New York City Wills, 1708-28
Source: Ancestry.com
Description:
British ruled for less than fifty years, New York City was an
international city in 1708 with Dutch, and Swedish residents in
addition to the English. This database is a collection of will
abstracts, originally published in the late 19th Century.
Spanning the years 1708 to 1728, it includes records of many
early Dutch, Swedish, and Danish residents, as well as English
settlers. 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. 2. Orem, UT: Ancestry,
Inc., 1998.
Please note:
Wills from Queens and Suffolk are included when they also mention
Nassau.
Page 491.--WILLIAM LEATH. In the name
of God, Amen. I, William Leath, of New York, sadler, being very
sick. I leave to Susanah Sleigh, widow of Charles Sleigh, late of
New York, mariner, twenty pieces of 8. To Rev. Mr. Daniel
Bourdett, now minister to the French congregation of New
Rochelle, 20 pieces of 8. To Alexander, my apprentice, €20.
To my good friend the Rev. Mr. John Thomas, the now minister of
Hempstead on the Island of Nassau, my gray horse. To my servant,
Wan, the Spanish Indian boy, now living with me, his freedom,
provided he serves my wife seven years. To my wife's God
daughter, Martha Ludlow, €5. I leave all the rest of my
estate to my wife Susanah, and make her and Elias Neau and
Gabriel Ludlow, executors.
Page 498.--JOHN AERSON. In the name of God, Amen, the 11 August,
1707, I, John Aerson, of the Ferry, in the township of Brookland
in Kings County, on the Island of Nassau, being of good and
perfect memory, I leave to my wife Elizabeth, the house where I
now live at the Ferry, and all my garden, and one half of my
orchard, and a horse to ride, at her pleasure, during her life.
And she is to have two cows to be kept with fodder and pasture,
winter and summer, and my farm at the Ferry, with firewood and
bread corn, and liberty to keep fowls, and €10 yearly, and a
negro girl. I leave to my children, Aert, Matthew, and David,
after my wife's decease, all my houses, lands and tenements lying
and being at the Ferry in the township of Brookland, bounded
south by the lot of Adriaen Hoogland, formerly George Jacobs,
north by the river, east by a creek, adjoining to John Reportes
land, and west by the highway leading from Brookland to the
Ferry. Containing about 200 acres of land and meadow. And also
all my lands in the county of Somerset in New Jersey. I leave to
my youngest son John, €50. I leave to my daughter Helena,
after my wife's decease, all that my house and garden spot at the
Ferry, wherein my son David now lives. I leave all goods and
chattels to my sons, Aert, Matthew, and David. I leave all my
negroes to my said sons, and two of the old negroes, Sambo and
his wife Mary, are to stay on the farm, and are not to be sold,
and they are to have every Saturday afternoon to work for
themselves. I make my sons, Aert, Matthew, and David, executors.
Page 529.--WILLIAM HERRICK. In the name of God, Amen, June the
16, 1707. I, William Herrick, of Southampton, in the County of
Suffolk on the Island of Nassau, being of good and perfect
memory. I leave to my eldest son, William Herrick, all that house
and land lying in Southampton which my brother Thomas did
possess, and all the buildings thereon, together with the 4 acres
of land lying at the rear of the home lot, parted with a ditch.
