Research

Administrative History

Prerogative court records fell into the hands of the American forces in February 1776. During the Revolutionary War, they were maintained by the Secretary of State of New York. After the war, the records of business conducted by the Prerogative Court from 1776-1783 were also filed with the Secretary of State. Chapter 24 of the Laws of 1782 ordered these records transferred to the Judge of the Court of Probates, who was required to make a list of all wills delivered to him. In complying with the law, the Court of Probates made an inventory of inventories and administrative papers as well as wills transferred.