Born: 1648

England

Died: 1719

Roxbury, Massachusetts

Civil servant, merchant, and writer

Robert Calef's most significant contribution to American history was criticism of various aspects of the Salem witch trials of 1692–93. Through the written and spoken word he provided one of the few voices of dissent (disagreement) during a turbulent time. Some historians credit him with ending the trials, while others believe he exploited aspects of the events for his own benefit.

Collects Evidence Against Trial Officials

Robert Calef was born in England and arrived in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1688 when he was about forty-eight years old. In Boston he held various jobs, such as cloth merchant, constable, tax collector, and assessor. Known around the city as a witty man, Calef frequently engaged in lively discussions at coffee houses. He had a wide circle of influential friends and was respected for his intelligence. It is not known whether he...