New York City Wills, 1665-1707
Source: Ancestry.com
Description:
New Amsterdam became New York City and a part of the British
Empire at the Peace of Breda in 1667. This database is a
collection of will abstracts, originally published in the late
19th Century. Spanning the years 1665 to 1707, it includes
records of early Dutch, Swedish, and Danish residents, as well as
English settlers who came after the peace. Each record reveals
valuable information about the individual, often about family
members still living and witnesses to the will. With nearly 5000
records, this collection can be a valuable database for
researchers of early New York residents.
Source Information:
Tami, Chris. New York City Wills, Vol. 1. Orem, UT: Ancestry,
Inc., 1998.
Please note:
Wills from Kings, Queens, and Suffolk are included when they also
mention Nassau.
Page 332.--JASPER SMITH, Flushing,
"on Long Island, alias Nassau. My wife is to have a
comfortable living out of my estate for life, but if she remarry
then she shall have only €20." After the death of his
wife he directs his Plantation be sold, and the entire estate to
be divided among his three children John, Judith and Hannah.
"My will is that my son John be careful and diligent and
seeke to please his mother and goe forth in her business and not
grieve her." If he does so he is to have €10 more than
the rest, but if not, "and he bee careless and
disobedient," then he is to have €10 less than the
rest. Makes his wife Margaret, and his friends Hugh Cowperthwaite
and Samuel Bowne, executors, and John Wey and George Langly
overseers.
"The Testator's great house and lot of ground, to the north
of Duke street, next to ye house and lot of Jan Harperdingh,
bequeathed to her daughter's child, Sarah Molenaer, provided ye
rents be received by her mother, Maria Praa, for her use till she
be of age. The Testator's little house and lot, next to ye great
house, bequeathed to her daughter, Maria Praa." "The
Testator's farm on Nassau Island, in Maspeth Kills, now in
possession of Peter Praa" (not valued). Silver Beaker, 12
ounces, at 7s., €4, 4s.; one gold rose diamond ring,
€5; one silver pepper box, 2 1/2 oz., at 7s., 17s. 6d.; one
silver beaker, marked with the full name of Christina Rasselaers,
16 oz, at 7s., €5, 12; one silver salt cellar, marked with
the name of Christina Rasselaers, 14 oz., €4, 10s.; one
Church book with silver clasps and chain, €1, 16; one gold
ear pendant, with ye ear jewels, weight 2 oz. good, at €5
per ounce, €10. This inventory shows a very long list of
household goods. Total not given. The above inventory is sworn to
as being correct, by the executors, January 5, 1693/4, before
Abraham De Peyster, Mayor.
Page 18.--Inventory of estate of JACQUES CORTILIOW, Registered
for Jacques Cortiliow, of New Town, Kings County, on the Island
of Nassau, January 20, 1693/4, by Jan Van Cleef and John Van
Dyck, inhabitants of New Utrecht. Sworn by Roeloffs Martinse
Schenck, one of their Majestie's Justices of the Peace. This
inventory shows a small stock of farming utensils, etc. Real
estate not given.
