New York City Wills, 1706-90

Source: Ancestry.com

Description:
As a port of entry into British North America in the 18th Century, the city of New York had few rivals. This collection of will abstracts for city residents was originally published in 1903 by the New York Historical Society and contains records found in the Office of the New York Surrogate which were previously unrecorded in official court documents. Each entry reveals a wealth of information about the filing individual, often including names of family members and witnesses. Covering the years 1706 to 1790, this database contains nearly 700 records and can be a helpful source of information for researchers of city residents of the 1700's.

Source Information:
Tami, Chris. New York City Wills, Vol. 11. Orem, UT: Ancestry, Inc., 1999.

Please note:
Wills from Kings, Queens, and Suffolk are included when they also mention Nassau.

In the name of God, Amen. December 2, 1714. I, WILLIAM CASE, Jr., of Newtown, on ye Island of Nassau, yeoman, being well in body. I appoint Richard Alsop and Thomas Alsop, executors, with power to sell, and the money is to be put at interest until my children are of age, "for the bringing of them up," and to be divided equally. (No names given.)

In the name of God, Amen. December 11, 1713. I, SAMUEL SANDS, of Cow Neck, in Hempsted, in Queens County, on Long Island, alias Nassau Island, yeoman, being very sick. I direct all debts to be paid. I leave to my daughter Sybell, wife of Jonathan Rogers, of New London, Connecticutt, one shilling, she having already received what I design for her. I leave to my daughter Margary, wife of Richard Stillwell, of New York, two bonds of Mr. Richbell Mott, of œ30 each. Also a silver tankard, and œ10, and œ5 due to me from Stephen Johnson, of Staten Island. Also a cow the next spring after my decease. I leave to my third daughter, Anne, œ100, and a Great Looking glass in the Great room, and all the small pictures around it, and two silver spoons marked S. M. and an S. at the top. And a silver tumbler marked S. S. and a bed with curtains and Valences, and 10 sheep and a cow, and she is to have her living on the farm I now live on, while she continues unmarried. I leave to my daughter Sarah, wife of Nathan Sellick, of Stanford, in New England, œ35 in addition to her portion already received. I leave to my daughter Mary, œ100, and a bed with curtains and Valences, and all other apurtenances, and two silver spoons and a silver tumbler, and marked S. M. and S. at the top. Also a Dutch wheel and an Indian boy, and she is to have her living on the farm. My land and stock on Block Island, and my land in New York, are to be sold to pay legacies, if there is any necessity for it. I leave to my dearly beloved wife Elizabeth, œ40 per annum. If there is any dispute about the legacy left to my wife, I give her the use of 1/2 of all my estate for life. I leave to my son, Samuel Sands, all my lands and messuages, to him and his heirs. I make my wife and Mr. Richbell Mott, of Madnan's Neck, executors.

In the name of God, Amen. July 5, 1711. I, WILLIAM JACKSON, of New York, cordwainer, being in health. I make my wife Anne, and my well beloved friends, the Rev. Master Bernardus Freeman, of Flatbush, on Nassau, alias Long Island, minister, and Mr. John Van Horn, of New York, executors. I leave to my wife the use of all my estate for life. I leave to my son Robert, œ16 silver money when of age. This I do in consideration of Birthright and Primogeniture. The portions of Robert and the rest of my children I leave to my wife's discretion, to allow less or more, of the good things God has given me, according as they shall behave, and do their duty to God and herself. Also I leave it to be remembered by all, and every of my children, as my faithful counsel, and charge upon them, that above all things they study and practice the fear of the Lord, and take his unspotted word for the sovereign Law of their principles, that it may in all things be well with them. And they are to love one another to their mutual advantage. I leave to each of my executors a gold ring.

In the name of God, Amen. February 15, 17 16/17. I, JOHN COCK, of Oyster Bay, on the Island of Nassau, husbandman, being well in health. I leave to my two sons, Thomas and Daniel, all my land situate and lying by James Woods land in the New Purchase of Oyster Bay. Also all my land which I formerly bought of Daniel Seaman and Adam Wright, in the said New Purchase. Also all that 30 acres of land which I bought of John Townsend, deceased, in said New Purchase. I also leave to my two sons œ20 each when of age. I leave to my other three sons, John, Hezekiah, and James, all the rest of my housing and lands, which I have in Oyster Bay. I leave to all my sons, all my meadow, creek, and creek thatch, which I have within the Patent and Township of Oyster Bay. I leave to my daughter, Hannah Pryor, œ30. To my daughter, Maribah Cock, œ6. To my sons, John, Hezekiah, and James, each œ100. To my son Daniel, my riding horse which I bought of Jacob Carr, and my silver headed cane. I leave to my wife Dorothy, all the rest of movable estate. If she marries she is to have œ100, and the rest of movables to my children. I make my wife executor.

