Belonged to a family prominent through several generations at East Stonehouse between Plymouth and Devonport, where for many years his father was in practice. He, too, practised at East Stonehouse for some twenty years until 1859. From 1856 he was in partnership with Christopher Bulteel, who was Surgeon to the Royal Albert Hospital. Owing to the large increase in his practice, Isbell moved into Plymouth in 1859. As a practitioner he was very highly and deservedly respected; he refused to become a candidate for municipal office, but served as JP for Plymouth and was zealous and efficient. He continued in practice at St Andrew's Lodge, Lockyer Street, also as Surgeon to the Royal Western Yacht Club, until 1870, when he fell ill for three months. About three weeks before his death he travelled to London and consulted Sir James Paget, Sir Spencer Wells, and Dr Habershon, but nothing could be done for him, and he died of pyaemia at Hampstead on July 18th, 1870. He was survived by his widow, but left no issue.