Page 45.--RICHARD CORNELL. "In the Name of God, Amen, this
7th day of November in the year 1693, I, Richard Cornell, of
Rockaway in Queens County, being sicke, do make this my last will
and testament." I do bind and make over all my lands and
meadows at Rockaway upon the south side of the Island of Nassau,
for the paying and satisfying of a certain debt, owing by me to
the children of John Washburn, deceased. And if my executors do
not pay the said debt when due, then I direct the overseers of
this will to sell the same for that purpose, and give the
overplus to my four sons, William., Jacob, Thomas and John. I
leave to my son William a certain part of my lands and meadows
situate at Rockaway, bounded north with the old fence upon the
south side of the last years wheat field, and so running east to
Hempstead line, and south by the sea. Including all lands and
meadows, excepting my now dwelling house and orchard and the
pasture thereto adjoining with the barn and the land in tillage
about it. Which reservation I give to my dear and loving wife
Elizabeth Cornell, during her widowhood, and then to my son
William. I leave to my son Thomas, all that portion of land and
meadow bought by me of John Smith of Hempstead, commonly called
Little Smith. Also another part of my land and meadow, bounded
south by my son William's line; north by the middle of the Fresh
Cove that Robert Beadell's meadow was laid out in, and so running
east to the three rail fence, and further if it shall happen. I
leave to my sons Jacob and John, all my lands and meadows to the
north of Thomas Cornell's line, situate at Rockaway. Bounded
north by the Great river or Cove, east by the three rail fence,
to be divided equally between them. I leave to my son Richard ten
acres of meadow joining to Wells his line, to run north and south
upon an equal line. I leave to my son William ten acres of meadow
joining the above, and to run in the same manner. I leave to my
daughter Elizabeth Lawrence, ten acres of meadow joining to my
son William's meadow, and to run in the same manner. I leave to
my daughter, Mary Cornell, €100, one third to be paid to her
when of age, the rest in yearly payments. Also one half of the
indoor movables. Leaves to his wife the use of the house and
lands during her widowhood. Leaves 12 heifers to his 12 grand
children, namely the children of his son Richard, "the
children of my son Washburn," and the children of my son
John Lawrence. Leaves to his daughter Sarah Arnold, 2 cows. If my
wife remarry then she is to have €100 and one half of the
movables. Directs his lands at Cow neck to be sold, and the money
to go to all his children. Leaves all his rights in the undivided
lands in Hempstead to his five sons. His four sons, Richard,
Thomas, Jacob and John, are to have the right to put horses on
the beach, and they are to assist in making the fence. And if his
sons Jacob and John see cause to build by the path side to the
eastward of my dwelling house, and on the land purchased of
Little Smith, I give to each of them two acres of said land. All
the money in my house, and all the debts due to me, shall be
employed for the payment of the children of the deceased John
Washburn and Captain Charles Lodowick. Makes his wife Elizabeth,
and sons Richard and William executors, and his friends Colonel
Thomas Willett, Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas Hicks and Captain
Daniel White, overseers. (Not witnessed.) Proved before Governor
Fletcher, October 3, 1694.
JOHN SEAMAN. In the name of God, Amen. I, John Seaman the elder,
of Hempstead, in Queens County, upon Long Island, alias Nassau,
being weake and infirm in body, and knowing that it appertaineth
to every man to set in order all worldly concerns, so yet after
decease no suite, trouble, or calamity may ensue. And being well
advised with the great and weighty work I am now about, do make
and declare this my last will and testament. I leave to my oldest
son John a certain lot of 22 acres, of which he is now in
possession, and where he now lives; also another lot of 20 acres
of meadow upon the neck called the Great Neck, being eastward and
within the bounds of said town of Hempstead. I leave to my 5 sons
Jonathan, Benjamin, Solomon, Thomas and Samuel, 400 acres of land
according to a Patent, granted by Governor Richard Nicolls, lying
at a place commonly known and called by the name of Jerusalem,
within the bounds of Hempstead, to be equally divided between
them. Also a certain neck of meadow lying eastward from said town
of Hempstead called in ye Indian tongue Ruskatux Neck. Bounded
east by the Oyster Bay line, and upon Hempstead west, and to be
equally divided. I leave to my 3 sons, John, Nathaniel, and
Richard, the remainder of my meadow, whereof one half is already
confirmed to my son in law, Nathaniel Pearsall, with four or five
acres of upland for his convenience of yardidge, for wintering
his cattle. Which said meadow is situate upon a neck called by
the name of the Half Neck, or in the Indian tongue Muskachim. I
leave to my eight sons, John, Jonathan, Benjamin, Solomon,
Thomas, Samuel, Nathaniel and Richard, all the upland lying and
situate upon Ruskatux Neck, as also upon the neck called Half
Neck, except the four or five acres confirmed to my son in law,
Nathaniel Pearsall. I leave to my sons Nathaniel, and Richard, my
lot of meadow at a neck called Sticklands Neck, as also a parcel
of meadow lying upon New Bridge Neck. I also give them 150 acres
of upland situated and lying at a place commonly called Success,
by virtue of an order from the Town. Also a certain parcel of
land, being 316 acres, lying at or near the Harbor head, so
called, being already confirmed to my said two sons by deed of
gift. I give all my rights in the undivided lands in Hempstead to
my 8 sons. I leave to my wife Martha a certain house lot
adjoining to the land of James Pine, being three acres, during
her life, and then to my two sons, Nathaniel and Richard. I also
leave them the remainder of my house lots, and the pasture and
the field at the eastward of the town called the Holly. I leave
to my wife Martha one half of the dwelling house for life and
then to my son Richard, and the other half to my son Nathaniel. I
leave to my wife one third of the movables, and to my two sons
Nathaniel and Richard the other two thirds. I leave to my
daughter Mary Pearsall two cows. I leave to my wife six acres of
meadow at the Hay Bridge during her life and then to my sons
Richard and Nathaniel. I leave two thirds of my remaining live
stocks to my five daughters, Mary Pearsall, Hannah Carman, Martha
Pearsall, Sarah Mott, and Deborah Kirk, and to my daughter
Elizabeth Jackson 20 shillings. I leave to my sons Richard and
Nathaniel all my armes except my large gun, which shall be for
the use of all my sons. Makes wife Martha and sons Benjamin and
Thomas executors, and "my friends Thomas Powell and John
Townsend, Sr., overseers."