In the name of God, Amen. I, WILLIAM CASE, of Newtown, on Nassau Island, yeoman, being sick and weak. My body to be buried in a Christian like and Decent Burial. I leave to my wife Rebecca, whom I make sole executrix, the use of all housing and lands and meadows where I now live, with all appurtenances, during the space and time of her widowhood. After her death I leave all the same to my son Thomas. My executor may sell all that certain neck or point of land lying at the head of Rock Pond, being 100 acres, in order to maintain a suite at Law, lately commenced against me by the Stewarts in the Lower Counties, if there be occasion therefor, and after the said suite or tryall is determined, and all charges paid, then what is remaining I leave to my five daughters, Mary, Meribah, Elizabeth, Abigail, and Martha, when they are 18 years of age. I leave to my five daughters, all my right and title in Martins Vineyard. I leave to my grandson, John Case, 5 shillings. All the rest to my wife.

In the name of God, Amen. December 13, 1718. I, JOOST DERIEW (Duryee?), of Bushwyck, in Kings County, on the Island of Nassau, yeoman. I leave to my wife Cornelia, œ7, 10s. To my eldest son, Joost, œ5, in bar to all claims as heir at law. I leave all my estate to my children, Joost, Jacques, Abraham, Charles, Simon, Antonatee Lequier, and Madaline Okee. I make my wife executor.

In the name of God, Amen. February 9, 1727, in the First year of King George II. I, JOHN STEVENSON, of the Borrough Town of Westchester, Gentleman, being sick. My executors are to pay all debts. I leave to my wife Abigail, the use of 1/2 of all estate, during such time as she shall remain my widow and no longer. Also the south half of my dwelling house, and 1/2 of all other buildings. Also the use of 1/2 the ferry from Westchester to Long Island, for which I have a lease. I leave to my son Edward, on condition that he pay legacies, 1/2 of all lands and meadows in Westchester, and 1/2 of all my privileges in the Common lands, and of my dwelling house and buildings, and of the ferry. And the whole after the death of my wife. And he is to pay these legacies. To my sons, James, John, and Benjamin, œ80 each, when of age. If he neglects or refuses, my executors are to sell lands. I leave to each son, a mare colt of the pacing breed. My executors are to sell all my lands, meadows, and privileges in Newtown and Jamaica, on the Island of Nassau, commonly called Long Island. And from the money they are to pay to my three daughters, Mary Jones, Charity, and Abigail, œ100 each. The rest to be put at interest to bring up my sons, James, John, and Benjamin, till of age, and then the principal to be divided among them. I leave all my wearing apparell to my four sons. I leave to my nephew, Cornelius Verdine, when of age, 100 acres of land, out of the first tract of land that shall be taken up in the Western Division of New Jersey, by virtue of a warrant, dated November 4, 1724, to take up the quantity of 1875 acres in said Western Division. If he dies under age, then to my sons, James, John, and Benjamin. All the rest of my lands in the Western and Eastern Divisions of New Jersey, are to be divided among my sons, James, John, and Benjamin. I leave to my wife, 1/4 of personal estate, except money due to me. Whereas I have given to my daughter Mary, wife of Evan Jones, œ200 in cash, and a mare and saddle of the Value of œ15, and my mother-in-law, Mary Perkins, late deceased, has given her considerable value, my daughters, Charity and Abigail, shall have œ215 each as an equivalent, and the rest of my personal estate to my three daughters. The share of Abigail to be paid when she is 18. I make my wife, and my son Edward, and my uncles, Robert Field and Jonathan Whitehead, and Col. William Willett, and my brothers, Elnathan and William Stevenson, executors.

I, THOMAS BALDING, of Hempstead, in Queens County, on Nassau Island, yeoman. Being weary weeke of Body, Butt of perfitt mind. All such debts as I owe to any person shall be well and truly paid. I leave to my wife Elizabeth, 1/3 of all movables, both within doors and without. I leave 1/3 to my daughter Elizabeth, and 1/3 to my sons, Silvenus, Thomas, and James. I leave to my wife the use of my dwelling house during her widowhood, and the use of all my lands and meadows until my sons are of age, and then she shall have but one half. I leave to my three sons all my lands and meadows, at the Little Neck, on the South, and all the rest of my lands and rights of land. I make my wife and my two brothers, Ezekiel and Samuel Balding, executors.

