 1640. Two additional children, Sarah and Joseph, were born in Salem about that period.

In 1651, William purchased land in nearby Topsfield. He sold his Salem land in 1652 and later acquired additional property in Topsfield. When their son Joseph married in 1663, William conveyed two-thirds of his land to him. Family tradition or inference in the notes suggests that William and Joanna may then have lived with Joseph for the rest of their lives.

William Towne died in Topsfield on 24 June 1673. Joanna was named administrator of his estate. The estate was not probated until April 1683, after Joanna's reported death in 1682, when it was distributed among William and Joanna's children.

Three of Joanna and William's daughters were accused during the Salem witch trials. Rebecca Nurse and Mary Esty were executed by hanging. Sarah Cloyes escaped from the Ipswich jail before she could be executed.

Historical context

Johanna and William's family was later closely connected with the Salem witch trials through three of their daughters: Rebecca Nurse, Mary Esty, and Sarah Cloyes. Rebecca Nurse and Mary Esty were executed, while Sarah Cloyes escaped from the Ipswich jail.

Sources & research

Original Family Tree Maker notes.
1670 lawsuit referenced in the notes as the basis for Joanna's approximate age.
Marriage record: Church of St. Nicholas, Yarmouth, 25 April 1620.
Baptismal records: Church of St. Nicholas, Yarmouth, for the Towne family's first six children.