Page 213.--JOHN SMITH. "In the name of God, Amen, the 9 day
of June, 1694. I, John Smith, of the Ferry in Kings County, upon
the Island of Nassau, being in health of body." I give and
bequeath all the estate I have in the world, or which shall be
found to be mine at my decease, to my loving wife, Ann Smith, and
I make her sole executor. (No witnesses named.)
Page 156.--PETER BERTON. In the name of God, Amen. I, Peter
Berton, of Oyster Bay, in Queens County, on Nassau Island,
merchant, being sound and perfect both in mind and body. I leave
my body to be buried in a decent and Christian like manner at the
discretion of my executors. I leave to my eldest son, Ezekiel
Berton, all my lands and houses which I have in Oyster Bay,
except 50 acres at the plain edge which I give to my son, Peter
Berton. I leave to my eldest daughter, Mary Berton, €50; and
to my second daughter, Hannah Dugo, €10; to my daughter,
Marian Ayrand, €40; to my son Ezekiel all my wearing
clothes, and my gold ring and all my guns. I leave to my wife
Elizabeth and the children which I have begot of her all the rest
of my estate whatsoever. I make my wife executrix, and my trusty
and well beloved friend, Paul Droillet, of New York, merchant,
overseer.
Page 383.--A true Inventory taken at the late dwelling house of
PETER BRETON, deceased, in Oyster Bay in Queens Co., upon the
Island of Nassau, on March 31, 1704. "In the first cellar,
25 gallons of rum at 3s., €3.15s. In the second cellar, 2
barrels of pork and 3 barrels of beef, etc. In the shop, 12 bags
felt hats at 3s, €1.16; 25 pounds of sugar, 10s.; 33 ounces
of silver plate at 7s., €11.11s.; 55 bushels o wheat,
€7.10s.; 1/2 of Sloop Betty, 7 tons, €25. Sworn to by
John Townsend, Robert Cooper, and Edward Folwell, before Edward
White and John Townsend, Justices. April 21, 1704. Exhibited
before Lord Cornbury by Elizabeth Breton, widow and executor.
To horse hire and expenses for 6 days on Nassau Island to settle
accounts, and postage of Letters, €1 19s 7 1/2d. A very
lengthy account by Samuel Bayard the administrator, March 25,
1706.
Page 56.--Edward, Viscount Cornbury, Captain-General and
Governor, etc., Whereas SAMUEL JOTHUM, late of the town of
Hempstead on the Island of Nassau, lately died intestate, Letters
of Administration are granted to his wife Anne, December 12,
1702.
Page 58.--Edward, Viscount Cornbury, Captain-General, etc.
Whereas the Reverend Mr. PATRICK GOURDAINE, late of Jamaica, on
the Island of Nassau, lately died intestate, Letters of
Administration are granted to Lewis Morris, Esq., of New York,
December 5, 1702.
Page 200.--GARRETT COERTES. In the name of God, Amen. The first
day of October, 1702. I, Garrett Coertes, of Flatlands in Kings
County, on Nassau Island. I leave to my wife Willimantie, all
houses, lands, and tenements situate in the town and limits of
Flatlands, or elsewhere. But if she marry again, then she shall
only possess and enjoy that messuage or tenement wherein I now
live, containing 45 morgen (80 acres), with one half of the
meadow, with the rights and privileges thereto belonging, during
her life. And all that piece of land lying behind the said
messuage, commonly called Bashurgs Hook, being by the Stroomkill,
so called, shall, after my wife's re-marriage, be taken into the
possession of my executors for the benefit of my children,
Marike, Coert, Alke, Peter, Hendrick, Steven and Gertie, to be
hired out till my eldest son comes of age and then to be divided.
