Giles Corey, an eighty-one year old farmer, prosperous, but with a reputation for aggression and eccentricity, was the only accused witch ever brought to court on serious charges prior to the witchhunt. In 1675, he was brought up on charges in aiding the death of a manservant by beating him, for which he paid a heavy fine. In 1692, he was forced to testify about a comment he had made about his wife, Martha, having once said that her presence stopped his prayer. Soon after he was arrested himself, refused to stand trial, condemned as a witch. His eccentricity may have accounted for his method of death (pressing) and the ballad of the event that still survives today.

Corey was examined by magistrates on April 18, then left to lanquish with his wife in prison for five months awaiting trial. When Corey's case finally went before the grand jury in September, nearly a dozen witnesses came forward with damning evidence such as testimony that Corey was seen serving bread and wine at a witches' sacrament. Corey knew he faced conviction and execution, so he chose to refuse to stand for trial. By avoiding conviction, it became more likely that his farm, which Corey recently deeded to his two sons-in-law, would not become property of the state upon his death. Corey is often seen as a martyr who "gave back fortitude and courage rather than spite and bewilderment."

Giles Corey was pressed to death in Salem Village, September 19, 1692.