New York State Court of Probates Letters of Administration
Some content may contain outdated and offensive terminology. See: New York State Archives Statement on Language in Descriptive Resources
Overview of the Records
New York State Archives
New York State Education Department
Cultural Education Center
Albany, NY 12230
1.4 cubic feet
4 volumes
Arrangement
Chronological by date.
Administrative History
In 1778 the State Legislature established a Court of Probates, which assumed most of the colonial governor's powers in probate matters. A 1787 statute established a Surrogate's Court in each county. The Court of Probates' jurisdiction was limited to hearing appeals from the Surrogate's Courts; supervising estates of New York residents who died out of state and of non-residents who died within the state; and issuing certain types of orders. The Court of Probates was abolished in 1823 and its remaining jurisdiction was given to the Surrogate's Court.
Scope and Content Note
This series consists of letters of administration of estates of New York residents who died out-of-state, or non-residents who died in the State. Most of the letters are for estates of persons who died intestate (without a will). Volumes are fragile.
J0032-04: This accretion consists of a microfilm copy for the years 1778-1797 only.
Alternate Formats Available
J0032-04: This microfilm is not available for duplication or interlibrary loan.
Related Material
J0033 Administration Papers, contains related records.
Other Finding Aids
Available at Repository
J0032-83, J0032-85: Name index in fore of volumes.
J0032-83, J0032-85: Volume list.
J0032-04: Index to administrators with cross-references to decedents.
J0032-04: Reel list.
Custodial History
J0032-83, J0032-85: The Court of Appeals placed these records on deposit at the Historical Documents Collection, Queens College, from 1973-1985.
J0032-04: This microfilm was obtained from the Utah Genealogical Society.
Access Restrictions
There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of the material.