And after my wife's decease they are to have all my estate in
Flatlands or elsewhere. My father, Coert Stevenson, and his wife
are not to be disturbed in the possession of the house where they
now live. My eldest son, Coert, shall have €25 over and
above his share. Leaves all household goods to his wife
Willimantie, and makes her sole executor, with Peter Monfoort and
Cornelius Coert, as overseers.
Page 260.--ROELOFF SCHENCK. In the name of God, Amen. I, Roeloff
Schenck, of Flatlands, in Kings County, upon Nassau Island. I
leave to my wife Katharine, during her life, all my farm or
tenements at Flatlands, where I now live, with the houses,
gardens, and orchards. And all in accordance with a certain
agreement made between me and my said wife before our marriage,
and bearing date November 9, 1688. If my wife should marry then
the above bequest is to be null and void. I leave to my loving
son Martin Schenck, after the death of my wife, all my houses,
lands, meadows, and tenements, within the bounds of Flatlands or
elsewhere, and he is to pay the following legacies, viz., to each
of my children, Janike, Marytie, John, Garritt, Margaritie,
Neltie and Sarah, €64, 10s. each, and the same to the
children of my daughter Anake, deceased, Roeloff and Albert. And
they are to have all the personal property after my wife's
decease. My eldest son Martin shall have for his birthright my
negro boy Anthony. I make my son Martin sole executor.
Page 270.--WILLIAM SMITH. In the name of God, Amen. I, William
Smith, of the Manor of St. George in the County of Suffolk, on
Nassau Island. Being, blessed be the Almighty, in reasonable good
health of body, I bequeath my body to the earth to be decently
buried without any manner of Pomp, in such place and in such
manner as my executor shall think fit. I will that my most dear
and intirely beloved wife Martha, shall have the use of all my
estate, both real and personal, during her life, for the
comfortable maintenance of herself and children. I leave to my
eldest son, Henry Smith, all my land lying and being situate on
the north side of this Island, That is to say the Home Lots
called Cheston and Harlow's Home lots, where I now live, as also
the mill lot, and all my land and meadow in the neck, commonly
known by the name of the little neck, of the Town of Brookhaven,
but now within the manor of St. George, with my new and old
house, and all other buildings thereon ; And also the entire
rights of Commonage, and all future divisions and Commonage
appertaining to Cheston and Harlows accommodations ; And also my
Thatch bed, lying between the Old field and the Little neck,
which I bought of Samuel Eburne, clerk ; And also the Thatch bed
which the Town gave me, fronting to the Indian land against
Roscommon Elm ; Also all that part of my South Beach, from the
head of Long Cove to the westernmost gut, To him, my said son
Henry, to him and his heirs male forever, and in default of
issue, then to my next heirs. I also give to my son Henry all
that certain tract of land or Island containing seven acres,
lying near Cranes neck, adjoining to the Fresh pond, which I
bought of Mr. Eburne. I leave to my son, William Henry Smith, my
house on the south side of this Island, within the manor of St.
