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.

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This page was last updated March 1, 2001.