Also all the west part of my land at a place called Second Neck,
with all the buildings and improvements, bounded east by a ditch
coming out of the middle of the cove, and so to run up to the
outside fence in a direct line from said ditch. Also a lot in
Ogdens Neck. Also a €50 right of Commonage. And all the
meadow in the said west part of Second Neck, to him and his male
heirs forever. I leave to my son Stephen Herrick all that my
dwelling house I now live in, and all the rest of my home lot
with the buildings (except the premises given to my son Thomas);
Also the land in a close called the Wood close, except 4 acres,
to be taken off the southwest corner thereof, to be laid out next
to Obadiah Rogers close, on a square; Also my close in Halseys
neck adjoining to the land of Ephraim White; Also my lot in the
Great Plain next adjoining to the land of Joseph Post; Also all
the meadow at Shinecock, which I purchased of Isaac Rayner, And
all my meadow in Halseys neck, on the south side of Joseph
Fordham's meadow, in the bottom of the neck; Also a €50
right of Commonage, to him and his male heirs. I leave to my son
Nathan Herrick all that the eastward part of Second Neck, bounded
by the ditch afore mentioned, and by a direct line from said
ditch to the outside fence; Also a lot in Ogdens neck; Also the 4
acres reserved out of the Wood close, to him and his heirs. I
leave to my son James Herrick €40 when of age. If either of
my sons William or Stephen die without issue, then my son James
is to have their part. If either of the others die without issue
the survivor is to have his part. I leave to my wife Mehitabel
one third of all goods and chattels, and I leave the rest to my 4
sons and my 4 daughters, Irene, Phebe (the other two not named).
I make my wife Mehitabel executor, and my son Stephen when of age
is to assist her.
Page 557.--JARMINAYE SIEURS. In the name of God, Amen. Be it
known that I, Jarminaye Sieurs, of New York, widow. I leave to my
son in law, Hendrick Veghten, on the Island of Nassau, planter,
my large silver tankard, weight about 40 ounces, and marked S. A.
I. I leave to James Snediker a silver cup, weight about 8 ounces.
I leave to my daughter Janeye, wife of Hendrick Veghten, my Bible
with silver clasps, and my gold rings and one half of my clothes.
I leave to my grand daughter, Janeye Veghten, a gold ring and two
gold breast hooks. I leave to my grand daughter, Hilley Veghten,
my silver cup with two ears. To my grand children, Reynier,
Simesse, and Gretie Veghten, each a silver spoon. To my grand
daughter, Janeye Albertse, daughter of Albert Stevense, a gold
ring and a couple of gold breast hooks. To my grand daughters
Cornelia and Willimentie, daughters of Albert Stevense, each a
silver spoon. To my grand son, Peter Jansen, son of Jan Stevense,
a negro boy. To my grandson, Stephen Jansen, son of Jan Stevense,
a large silver beaker or goblet. All the rest to my daughter
Janeye, wife of Hendrick Veghten, and to the children of Jan
Stevense and Albert Stevense. I make Hendrick Voughten and Jan
Snediker executors.
Page 581.--WALTER BRIDEY. Know all men by these presents that I,
Walter Bridey, of New York, mariner, do make my friend, John
Gordon, of Bedford, on the Island of Nassau, my true and lawful
attorney, to collect all sums due to me, and to act in all things
for my behalf. And I make this my last will and testament, and
deed of gift, and I give him all my estate, real and personal.
Page 600.--DIRCK ARESON. I, Dirck Areson, of Flushing in Queens
County on Nassau Island. I leave to my son, Benjamin Areson, my
lands where I now live, together with all housing, orchards,
which is situate or lyes near the Half-way meadow so called in
the Town of Flushing. I leave to my son Samuel my 20 acre lot of
land lying and situate by the land of James Clement, near unto
the Black Stump, so called, and lyes in No. 6. I also leave him
€150 when of age. I leave to my two daughters Deborah and
Hannah, all my movable estate, and cattle, horses and sheep. I
make Samuel Haight and Eliakem Hedges executors.
Page 41.--JOHN BERRIAN. In the name of God, Amen. I, John
Berrian, of Newtown in Queens County, on Nassau Island, being
sick and weak. My executors are to have full power to sell lands.
I leave to my wife Ruth all that my Plantation on which I now
dwell, with all the appurtenances, during her widowhood, and all
the movables during the minority of my son Cornelius. After her
decease all the estate is to go to my children (not named). I
make my brother, Nicholas Berrian, my father in law, Joris
Rapalye, and Richard Edsall, executors.