George, which stands on Sebonack neck, With a full half of all my
land and meadow on the south side of this Island, within my manor
of St. George, and lying eastward of Connecticutt or Sebonack
river, With one half of my South Beach from Cupsogue gut
eastward, and to the head of the Long Cove, westward ; And also
that Home Lot within the town of Brookhaven, which I formerly
bought of John Wood, deceased, and is called John Wood's lot,
containing 10 acres, Bounding westward on Daniel Brewster's home
lot, With one entire right of Commonage, and all future divisions
of undivided lands, due to the said accommodations, To him my
said son William Henry, and his heirs and assigns forever. I
leave to my son, Charles Jeffrey Smith, All that other one half
part of all my lands and meadows on the south side of this
Island, within the Manor of St. George eastward of Connecticutt
or Sebonack river ; Also the Home lot within the Town of
Brookhaven where John Wood lived, and commonly called John Wood's
Home Lot, containing 12 acres, with the house and buildings ;
Also one entire right of Commonage, and all future divisions of
land; Also the other half of my South Beach, from Cupsogue gut
eastward, to the head of Long Cove westward, To him my said son,
Charles Jeffrey Smith, and his heirs and assigns for ever. I
leave to my eldest daughter, Martha Heathcote, one half of what
the leases of my houses in New York can be sold for. I leave to
my grand son, William Heathcote, one home lot within the town of
Brookhaven, commonly known by the name of Williams, his Home Lot,
containing 14 acres, Fronting to the creeke or Harbor, and
adjoining to that which was John Wood's Home Lot, with one right
of Commonage and all future divisions of land as far as the
middle of this Island, To him and his heirs and assigns, when he
shall come of age. I leave to my youngest daughters, Jeane and
Gloriana, to be equally divided between them, all my land and
meadow at Westen Hook, in Company with Colonel Schuyler, Mr.
Abeel and others ; And also all my land and meadow on the west
side of Connecticutt or Sebonack river, lying at the head of
Yaptianack and by a north line until it comes again to the river
as is by my Patent set forth. I also leave to them two 50 acre
lots which lye between the Oldmans and the Wading river, which I
bought of John Wood and Abraham Whittier ; Also two 50 acre lots
more, which were laid out to Cheston and Harlows Home Lots, and
are near the road that goes to the Oldmans farms ; Also 50 acres
of land bought of Joseph Lee, which is at Mount Misery ; And also
the other half of what the leases of my houses in New York may
produce, to be paid to them when of age or marriage, provided
neither of them marry without their mother's consent. As to my
land on the south side of the Country road that goes about the
middle of the Island, and is contained in my last Patent, from
Governor Fletcher, and is adjoining to the bounds of Southold,
Southampton and Brookhaven, I do give the same to my three sons,
Henry, William, and Charles. The will divides slaves (twelve of
which are enumerated, some of them being Indians) among his
children. the personal property is left to his wife, with all
stock, personal property, silver, gold plate, etc., to be
disposed of as she shall see fit. If his son Henry dies without
issue then his share is to go to his next brother. Makes his wife
Martha sole executor.
Page 277.--GULIELMUS LEOPARDUS. In the name of God, Amen. This 9
day of February, 1701/2, I, Gulielmus Leopardus, minister, of
Kings County on the Island of Nassau, being of good and perfect
memory. I leave to my loving wife Cornelia all my lands, houses,
and tenements within the Province of Holland or elsewhere, and
all goods and chattels, during her life, and after her decease,
then to my children procured by her, viz., Anne, Christian, and
Adriana, and the children of my wife by her former husband, by
name Rokus, Symon, and Cornelia. My young child Christian is to
have €12, 10s above his share. If my wife should re-marry, I
give out of my estate €700 to be divided among the said
children. I make my wife executor, and my friends, Colonel Gerard
Beekman and Captain Peter Stryker, overseers.
Page 299.--HENDRICK VLIETT. In the name of God, Amen, the 9 day
of January, 1705/6, I, Hendrick Vliett, of Flatbush in Kings
County, on Nassau Island. I leave to my wife Tryntie all houses,
lands, and tenements and meadows in Flatlands or elsewhere during
her life. But if she shall happen to marry, she is to have one
half, and the rest to my brothers and sisters, John, Morya, and
Gertruy. I leave all my personal estate to my said brothers and
sisters.
Page 379.--ZACHEUS GOLDSMITH. In the name of God, Amen. I,
Zacheus Goldsmith, of the town of Southold in Suffolk County, on
the Island of Nassau, yeoman, being very sick and weak. I leave
to my wife, Mary Goldsmith, one half of all my lands and meadows
and housing and orchards, so long as she shall remain my widow,
and no longer, and one half of my present estate. "If my
wife should happen to be with child, the said child is to have
1/2 of all the property," but if not then my brother,
Richard Goldsmith, shall have the same, and he is to pay to his
brother, Thomas Goldsmith, €15, and also he is to release
all the €40 I am to pay him by my father's will. The
personal property which would go to said child is left to my
brother, John Goldsmith, and my sister, Mary Goldsmith. I make my
wife Mary executor.
