Long Island Wills and Death Notes, 1708-1728

[NOTE.--Gloriana Muirson was the daughter of Colonel William Smith, of manor of St. George, Long Island.]

[NOTE.--George Heathcote, who was one of the prominent merchants in New York, owned several lots on Pearl street. The eastern part of Pine street was opened through his lots. Among other lands which he owned was a house and lot now the "north end burying ground" at Southampton, Long Island, which was sold to the town by Colonel Caleb Heathcote, December 13, 1712.]

ANDREW CANNON. In the name of God, Amen, the 12 day of March, 1710. I, Andrew Cannon, of Richmond County, being sick and weak, but praised be God of perfect remembrance. I leave to my eldest son, Abraham Cannon, one cow, in full of his pretence as heir at law. I leave to my son Andrew all that my Plantation on Staten Island at a place called the Long Neck adjoining to Phillip Chashee, with all the improvements. When he is of age the Plantation is to be appraised, and he shall pay to his sister Anna one-third of its value. If he die under age then the Plantation is to go to my four children, Abraham, John, Catalina and the heirs of my daughter Hester, and they are to pay to my daughter Anna one-third. All the rest of my estate I leave to my wife Anna, the better to enable her to pay my debts and for her comfortable living, and I make her executor. Witnesses, Augustus Grassett, Elias Neau, William Huddleston. "The above is in the handwriting of Andrew Cannon." Proved, March 27, 1711.

WILLIAM FOWLER, Sr. In the name of God, Amen. I, William Fowler, Sr., of Eastchester, in the County of Westchester, being sick. I leave to my wife Judy, all movable estate. I leave to my son, William Fowler, jr., all my lands that I bought of Edward Avery, with the house and barn. Also 25 acres I bought of Joseph Morgan, and a €12 10s right of Commonage in East Chester Old Patent. My wife is to have her livelihood out of the same during her life. All the rest of my estate, to wit, my now dwelling house and home lot which I formerly bought of Joseph Morgan, with two acres of salt meadow lying at a place called Davids Neck, and a €25 right of Commonage, in the Old and New Patents, in the Town of Eastchester, I leave to my brother, George Fowler, of the Town of Hempstead, on Long Island, whom I make sole executor.

Robert Hunter, Esq., Captain-General and Governor. Whereas AUGUSTUS GRASSETT, of New York, died intestate, Letters of Administration are granted to Louis De Bonis, who married his daughter Hester, Joseph Oldfield, of Jamaica, Long Island, who married his daughter Martha, and Henry Money of Richmond County, who married his daughter Mary. April 19, 1712.

[NOTE.--Isaac Newton lived at Mecox, in the town of Southampton, and his tombstone in the burying ground at the place states that he was born May 20, 1675, and died March 20, 1703/4. His father, Benoni Newton, died March 4, 1703/4, aged 54. Cohansy is a district in southern New Jersey, and several persons from Southampton settled there very early. Ebenezer Newton removed to Cape May in 1712. One branch of this family is now living at Smithtown, Long Island.]

PETER ROSE. In the name of God, Amen, April 1, 1711. I, Peter Rose, of New York, shopkeeper, being in good health. I leave all my estate and houses, lands, and goods, to my loving wife, Willimentie during her life. After her decease I leave one half to my son John, by my present wife, and the other half to the children of my former wife Elizabeth, viz., Alkie, Michael, Goedert, Cornelia, and Jarrott. My eldest son is to have €5 before any division. I appoint my wife and my friends, John Van Gelder, of New York, carpenter, and Cornelius Lister, of the Poor Bowery, in the town of Newtown on Long Island, executors.

ANTHONY DUCHENE. In the name of God, Amen, the 3d of April, 1711. I, Anthony Duchene, of Staten Island. I leave to my son Michael Duchene, my whole estate, of a lot and a half of land, and "Mink" the negro boy. And all my movables, and he is to give my dear wife Anna her whole and separate maintenance as long as she lives. I leave to my son Jerome the lot of land he now liveth on. I leave to my son Valentine, €10. To my daughters, Anna Golders, Janette Mangles, Magdalena Claason, and Franettie Egberts, each €5.