I, MATTHEW FARRINGTON, of Flushing, in Queens County, on Nassau Island, yeoman. September 6, 1728, being indisposed in body. After all debts are paid, I leave to my wife Hannah, my now dwelling house, and all my lands and meadows, with all appurtenances, for her use so long as she remains a widow. And after my said wife shall happen to die, or marry again, then the said house and lands are to be sold to the best advantage. I leave to my son Matthew, œ25, in lieu of all claim by right of inheritance. All the rest I leave to my sons, Edward, Joseph, Benjamin, James, and Thomas. I leave to my son James, a brown pacing mare. To my son Benjamin, a sorrel horse. To my son Thomas, a sorrel mare. I leave to Sarah, daughter of Dorothy Wilson, a cow and a bed, if she stays or tarries out her time. I leave all the rest of my personal property to my daughters, Sarah, wife of Samuel Veal, Hannah, wife of Moses Mollener, and my daughter, Mary Farrington, who is to have œ15 above her sisters. I make my wife and my brother-in-law, John Embree, and my friend, James Clement, executors.

I, DANIEL RAPALYE, of Brookland, in Kings County, on Nassau Island, being at present in good health. I leave to my wife Sarah, the use of all personal estate, and the use of that part of my dwelling house, which I at present possess. Also my orchard lying north of my said house, during her natural life. I leave to my son Joris, œ10, as his right of first born. I leave to my son Daniel, my Great Nether Dutch Bible, to be delivered to him after his mother's decease. I leave to my sons, Joris and Daniel, all my Carpenter tools. All the rest of my estate after my wife's death I leave to my children, Joris, Daniel, Catharina, wife of Joseph Van Cleef, Antie, wife of Cornelius Voorhees, Mary, wife of Elbert Hegeman, and Sarah, wife of Peter Luyster. The part of Catharina, she is to have the use of, during her life and then to her children. I make my sons, Joris and Daniel, executors.

In the name of God, Amen. I, BENJAMIN BAYLES, of Settaheet (Setauket), in Suffolk County, on the Island of Nassau, being somewhat infirm in body, and knowing nothing more certain than Death. I leave to my brother, John Bayles, œ10. To my brother Jonathan, my horse, he paying the sum of œ8, that I as yet am owing for him to Gershom Gerroe. I leave to my brother Daniel, my weavers loom and tackling now in the possession of my mother. I leave to my brothers, Richard and Joseph, my house and upland that lyes in Settaheet, South. I leave to my brothers, Elias, Jonathan, Daniel, Richard, and Joseph, all my meadow ground at Settahet, South. I leave to my brothers, Jonathan and Daniel, all the debts that are owing to me, and all other movable estate, and they are to pay all debts. I make my brothers, Jonathan and Daniel, executors.

Newtown in Queens County, on Nassau Island. I, THOMAS STEVENSEN, because of the uncertainty of this life and the certainty of Death. I leave to my wife, Jean Stevensen, 1/2 of the Plantation on which I now dwell, with the now house I live in, and 1/2 of the orchard and meadow, and a piece of land lying in the Town Plot of Newtown and bounded on the north by Pullis (?) and Joseph Ketcham's meadow and upland, west by Job Vonglit's upland and meadow, south and east by Coe's mill creek. And another piece lying in Frayes (?) neck meadow, so called, during her natural life. Also 1/2 of my personal estate, except a negro man. I leave to my son, Steven Stevensen, the other half of my said lands and meadows, and a negro man. I leave to my two sons-in-law, Thomas Betts and Samuel Thorne, a piece of salt meadow, lying on the east side of Newtown, being my share of salt meadow, except an Island of meadow lying next to the upland, which I give to my son Steven. I leave to my grandsons, Thomas Stevensen, son of John Stevensen, of New Jersey, and Thomas Stevensen, son of Daniel Stevensen, of Newtown, all that my 1000 acres of land lying in West New Jersey, which I bought of my son, John Stevensen; To be divided equally. I leave to my daughter, Sarah Stevensen, the remainder of my movables, plate excepted, and my best bed with its furniture, and my best riding horse. I leave to my grandson, Jennings Stevensen, son of my eldest son, William Stevensen, of West New Jersey, œ10. I make my wife and my son Daniel, and my nephew, John Stevensen, executors. This 20 day of the 3d month, 1724.