Page 386.--RICHARD THORNE. In the name of God, Amen, the 28
November, 1706. I, Richard Thorne, of Madnans neck, in the
township of Hempstead, on Nassau Island, being very sick and
weak. I leave to my wife Phebe all my estate for her own use, and
the bringing up and education of the children, until my son
Richard is of age. If my wife marries again and she prefers to
stay upon the farm she may, or if she chooses to remove elsewhere
she shall have the use of the farm at Madnans neck and the
movables for the bringing up of the children, till my son Richard
is of age. I leave to my son Richard all my land, messuage, and
tenements on Madnans neck, and all my rights within the town of
Hempstead. If he die under age then all the estate is to go to my
three daughters, Hannah, Mary, and Phebe. I leave to my
daughters, Hannah and Mary, 200 acres of land at Maidenhead in
West Jersey. I leave to my daughter Phebe the meadow at
Westchester, purchased by me from John Tallman, and now in
possession of Charles Morgan, for which he is to pay, according
to covenant, €31. In case of non payment it is to return to
me, and I leave it to my daughter Phebe. I will that within
twelve months after the death of my mother, Winifred Thorne, that
the sum of €40 be paid to my sister, Margaret Rattow. I make
my wife Phebe executor. Witnesses, John Thomas "Clerk,"
Thomas Hicks Isaac Hicks, Johanes Van Wyck. Proved, February 17,
1706/7.
Page 407.--GARRETT WYCKOFF. In the name of God, Amen, this 9
October, 1704. Be it known that I, Garett Wyckoff, of Flatlands
in Kings County, on the Island of Nassau, being at present very
sick and weak. I leave to my loving wife Katharine, all estate of
houses and lands, during her life, and 12 acres of land within
the limitts of Gravesend. But if she remarry, then an inventory
is to be made, and my eldest son Peter shall have half of the
houses and lands when he is of age, and the other half after my
wife's decease, and he is to pay to the other children, namely,
Greetie, Adriane, Amke, Marytie and Janica, €450, I give to
my son Peter, a silver tankard, and my plows and harrows and all
the tackling belonging to a farm. The testator makes provision
for an expected child. I make my loving friends and brothers,
Claas Wyckoff, Hendrick Wyckoff, Peter Wyckoff, Garett Stoothoff,
and Peter Nevins, my executors. And they are to sell a 12 acre
lot of land, lying at Ambrose Island, so called in the town of
Gravesend.
Page 416.--EPHRAIM GOLDING. In the name of God, Amen. I, Ephraim
Golding, of Hempstead, in Queens County on the Island of Nassau.
I empower my executors to sell the house and farms where I now
live, and all my lands in Queens County, and the proceeds to be
divided into nine parts, viz., 2 parts to my eldest son John
Golding, and the rest to my other six children, namely,
Elizabeth, Ephraim, Thomas, Mary, Daniel and Rebecca, and to my
wife Rebecca. The rest of my personal estate I leave to my wife
and children, and my wife is to have my best bed and furniture. I
appoint my wife and Charles Doughty executors.
Page 430.--HUMPHREY CLAY. In the name of God, Amen. I, Humphrey
Clay, of Boswyck, in Kings County, on Nassau island. I leave to
my wife Sarah all estate of lands, houses, and goods during her
life. After her decease, I leave to my son Humphrey Clay the
Plantation where I now dwell, with all houses and buildings. And
he is to pay to my daughter Mary, wife of Thomas Evins, €40,
and I also leave to her three cows. I leave to my loving cousin
Richard Alsop, my negro boy Jacob. All the rest of estate to my
son, Humphrey Clay.
JOHN COOKE. I, John Cooke, of Gravesend on the Island of Nassau.
I make my wife Sarah executor I leave to my daughter, Sarah
Whitman, two oxen and all the money due me in the hands of Mr.
Nicholas Mayor. To my daughter, Elizabeth Holmes, 2 cows and to
her husband Obadiah Holmes all my iron ware and 1/2 my horses. To
my daughter, Mary Stillwell, 2 cows and 100 guilders, and to her
husband, Richard Stillwell, 1/2 my horses, and I give the sheep
which are in his hands to his children, Thomas and Martha
Stillwell. "And this is my will and pleasure for to
do."
This page was last updated March 1, 2001.