WILLIAM FOWLER. In the name of God, Amen, this 24 January, 1711. I, William Fowler of Flushing, in Queens County, yeoman, being in perfect health. I leave to my son, John Fowler, 240 acres of land, which is one half of the land which is not yet disposed of in the lot commonly called No. 2, lying in the bounds of Rye, in Harrison's Patent, in Westchester County; and is bounded north by Lot No. 3, east by Blind Brook, west by the division line, and south by the division which shall be made by my executors. I leave to my son, Joseph Fowler, 240 acres, which is the other part of the said tract, bounded east by Blind Brook, and Thomas Meritt, south by the land of Jonathan Haight, west by land I have given to my son William, and north by the division line to be made by my executors. With all the houses and appurtenances. My son Joseph is to pay to my daughter Sarah, €30, when she is 18, and to my daughter Hannah, the same. And whereas I have another tract in said Patent called No. 7, and an addition which I bought of Samuel Haight, in all 900 acres. It shall be divided among my three sons, Jeremiah, Thomas, and Henry, when of age, and they shall also have €15 each. I leave to my son Benjamin, my shop and tools of the smith's trade. I leave to my daughter, Mary Dusenbury, a negro girl, and to my daughter Rebecca another, and €30 to each. To my daughters Sarah and Hannah, €20. My wife is to have possession of all lands on Long Island during widowhood, or until my son Benjamin is of age. I leave to my son, Benjamin Fowler, all my lands and meadows in Flushing, and he shall pay to his mother €100, and €25 to each of my daughters Rebecca, Sarah, and Hannah. I make my wife, Mary Fowler, and Jeremiah Fowler, of Eastchester, and William Thorne of Flushing, executors.

ELIZABETH REGNIER. In the name of God, Amen. I, Elizabeth Regnier, widow and executor of Jacob Regnier, late of New York, deceased, being sick and weak. I leave to the Rector and Inhabitants of New York, in communion of the Protestant Church of England as now established by law, all that my one-third of a certain parcel of land in Bushwyck, in Kings County, between the lands of Francis Titus and Jacob Bobine, called by the name of "Coycote Farm," otherwise "Prospect." And all that my one-half of a piece of meadow at Bushwyck containing 10 acres, lying between the lands of Peter Praa and Hannah Talcott. Also all that other piece of land, belonging to me in Bushwyck, bounded east by land of Francis Titus, and west by the farm aforesaid containing 14 acres. In trust that they permit the people of Bushwyck, in connection with said church, to erect on some convenient part of the said Coycote Farm a substantial edifice and structure for a chapel or church and free school. Which said church when built shall be called and known by the name of St. Jacob's Church, for the service of God according to the rites of the Church of England, and that a suitable minister be inducted therein. And to found a Free school to teach and instruct the children in reading the English tongue, and in the knowledge of their duty to God, I leave to my cousin Theodore Coleby, of London, Gent, €100. I leave to William and Johana, the children of Mrs. Mary Anne Brown, of Philadelphia, daughter of Colonel Markham, deceased, 1,000 acres of land in Pennsylvania, which was left to me by said Colonel Markham, and I remit to her the debt which my late husband paid for her to Mrs. Tench of Philadelphia. Leaves legacies to Elizabeth, daughter of Henry Wileman, Elizabeth, daughter of William Huddlestone, "my nurse Deliverance Galloway." To Trinity Church, €40. To French Church, €10. To Dutch Church, €5. To Christ Church in Philadelphia, €10. To Regnier Rushmore, nephew of Thomas Hicks, of Long Island. "My mother, Joana Markham," is made residuary legatee. Legacy to Dr. John Johnston. Makes her mother and her brother-in-law, Daniel Regnier, of London, Gent, executors.

EPHRAIM TAYLOR. In the name of God, Amen. I, Ephraim Taylor, of Staten Island, leave to my son Abraham, all that land that I have leased of the Earl of Limerick, until the lease has expired, he paying the rent yearly. I leave to my son John €12, and all my clothing and my loom and tackling. I leave to my daughters, Margaret, Sarah, and Martha, each a cow when of age. I leave to my wife so long as she continues unmarried, all my farm and buildings, with all improvements, and after her decease to my sons and daughters. I appoint my wife and my son John executors.