Page 45.--WILLIAM CREED, Jr. In the name of God, Amen. I, William
Creed, Jr., of Jamaica in Queens County, on the Island of Nassau,
being very sick. I make my wife executor with full power to sell
my lot of land in the Township of Jamaica, commonly called
Higbie's lot, or some other part of my lands, not exceeding in
value €200. And whereas I am with Thomas Whitehead and Abel
Gale, security for a certain sum of money, for Francis Sawyer of
Jamaica, and whereas I have further advanced money to the said
Sawyer to indemnify them, for which he hath by mortgage made over
his house and some land in Jamaica to me. It is my wish that the
equity of redemption be taken away, and the said house and land
be sold by my executors, and that they be indemnified by the
proceeds. I leave to my son William 100 acres of land in Jamaica,
to be appointed for him by my executors. I leave all the rest of
my houses and lands to my two sons, William and Augustine. I also
give them 4 cows, 8 horses, two plows and other farming
implements. I leave to my daughter Elizabeth €100 when of
age, and to my daughter Sarah €100, and the same to my
daughter Letitia. My wife to have the sole use and possession of
all the estate, for the good education of my children. My
executors are to sell the negro girl Isabel, and enough is to be
added to the amount to make €100, and paid to my wife Mary,
and my daughters Elizabeth, Sarah, and Letitia. I appoint my
father, William Creed, and my brothers in law, Thomas Cornell and
Thomas Whitehead, and my friend Samuel Clows, executors.
HENRY FRANKLIN. In the name of God, Amen. I, Henry Franklin, of
Flushing, in Queens County, on Nassau Island, bricklayer, being
in good health. I leave to my wife Sarah all my Plantation lying
and being within the limits of Flushing within Beaver Dam line;
Also my meadow in said town and my whole estate, during the
minority of my daughters Sarah and Elizabeth, or while she
remains my widow. But if she happens to marry then she shall have
€100. I leave to my son Matthew, after his mother's decease,
all that my said Plantation lying within Beaver Dam line as above
said when he is of age, and he is to pay to my sons Henry and
Thomas each €25, and to my daughters Sarah and Elizabeth
each €10. I leave to my son Henry all my land lying in the
Jerseys called the New country; Also 20 acres at Rocky Hill in
Flushing. I leave to my son Thomas a small lot of land lying in
the East Ward of the city of New York which I purchased of
William Morris and Rebeca his wife; Also 40 acres of land in
Flushing lying between the land of Thomas Lawrence and Frederick
Van Seewen; Also 40 acres lying above Black Stump in Flushing,
which I purchased of Judith and Hanah Smith. I leave to my
daughters Sarah and Elizabeth all the rest of my movable estate
when of age. I make John and Peter Berrien and Benjamin Halsted
and John Rodman executors.
Page 242.--RICHARD BETTS. In the name of God, Amen. I, Richard
Betts, of Newtown, in Queens County, on Nassau Island, yeoman,
being in good health. I leave to my wife Johanah, all my
homestead and buildings and lot of land belonging to the same,
lying between the lands of John Scudder and Richard Betts, son of
Thomas Betts, deceased; Also my tract of land between the way
that leads to the narrow passage and the land of Samuel Albertus,
and the meadow adjoining to the same; Also all my movable estate,
and liberty to get what hay she may have occasion for during her
life. After the decease of my wife I leave to my son, Richard
Betts, my Camlet cloak, for his birthright, and all my right and
interest in lands in Plunder neck; Also my house and home lot and
buildings; Also 1/2 of the lands and meadows that lyeth below the
road, that leads from the English Kill to the Dutch Kills,
bounded by Samuel Albertus and John Allen, with all the
appurtenances; Also 1/2 the meadow land above the homestead,
situate between the lands of John Scudder and Richard Betts, sons
of Thomas Betts, deceased. I leave to my grand son, Richard
Betts, son of Thomas Betts, my tract of land lying between the
way that leads to the narrow passage and the land of Samuel
Albertus, up to Newtown spring; Also 1/2 the meadow and upland,
that lyeth between the road that leads from the English Kills to
the Dutch Kills, bounded by Samuel Albertus and John Allen. All
movable estate after my wife's death to my daughters, Johanah
Sander, Mary Swazy, and Martha Ketcham, and the children of my
daughter, Elizabeth Sackett, deceased, and the children of my
daughter, Sarah Hunt, deceased. I appoint my sons in law, Joseph
Sackett and Phillip Ketcham, executors.