In the name of God, Amen. I, BENJAMIN CROMWELL, of Jamaica, Queens County, on the Island of Nassau, Cooper, being sick. All debts to be paid. I leave to my wife Phebe the use of all buildings, and the lot I live on, and all my estate after debts are honestly paid, during her widowhood. But if she marries she shall have one half of the movable estate. After the death or marriage of my wife, my executors are to sell all my estate, and divide the proceeds among my children, Benjamin, John, Sarah, and the child my wife now goeth with. I make my loving and trusty brother-in-law, Increase Carpenter, and Elias Bayles, Jr., executors.

In the name of God, Amen. January 12, 1747. I, SUSANAH VAN SICKELEN, of Flatlands, in Kings County, in the Island of Nassau, single woman, being in health. After my lawful debts are paid, and my funeral charges are defrayed, I leave all my real and personal estate, in Flatlands or elsewhere, to the children of my brothers and my sisters. That is to say, my estate is to be divided into six parts. And one part to the children of my brother Reynier, one part to the children of my brother Ferdinandus, one part to the children of my sister Margaret, one part to the children of my sister Eve, and one sixth to my sister Anne, and one sixth to my sister Cornelia. I leave to my cousin (nephew) Ferdinandus, the eldest son of my eldest brother, 10 shillings for an acknowledgement. I make Ferdinandus Van Sickelen, Sr., and Ferdinandus Van Sickelen, Jr., executors.

In the name of God, Amen. I, MARGARET STEWARD, of New York, widow, living in Golding Street, being sick and weak. I leave to Joseph Sackett, of Newtown, Queens County, on Nassau Island, my beloved friend, two Lots, one in New York, fronting Golding Street, between the lots of David Core (Corey?) and Johanis Beekman, and at the other end adjoining the lot of Margaret Brittel. The other Lot is in the Patent of Kakiat, in Orange County. I also leave him all movable property, and he is to pay all debts, and I make him executor.

In the name of God, Amen. I, SAMUEL EMBREE, of Hempsted, in Queens County, on Nassau Island, being very aged and full of Days. January 11, 1727/8, but through the Goodness of Almighty God pretty well in health. I leave to my wife Sarah, 1/3 of all movable estate, goods, and chattels, except my negro boy, Josias. And also the use of all houses and lands until my son Samuel is of lawful age, in case she remains my widow, to bring up my children withal. After my son Samuel is of age, she is to have the use of her choice of rooms in my house, and the use of 1/4 of the estate, and her fire wood. But if she marries, she shall not have the use any longer. I leave to my only son and heir, Samuel Embree, all my houses and lands, when of age, and my negro boy, Josias. But if he dies, then to my 4 daughters, Sarah, Abigail, Mary, and Hannah. I make my trusty and loving friends, Col. John Tredwell and Daniel Pearsall, both of Hempsted, executors.

In the name of God, Amen. January 10, 1729/30. I, EBENEZER BLACKLY, of Hunttington, Suffolk County, on Nassau Island, being very sick. In the first place I do constitute Edward Burling and Daniel Lewis, executors. Forty acres of land lying in the East Neck, joining Higbie Hollow, and Nine acres and a half, in the same Neck, joining Joseph Odell's land, are to be sold to pay debts. And if not sufficient, my negro boy Cubit is to be sold, and personal property may be sold. My smith tools excepted. I leave to my son Ebenezer, a tract or parcel of land, lying Eastward of Jeremiah Platt, and half of another piece, lying on the north side of the Country Road; and he is to have my shop, with the bellows, anvil, vise, tongs, and hammer, and a bick Iron. My wife Jane and her two sons, that is, Benjamin Blackly and Daniel Blackly, shall live in my house, during the time she remains my widow. I leave to my son Daniel all my other lands and my house. I leave to my son Benjamin, 23 acres of land lying upon the Plains. I leave to my wife 1/3 of the movable estate, and the rest to my sons and daughters. My son Ebenezer to have a double share. Jeremiah Platt is to have the charge of my negro boy Cubit, for carrying on his mistress's business. If my wife marries, he is to be sold, and the money paid to my daughters, Elizabeth and Ann.