JOHN LUPTON. In the name of God, Amen. I, John Lupton, of the town of Southampton, in Suffolk County. I leave to my son John Lupton what I have given him by deed of gift, and is to stand fast forever. But what is here given him is on condition that he trouble not his uncle Joseph Lupton, contrary to his father's mind, and deeds of sale already made to my brother Joseph Lupton. I leave to my son John my land at Kelly's Pond, bounded west by the Haines land, and south by John Cook, east by the Hollow, and north by Kelly's Pond. I leave to my son Christopher my now dwelling house and home lot, as it is bounded west by John Cook, east by highway, south by Commons, north by highway. I leave to my sons, Josiah and David, all that my land at Long Pond, bounded south by Jonathan Jagger, north by the Haineses, west by highway and east by the pond. And all my meadow at North Sea, on the south side bounded by the highway that goes on to the Island, bounded north by Joseph Lupton, east by the woods, west by water. To my two youngest daughters Sarah and Hannah Lupton, all movables, except cattle. To my oldest daughter Mary Culver, one cow. I leave to my wife (not named) the use of lands during her widowhood, and the best room in the house and the leanto. I leave to my son Christopher, all lands laid out and now being laid out, and make him executor.

JOHN WOOGLAM. In the name of God, Amen. I, John Wooglam, of the County of Richmond, being in good disposition of body. I leave to my beloved son Adrian, €50, "and my new Northwester" [coat]. I leave to my grand son, Dowe Wooglam, the eldest son of my son John, deceased, my lot of land lying on the north side of Staten Island, fronting to the Kill von Kull, bounded west by the land of the widow Hooglands, east by the lot of Jacob Corsen. Together with the half lot lying in the woods, in the rear of said lot, with all the meadow, houses, orchards and barns. Also all the meadow grounds by me purchased in New Jersey, lying at a certain place called the West Vly, within the bounds of Elizabeth town, and he is to pay to my executors the sum of €260. But he is not to enter into possession until his sister is 15 years of age, unless his mother Blandina should die before his sister comes to that age. But if my grand son Dowe Wooglam should die, then the lands are to go to his brother John Wooglam. I also give to my grand son Dowe, my wearing apparell, and my gun and a copper vessell containing two barrels. I leave to my four grand children, Dowe, John, Christina and Blandina, €250, and 6 pewter dishes, 6 plates, 5 iron pots, a gridiron, 2 flax hetchells, 4 augurs, 24 iron teeth for a harrow, 2 beetle rings, 2 hooks for thatching, cattle and horses, "and one negro man which I paid Samuel Bayard for." I leave to my grand son, John Wooglam, my long gun, and to each of my grand daughters a feather bed. I make my brother Peter, and my son Adrian, executors.

Peter Schuyler, President, etc. Whereas WILLIAM HOWELL, late of New York, died intestate, Letters of administration are granted to Robert Long, of the Island of Nevis in the West Indies as principal creditor, March 1, 1719/20.

"JOHN SLOSS, his last will and testament, I being of sound mind and memory." I leave to my daughters, Sarah, Elizabeth, and Deborah, all my manor of Eaton, or Eatons neck, lying upon Long Island, each one third. I leave to my sister Anne, if she be living, all my estate in Scotland, and €100 out of my estate here. And I will that if she come over here into this country that she be maintained out of my estate. I leave to my wife Esther all my estate not above mentioned, and make her executor.

[(*)Humphrey Underhill had a daughter Hannah, who married Captain William Barnes, who went to Westchester from Southampton, Long Island, about 1684, and was a man of great prominence. After his death she married Daniel Clarke, and she was the mother of the grand-children above mentioned ] lying at Napeague. I leave to my youngest son, Nathaniel, all my home lot, containing about 15 acres, bounded south by Mr. Samuel Gardiner, east by Town street, north by highway, west by Town Commons, with my dwelling-house and barn, except one room for my wife Elizabeth to dwell in, and she shall have which room she shall choose. I also leave to my son Nathaniel, a close of 10 acres lying between the land of Captain Wheeler and the land of Samuel Filer; also my close at Accobonack woods, adjoining to the land of Samuel Dayton, and my Close in Amagansett woods, being 15 acres, adjoining to the land of Isaac Barnes; also one quarter of a share on Montauket, and one third of my Common in the town of East Hampton, and one-third of my Great lot of meadow at Northwest, and one-half my meadow at Napeage; also my "teams and wainage," and two thirds of my sheep. All the rest of my personal property I leave to my grand-daughters, Hannah Moore and Abigail Lupton, and my granddaughter Hannah Hopping, except one-third, my sheep and two cows for my wife Elizabeth. And my sons Nathaniel and John are to pay my wife €15.

