New York State Surrogate Court (New York County) Probated Wills J1038

New York State Surrogate Court (New York County) Probated Wills

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Overview of the Records

Repository:

New York State Archives
New York State Education Department
Cultural Education Center
Albany, NY 12230

Summary:

This series consists of probated wills filed and maintained by the clerk of the Surrogate Court (New York County). Each will provides for the disposition of the testator's real and personal property and designates an executor. Wills are signed and witnessed by three persons. The name of the testator and date of the will are noted on the reverse. Records are restricted due to fragility.

Creator:

New York (State). Surrogate's Court (New York County)

Title:

Surrogate Court (New York County) probated wills

Quantity:

4.25 cubic feet

Inclusive Dates:

1787-1829

Series Number:

J1038

Arrangement

Numerical by assigned file number (generally equivalent to chronological by year, then alphabetical by testator's name).

Administrative History

Chapter 38 of the Laws of 1787 provided that the county surrogates retain wills proved before them, unless return of the will was requested by the executor or the devisees.

Scope and Content Note

This series consists of probated wills filed and maintained by the clerk of the Surrogate Court (New York County). Each will provides for the disposition of the testator's real and personal property and designates an executor. The will is signed (or marked) and sealed by the testator and witnessed by three persons. The name of the testator and date of the will are noted on the reverse, but the wills contain no added information about probate proceedings.

Alternate Formats Available

Items Online

The entire series is digitized (from microfilm) as part of a larger collection of Wills and Probate Records and is available to New York State residents for free on Ancestry.com New York. You must sign up for a free account to access these records without a paid subscription.

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Ancestry.com

Wills and Probate Records, 1658-1880 on Ancestry.com