In the name of God, Amen. I, BENJAMIN COLES, of Oyster Bay, in Queens County, on Nassau Island, Gent., being very sick. I leave to my wife Phebe, all household goods and movable estate. I leave to my wife the use of all my homestead, lands, and meadows, during her life, and then to my son Joseph. I leave to my two daughters, Freelove and Jemimah, two lots of land, one lying by the highway that leads from Musketo Cove to Matinecock; and the other lying by the highway that leads from Musketo Cove to Oyster Bay. I make my wife and my brothers, Joseph Coles and Derick Albertson, executors.

In the name of God, Amen. September 9, 1720. I, CALOP (Caleb) CARMAN, SR., of Hempstead, Queens County, on Nassau Island, yeoman, being sick and weak. I leave to my wife all my movable estate, during her widowhood, but if she marries again, then to my daughters. I leave to my son Calop, the land which he now lives on, lying by the Plain Edge, near the Great meadow. And the meadow lying at the East meadow. I leave to my son Benjamin, my house and home lot in Hempsted; bounded north by my brother John's land, east by highway, north by Samuel Hinery (or Ginery?), and west by highway. I leave to my son Samuel, all my lot at a place called Hicks Neck, in Hempsted. I leave to my two youngest sons, Samuel and Benjamin, all my meadow at Coe Neck, and all my meadow at Hicks Neck. I leave to my three sons, all my rights of land, divided or undivided, not herein given. I make my son Calop, and Adam Mott, Jr., executors.

In the name of God, Amen. This 24 day of February, 1727/8. I, CONTENT TITUS, of Newtown, in Queens County, on Nassau Island, being old and crazy, but of sound mind. I leave to my son Robert, all my real estate in Newtown, he paying out the legacies, and allowing grass and hay for 2 cows for Hannah. And all my wearing apparell, and all my tools for building, turning, and husbandry. Also 3 horses, 4 cows, and a negro man, Jack. I leave to my sons, Silas, John, and Timothy, 5 shillings each. I leave to my daughter Hannah, the use and whole command of my newest house, during her single state, and then to my son Robert. Also 2 negro girls, and all household furniture, belonging to the Great room, in the new house, and the rest of the movable estate. And she is to have 1/3 of the crop of every sort, and grass and hay for her cows, and if she dies unmarried, then to my daughters, Phebe and Abigail. I leave to my daughters, Phebe and Abigail, each a negro girl and boy and œ20, having heretofore dealt out household goods to them. I make my son Robert, and my daughter Hannah, executors.

In the name of God, Amen. I, ELIZABETH HUNT, of Newtown, in Queens County, on Nassau Island, widow, being in reasonable health. All debts to any person or persons to be justly and truly paid, and all funeral charges. I leave to my son, Jonathan Hunt, œ10. To my daughter Hannah, wife of Thomas Smith, of New Jersey, my negro wench Dinah. After all debts and legacies are paid I leave all the rest to my grandchildren, the children of my son Jonathan and the children of my daughter Hannah. (Names not given.) I make my brother, James Hazzard, and my friend, Cornelius Berrian, executors.

(Written in the Dutch language.) In the name of the Lord, Jesus, Amen. In the year 1715, the 15 day of June, in Kings County, Island of Nassau, in the village of Midwout, in the presence of the undersigned, the worthy ABRAHAM HEGEMAN declares his will to dispose of his temporal affairs, because he is very sick and weak, but having his full understanding, and considering the uncertainty of life. It is my will that my wife Gertruy, shall remain in full possession of all my estate, real and personal, as long as she remains my widow, without being obliged to account to anyone. But if she re-marry, my entire estate shall go to my three children. I leave to my son Adrian, who is unmarried, a proper outset out of my estate, and if my daughter Catrina shall marry she is also to have a decent outset. If my wife dies before my youngest son, Jan, is of age, his brother Adrian and his sister Catrina shall decently maintain him, and have him taught till of age, out of my estate, and then he shall have his outset also. I leave to my eldest son, Adrian, for his Primogeniture, a silver cup, now in my house. All the rest to my three children.

I, THOMAS OAKLEY, of Hunttington, in Suffolk County, on Nassau Island, yeoman, September 19, 1757, being well in health. My executors are to sell land enough to pay all debts and all charges. Or they may sell movables. I leave to my son Thomas, the house and orchard, and about 23 acres of land where he now lives, as his full share and portion of my estate. I leave to my wife Patience the use of all the rest of my estate, real and personal, for her support and that of my family, "during the full term of her widowhood, but no longer." If she marries, she is to have one third of the movable estate. After her death or marriage, my executors are to sell all the rest of my estate not herein given. I leave to my son Samuel two mares. I leave to my grandson, Nathaniel Oakley, so much of the proceeds of my estate as will, with what his father left him, make his full share. I leave to my sons, John, Israel, and Jesse, each one share. To my son, Wilmot Oakley, one half a share. To my daughter, Phebe Oldfield, one third of a share. I make my wife and my son Samuel and my father-in-law, John Skidmore, executors. My executors are to put my three youngest sons to trades, as they incline.