[NOTE.--The above is the will of one of the most prominent citizens of Queens County. Jeckomiah Scott, one of the sons in law, lived at Southampton, Suffolk County, and was son of the famous Captain John Scott, whose numerous escapades are a very important chapter in Long Island history. Joshua Barnes, another son in law, was born in Southampton, April 8, 1683. He was the son of Samuel Barnes who married Patience, daughter of Robert Williams, who was the proprietor of Robert Williams' "Purchase," now Jericho, in Queens County. They were married November 9, 1676. Samuel Barnes was the son of Joshua Barnes, of Southampton, who lived on the homestead now owned by William S. Pelletreau. Joshua Barnes (son of Samuel) sold the homestead to his brother-in-law, Captain Jeckomiah Scott, and went to Queens County. He afterward removed to Westchester, and some of the families of that name are descended from him]

In the name of God, Amen. February 23, 1687. I, JOHN WASHBOURNE, of Flushing, on Long Island, husbandman, but now residing in the Parish of St. Bidulph, London, England, being sick. I leave to my son John €100 when of age. To my wife Sarah €66 13s. 4d. To my two daughters, Susanah and Mary, €60 13s. 4d. each when they are of age or married. "I appoint my trusty friend George Heathcote, mariner, now bound on a voyage to New York, to be my agent and overseer." I leave to my wife all that piece of land lying near Black Stump Hollow upon Flushing Hills and 1/3 of my movables. The other 2/3 to my son and daughters, and my wife is to have the use of all that my Plantation in Flushing and all of my lands till my son is of age. I make my wife and my father in law, Mr. Richard Cornell, executors.

Inventory of estate of MATTHEW TAYLOR, "taken the 7 day of the 1st month, 1687/8." Spannish money, €48. Boston money, €5 19s. Spannish and other gold, €12 12s. English money, €8 8s. Two ducatoons, 15s. 41 ounces of plate, at 6s. 6d. per ounce. Long list of clothing and goods. Total, €371 12s. 9d. Also, Bond of John Sandy. "A mortgage of John Manning his Island." A Patent for 500 acres of land on Herring Creek in Sussex County, Delaware. "500 acres of land on Raritan river, bought in partnership with Mr. Pinhorne."

[NOTE.--Edward Farrington was probably one of the first settlers in Southampton, Long Island, as his name appears in the Indian deed for the town in 1640. Edmund Farrington, Thomas Farrington, and John Farrington, were also among the first settlers. Edmund Farrington (who was probably the father of the others) came from Olney, Bucks County, England, and was born in 1588. He came to this country with his wife Elizabeth in 1635. They all left Southampton within a few years after the settlement.]

Will of AUGUSTIN BLYTHENBORD. In the Name of God, Amen, the 2nd day of August, 1685, I, Augustin Blythenbord, of New York, freeholder, being of perfect memory. I bequeath my soul to God and my body to the dust, to be buried in Christian burial at Flushing upon Long Island, if weather and conveniences suit. I leave all my estate to my wife and children as followeth. To my wife, Sylvester, my two houses in New York, with the ground and appurtenances during her life. One of which I bought of Nicholas Davis, and the other I built myself. And after her decease I give to my eldest son, William, the said house which I built, with the ground on which it stands, and the yard room behind, with ye alley betwixt the two houses, except seven inches of the alley which I give to the house I bought of Nicholas Davis, for the use of gutters. I give to my son Joseph, the house I bought of Nicholas Davis, with the ground on which it stands, and the yard room behind it. I leave to my son Benjamin sixty pounds in silver money of New York, to be paid by his mother when he attains to the age of thirty years. But if my wife dyes before that time I leave it in her power to pay him sooner, if she shall see good. I leave to my youngest son, Samuel, €60 in like money and to be paid in like manner. And my will is that if my son William shall dye on his journey and not return home, then my son Joseph shall have his choice of my two houses, and my son Benjamin shall have the other, and in this case he shall have no money paid to him, but the money which I willed him shall be paid to my son Samuel. If my four children dye before my wife, leaving no issue, all that I have given them shall be at my wife's disposal. If my wife dies before the time for the children to receive their portion, my wife shall choose overseers for their benefit, and I make her sole executor.