Page 427.--JOHANES FYN. I, Johanes Fyn, of Newtown, in Queens
County, on Nassau Island, blacksmith. I leave to my wife Hannah,
the use of all estate during her widowhood, but if she marries
again she is to have only the use of one-third. I leave to my
eldest son €5 in his right of first born. I leave to my
daughters, Hester, Dorothy, Hannah, Susanah, and Leena Catharine,
each €5. All the rest of my estate I leave to my sons, John,
Wouter, and Henry. I make my wife Hannah, my cousin, Anthony
Glean, and my friend, Peter Remsen, executors.
Page 11.--RICHARD ALSOP, In the name of God, Amen. I, Richard
Alsop, of Maspeth Kills, in Queens County, on Nassau Island,
being sick and weak but of sound mind, I leave to my wife, Hannah
Alsop, one half of my dwelling house and one third of my building
lands and meadows, in Newtown, during her widowhood. But when my
daughters, Amy, Elizabeth, and Susannah, shall change their
conditions by marriage, then my wife shall have but one quarter.
If my wife should die before my daughters marry, then they are to
have the use of one half of my dwelling house, with firewood and
provision. I leave to my son Thomas, one third of the 17th share
of land in the town of Goshen, in Orange County. He having
received his portion already by deed of gift, except the above. I
leave to my two sons, Richard and John, all my lands and meadows
in Newtown, equally. Also the other two thirds of the 17th share
of land in the town of Goshen, with the mill and the mill lot
which is a part of the said two thirds. If either of my said two
sons die without issue, then my son Thomas is to have his share,
taking it next to his own. And each of my sons is to pay €50
to my daughters, Hannah Sackett, Deborah Sipkims, Amy, Elizabeth
and Susannah. I leave to my two sons Richard and John, a certain
piece of meadow lying on the south side of Nassau Island. I leave
to my wife Hannah, one third of the movable estate, and a negro
man, Jacob. I leave to my daughters, Hannah Sackett, Deborah
Sipkims, Amy, Elizabeth and Susannah, the other two thirds of my
movable estate, and to my daughters Amy, Elizabeth and Susannah,
€25. I also leave to my daughters a certain share of land
called the 11th share, in the town of Goshen. I leave to Rebecca
Nicoll, who now liveth with me, a two year old heifer. I make my
sons, Thomas, Richard, and John, executors.
Page 42.--SAMUEL DENTON. In the name of God, Amen. April 25,
1718. I, Samuel Denton, of Jamaica, in Queens County, on Nassau
Island, blacksmith, being in health. I leave to my wife, Martha,
the full use of all my estate, real and personal, while she
remains my widow. Only my mother is to have liberty to pasture
two cows, and to have her firewood. But if my wife marries, then
she is to have €300 in lieu of dower. After my wife's
decease I leave all my estate to my brothers, Jeckomiah and
Hezekiah Denton. I leave to Samuel, Clement, and Susannah, the
children of my sister, Sarah Mills, €4 each. I leave to
Robert, John, Mary, Abraham, Ebenezer, and Samuel, the children
of my sister, Clement Smith, €4 each. I make my wife and my
brother Jeckomiah, executors.
Page 152.--WILLIAM LAWRENCE. To all Christian People, Greeting.