In the name of God, Amen. May 20, 1762. I, WILLIAM VAN GELDER, of the township of Flatlands, in Kings County, on Nassau Island, being in good health. All debts to be paid. "I leave to my brother, Evert Van Gelder, 6 shillings, current money of New York, for his right as heir at law, and then to be wholly cut off and debarred of all my real and personal estate." I leave to my sister, Susannah Van Gelder, œ15, to be paid in six weeks. All the rest of my estate, houses and lands, I leave to my brother, Abraham Van Gelder, and make him executor.

In the name of God, Amen, September 4, 1745. I, GEORGE RAPALJE, of the Ferry in the township of Brookland, in Kings County, on the Island of Nassau, yeoman, at present sick and weak. I leave to my wife Dinah all my whole estate, houses and lands in Brookland or elsewhere, during her natural life, "or so long as she, my said wife, shall continue my widow and bear my name, but no longer." "But if she come to remarry again, I leave her œ400." I leave to my eldest son, John, œ15, over and above his share, before any division, for his birthright. I leave to my son John all my farm or Plantation, which I now live on, on the Ferry, aforesaid, with all meadows and appurtenances. I leave to my son Gerritt all my farm or Plantation lying and being at the Walebooght, so called, in the township of Brookland, with all appurtenances. My son John shall pay to my son Gerritt œ600. I leave to my daughter Cornelia, wife of Abraham Lott, of New York, œ800, out of my movable estate. I leave to my daughter Antie, œ800. All the rest to my children, John, Gerritt, Cornelia, and Antie, I make my loving brother, Jeronimus Rapalje, and my brother-in-law, John Middagh, executors.

In the name of God, Amen. I, JERONIMUS RAPALJE, of Newtown, in Queens County, on Nassau Island, brewer, being in good health. "And touching such temporal estate as the Lord, in His mercy, hath been pleased to bless me with." My executors are to sell all my estate at public or private sale. I leave to my son George œ10 in lieu of his birthright. All the rest of my estate I leave to my wife, Weyntie, and my children, Jeronimus, John, Abraham, and Cornelius. The share left to my wife is during her natural life, and then to my four sons last named. I make my said four sons, executors.

In the name of God, Amen. I, ABRAHAM RAPALYE, of Newtown in Queens County, on Nassau Island, cordwainer, being at this time in a weak and poor state of health. "All debts or dues that I owe in Law or Conscience, to be paid, and also my funeral charges." I leave to my son George, œ10 for his Birthright. I leave to my grandson, John de Bevois, son of my daughter Mary, deceased, œ350. All the rest of my estate, wherever it may lye, both real and personal, shall be sold by my executors, and the whole amount to be equally divided among my children, George, Amminitie, Daniel, Isaac, Altie, wife of Abraham Polhemus, Jr., and Jacob, share and share alike. If either die, then the share to go to the survivors. I make my sons, George, Daniel, Isaac, and Jacob, executors.

In the name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, Amen. In the year 1696, the second day of May, in Midwout on the Island of Nassau. I, JAN REMSEN, being sick in body, but in possession of my memory and understanding, and considering the briefness of human life, and willing to dispose of my temporal goods which God has given me. It is my will and desire that after my decease, my present wife, Martha Janse, shall have full power to use all my estate, wherever the same shall be, and in whatever condition the same shall be, both real and movable. Except that my eldest son, Jan Remsen, Jr., shall have my smith tools, consisting of my bellows (blaasbalch), and my anvil (aanbeelt) and two screws (schroeven), and all other tools when of age. If my wife shall remarry, she shall deliver to my executors, a perfect inventory of the estate, except the bed and its belongings, and her wearing apparel, and she shall have one half of the same. I leave all the rest of my estate to my children, viz.: Sophia, Jan, Rem, Jannittie, Martha, and Cornelis, equally, when of age or married. It is my will that my brothers, Joris and Rem, shall be caretakers and guardians of the children, and to have full power to manage their estate.

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This page was last updated March 1, 2001.