To all, etc. William Dyre, Mayor, and the Aldermen send Greeting. Upon the day of the date hereof, appeared unto this Court, holden at the City Hall, JOHN ROBINSON, being a person well known and worthy of good repute, and did depose that he, the said John Robinson, did sell and deliver the several Particulars and Parcels of goods, at the severall times, rates, and prices unto John Throop, of Southampton, Long Island, and did pay by said John Throop's order and on his account to sundry persons the sums amounting to €277. 6s. 6d, which by agreement is to be paid by said John Throop in New York, in Trayne oil, at 24 shillings a barrell. And he did also send to said John Throop, 1 butt of Sherry wine, at 134 gallons, for the said John Robinson's account, and he hath not received any account nor received one farthing of the same. April 26, 1681.

Letter from CAPTAIN JOSIAH HOBERT, to James Graham, Esq., East Hampton, Long Island, November 29, 1682. According to my promise when I left you, I was at New London, upon the Wednesday after, but too late, for Shore had bought a ketch for Mr. Robinson, and was gone with her as you know already. I stayed at New London until yesterday, and then Mr. Hutchinson came, but as you foretold without money to pay the ketch, so I am glad I entered into no further engagements about her. Sir, I have sent you this letter, and do desire you will please put the ketch upon sale, that so I may have the money to pay his engagements, etc.

Inventory of estate of CORNELIUS STEENWYCK by order of Mayor's Court, July 20, 1686: 1 House and lot in New York, to the north of the houses of Sarah Kierstede and Paul Richards, to the west of Colonel Morris, to the south of the Bridge street, and to the east of the Fort, €700; 1 House and lot to the east of the Fort, to the north of the Bridge street, to the south of the house of Peter De Reimer, now in tenure of Jonathan Champion, together with a small strip of ground lying to the east thereof, with a small cottage thereon, all valued at €300; 1 Garden on the north of the Bridge street, between the houses of Peter De Reimer and Stephanus Van Cortlandt, €70; One small strip of ground in the Broadway on the back part of the lot of Leendert Van der Grift, in length about 22 feet and in breadth about 15 feet, €7; One half of the farm lying over the Fresh water, now in occupancy of Andries Cornellisen, with all utensils, etc., €316; One farm on Staten Island at Smoakers Point, formerly of George Lockhart, and now in tenure of Richard Tattershall, €125; A tract of land in Bergen, New Jersey, bought of Samuel Edsall by deed of May 3, 1682, €200; 37 Ducatoons, at 7s. 10 1/2 each; 11 Rix Dollars, €3. 8s. 9d.; Old England money, €23, at 3d. per shilling advance, €29; Spanish gold, 112 pieces of 8, €33. 12s.; 4 Gold rings, €6; 1 Gold chain, 1 round Gold medall, and 1 "gold childs whissell," 1 pair Gold buttons, €49. 19s.;"1 Gold chain broke, used at her husband's funeral," 723 ounces of Plate, at 6s. per ounce; 1/4 of the ship "Beaver," €180; 389 gallons of Rum from Barbadoes, at 21d. per gallon. The inventory is very long, covering 14 pages, enumerating a vast number of articles. Total, €4,382. Also a very long list of book debts, covering 16 pages and showing accounts with almost every man in the city, €1,588. Showing that Cornelis Steenwyck was one of the richest men of his time.

John Archer, Sheriff, presents JOHN TUDER for keeping unlawful gaming in his house, or yard, from September 1, 1679, as a common Bowling and place for reel playing, for his own proper gain. And that one Abraham Smith, of Long Island, and others unknown, did on November 15 frequent the place, and that Bowls and Reels unlawfully did play at. John Archer, sheriff, presents DIRCK CLAUSEN, pot baker, for that on August 16, 1679, being Sabbath day morning, did make an assault upon one William Phillips, and with his knife, the nose of said Phillips did sorely cut that it hung down over his lipps, which is contrary to Law and the Peace of our Soverign Lord the King, etc. Report of Sheriff, that upon examination of said matter, he found that the daughter of said Dirck Clausen, pot baker, had by her impudence enticed William Phillips to come into bed to her, where her father, the pot baker, finding them, caused the disturbance. The act being found to be evil, she was committed to the Sheriff's custody.