I, William Lawrence, of Flushing in Queen's County, on the Island
of Nassau, being conscious of the mortality of life in this
world. I leave to my wife Deborah Lawrence, one-half of my
household stuff, during her widowhood, and the other half to my
daughter Elizabeth, also two negroes. I leave to my son, Joshua
Lawrence, a bond of €57. 10s. I leave to my son, Caleb
Lawrence, all the farm I now live on, in Tews Neck, with all the
housing and orchards, and a negro boy and two horses. I leave to
my son Stephen, 500 acres of land I bought of the Underhills, at
a place called Spring Hill, in East and West Jersey, and one
negro boy and two horses. I leave to my sons, Obadiah, Daniel,
Joshua, and Adam, and my son-in-law, Joseph Rodman, all my right
of land in Smithtown Patent, which father Smith gave me in his
will, and all my right in Smithtown. I make my sons, Daniel and
Obadiah, and my son-in-law, Joseph Rodman, executors. I give all
the rest of my estate, and two lots of land in New York, which I
bought of Carster Learsen, as by bill of sale from him, lying in
William street, above the Smiths Vly, to all my children.
Page 327.--"In the name of God, Amen, the seventeenth day of
the second month, called April," 1722. I, JACOB WILLETT, of
the Township of Oyster Bay, in Queens County, on Nassau Island,
yeoman, being very sick. I leave to my wife the free use of all
houses, lands, and meadows, and movable estate, for her
comfortable support, and for the bringing up of the children,
till of age; And she is to have one-half of the movables to
dispose of as she shall think best. I leave to my only son,
Richard Willett, all my lands, houses, meadows, and privileges,
and when he is of age he is to pay to my wife €100. If my
son should die under age, then the lands are to go to my daughter
Mary, and if she die without issue, then one half of the estate
is to go to my mother, Abigail Willett, and to my five sisters,
Abigail, Mary, Martha, Phebe, and Elizabeth, and the other half
to my wife, Mary. My executors have power to sell the following
pieces of land, viz., two lots of land in the East woods, and all
my right of meadow in Great neck, and New Bridge neck, in
Hempstead bounds; Also another right of meadow in a neck called
Little neck, in Oyster Bay, South, so called, near unto Soloman
Coles. I make my wife and my father in law, James Jackson,
executors.
Page 365.--In the name of God, Amen. I, RYCK ABRAHAMSEN LENT, of
the Manor of Cortlandt, in the County of Westchester, miller,
being of sound mind. Whereas I am entitled to a certain Island,
lying in the Sound, called Judick's island, and to a certain
parcel of land lying opposite to it on the Island of Nassau;
which is wrongfully detained from me, I bequeath the said Island
and piece of land to my eldest son, Abraham Lent, provided he
recover the same at his own charge. I also leave to my son
Abraham my fowling piece, being the old gun I formerly employed
for my own use, and which I give to my said son, in full of his
pretensions, and claim to my estate as heir at law. I leave to my
son Harek Lent, all my lands, meadows, and tenements, lying and
being in the Manor of Cortlandt, and all my meadow land lying at
Jan Cantens Hook, in Orange County, upon the condition that he
pay the following legacies, viz., to my son Abraham, €60; To
the children of my son Ryck, deceased, €60; To the children
of my daughter Elizabeth Hyatt, deceased, €25; To my
daughter Catherine, wife of Abraham Jones, €25; To my
daughter Margaret, wife of Thomas Benson, €5 annually for
life, and to be paid to her, and not to her husband. And my son
Harek is to give security to the Governor of this Province, for
the payment of these legacies. As for the rest of my estate, my
executors are to divide it into six parts and divide the same
among my children, and the children of my deceased children. I
make my sons, Abraham and Harek, executors.
In the name of God, Amen. The 29 March,
1719. I, SYMON RAMSEY, of Southold, in Suffolk County, on Nassau
Island, yeoman, being sick and weak. I give and devise all my
lands, pastures, and meadows, together with all my houses and
buildings, unto my son Symon Ramsey; Also all my movable estate,
and my two negroes, Sue and Prince (a woman and a boy). And he is
to support and maintain my dear and loving wife, Mary Ramsey,
with meat and drinks and apparel during her life. "But if
she marry again, I bequeath to her €10 and her bedd." I
leave to my daughter Rachel one feather bed with sufficient
furniture for the same. Also €10 on the day of her marriage,
and she is to have meat, drink, and lodging until she is married.
My daughter is to live with my son Symon, and he is to maintain
her, and he is to take care of her and her education till she is
of age or be married. And when she is of age, she is to have the
value of two cows. I leave to Mary, wife of Daniel Corwin, and to
Hannah, wife of Theophilus Corwin, each two cows. And I make my
son Symon executor.
Page 463.--In the name of God, Amen. I,
MICHAEL BAKER, farmer, of East Hampton, in the County of Suffolk,
on the Island of Nassau, being weak of body. I leave to my wife
Elizabeth, all my lands for life, but in case I have a son I
bequeath to him all my houses and lands when of age. In case I
have two daughters I leave my lands to them equally. I appoint
Nathaniel Baker and Samuel Baker, farmers, my executors. If I
leave a son I appoint him executor when he is twenty-one. Dated
September 25, 1723.
Page 482.--In the name of God, Amen. Be it known and manifest
unto all men that I, REM REMSEN, of Kings County, on the Island
of Nassau, being at the present time very sick. I leave to my
oldest son, Joris Remsen, €10 when of age. I leave to my
mother Femitye, one half of the farm I now live on during her
life, and the other half to my dear wife Aeltie for life, and she
is to take care for the education of my children till they be of
age or married. After the death of my wife and mother, one half
of my farm is to go to my son Joris, and he is to pay to my
daughters, Femitye, Sarah, and Anke, €225. The other half is
to go to my son, Jan Remsen. I leave all personal estate to my
wife Aeltie. I make my brothers in law, Johanes Bergen, Joost De
Beavois, of Kings County, and my friend, Cornelius Clopper, of
New York, executors. "I have hereto set my hand and seal at
my farm in Kings County," August 16, 1722.
Page 437.--In the name of God, Amen. September 1, 1728. I, ANDREW
EMANS, of New Utrecht, in Kings County, on the Island of Nassau,
being very sick. I leave to my wife Rebbecca, during her life, my
whole real and personal estate for her to use for her
convenience. I leave to my eldest son Hendrick Emans, all that
piece of land in the County of Somersett, in New Jersey, at a
place commonly called Rocky Hill, being 200 acres, which he
purchased of Benjamin Cole, and whereupon I have paid €237.
I also leave to him €213, to make up the sum I have paid
upon the land, €450. I leave to my son Johanes, all those
two tracts of land in the County of Hunterdon, in the Western
Division of New Jersey, containing in all 610 acres. One parcel I
bought of Adrian Lane, and the other of Myndert Laphever, as by
deed will appear. I leave to my son Andrew, all my real estate in
the town of Gravesend in Kings County; and he shall pay
€500, at the rate of €50 yearly till the whole is paid
to me or my order. I leave to my son Benjamin, all that tract of
land in the County of Middlesex, New Jersey, being 300 acres,
purchased of Adrien Ten Eyck. I leave to my youngest son Jacobus,
all my real estate in the town of New Utrecht, where I now live,
after my wife's decease, and he is to pay €500 to my
children Hendrick, Johanes, Andrew, Benjamin, Ann, wife of John
Verkerk, and Sarah, wife of Teunis Polhemus, and to my youngest
daughter, Rebecca Emans. And the remainder of the €500 to be
paid by my son Andrew, which may be unpaid at the time of my
decease is also to be paid to them. I will that my three
daughters have out of my estate €350. "My children who
shall hereafter marry shall have as good a setting out as my
children who are already married." After my wife's decease
all my personal estate is to go to my eight children. I appoint
my wife and my sons Hendrick and Johan, and my two sons in law,
John Verkerk and Teunis Polhemus, executors.
This page was last updated March 1, 2001.