NICHOLAS HAIGHT, of Flushing, in Queens County, on Long Island, this 7th day of December, 1730, being indisposed in body. I leave to my wife Patience all my personal estate. All my house and land, meadows and salt meadows in Flushing, are to be sold by my executors, and of the proceeds I leave to my son Jacob, €300. To my daughter Hannah, wife of Isaac Thorn, €5. To my daughter, Phebe Haight, €75. And all the rest to my wife Patience for life, and then to my children. I make my wife Patience, and my well beloved brothers, John Haight and Robert Field, and my loving friend, Thomas Clement, executors.

[NOTE.--Elie Pelletreau was one of the sons of Paul Pelletreau, and was a native of Arces in Xaintonge, France, and with other Huguenots fled from Roman Catholic persecution, and came to this country in 1686. His son Francis settled in Southampton, Long Island. From Paul Pelletreau are descended the families of the name now living in Brooklyn. Benjamin, the youngest son, probably died when a young man. The place in the north ward of New York where Elie Pelletreau lived is now No. 30 Spruce street, he bought these lots from Henry Brughman, 1717.]

"To all Christian People to whom these may come, Greeting. Know ye that I, JOHN RODMAN, of Flushing, in Queens County, do by this my last will dispose of, and make a settlement of the estate, which it hath pleased God to bless me withall." I leave to my wife Mary 1/2 of my household goods, cattle, and horses, and two of the best rooms in my dwellinghouse, during her life, and 1/3 of the produce of my plantation in Flushing, and after her death to go to my son, Thomas Rodman. I also give to my wife my chaise, and the horse belonging to it. I leave to my eldest son, John Rodman, all my estate on Block Island; Also the land I had of William Huddlestone, by deed of May 24, 1709, Bounded north by Queen street, east by the heirs of William Beekman, south by the water side, or strand, and west by William Beekman, Being 51 feet wide, and 200 feet long; Also a parcel of land fronting to a certain street called Crown street, as in said deed set forth. I leave to my son, Joseph Rodman, all that plantation or tract of land I bought of Daniel Kirkpatrick and James Feeks, in Flushing, and the 8 acres adjoining, that I purchased of Thomas Hicks, Jr.; And all the land laid out to me adjoining the said plantation, that my son Joseph now liveth on, And 1/2 the salt meadow I bought of Daniel Kirkpatrick and James Feeks; Also a small piece of meadow by the bay side, and lyeth between Francis Dougherty's land and the place called the Lime Kiln; Also my lot of land on the Little Neck Hills, and under the Hills, And all the land I purchased of my son, John Rodman. For all these lands I have already given him a deed. I also leave to my son John, a lot which I bought of Edward Burling, as by his deed, fronting upon Crown street, in New York, "opposite on the side of the land mentioned by William Huddlestone, and now in the possession of John Vinsean, and is let to him to improve as a garden at the rent of 6 shillings a year." I also leave to my son Joseph all that land I purchased of the Mayor and Aldermen of New York, with all the buildings, except the tenement, or house and land with the yard belonging to it, now in the possession of Joseph Ledder. Which said land was adjoining to the King's house in New York, and was commonly called the City Hall. My wife is to have 1/3 of the rents of the same. And my son Joseph is to pay to his sisters, Mary Willett and Hannah Dickenson, €200. I leave to my youngest son, Thomas, all my dwelling-house in Flushing that I now dwell in, and the land I purchased of John Adams and Richard Stockton, and is properly the plantation the house stands on; Also a strip of land laid out to me by the Trustees of the Town; Also 1/2 of my salt meadow lying on Tews neck, in Flushing, and all my salt meadow in Westchester, and 1/2 of my stock of Horses, Cattle, and household goods. I also leave him that tenement or dwelling-house in King street, New York, that the widow Funnell now lives in, between the land of Thomas Bayeux, and Colonel Robert Lurting; Also a small tenement or house fronting Duke street, which I had by mortgage of Joseph Blydenburgh; Also a piece of land fronting Little Queen street, near the North River, between the land I sold to Frederick Williamsen and Lombard street, containing in length along Little Queen street, 210 feet, let the lot between Frederick Williamsen and Lombard street be 200 feet more or less. The rear is butting upon land formerly of William Huddlestone, a part of which I have given to my son John, and is bounded north by Crown street. The land given to my son Thomas is in the rear, and bounded south by Little Queen street, and is 210 feet wide. I also leave to my son Thomas the tenement where Joseph Ledder now lives; Also the plantation of 500 acres, in West New Jersey, which I bought of James Budd, of Burlington, on Northampton river. I leave to my grand daughter, Anne Newbury, my house in Queen street, being the next easterly house toward the Slip. And whereas I intended to give my daughter, Ann Newbury, a lot of land fronting the river, which I have sold for €250, I have put out the money for her benefit. I confirm to my daughter, Mary Willett, a house in Queen street, adjoining the house given to Ann Newbury. I also give to my daughter Mary, €100. I confirm to my daughter, Hannah Dickenson, the house and lot in Queen street which I gave her, adjoining the house of Ann Newbury. Also €100. A Deed of settlement made by me February 10, 1699, is to remain valid. I appoint my wife Mary, and my sons John, Joseph, and Thomas, executors.

In the name of God, Amen. I, ALEXANDER MILLS, of New York, peruke maker, being sick and weak. I leave to my son James, my silver-hilted sword, to my son Abraham, my silver cup with a round handle. I leave to my two sons my lot of land in the Town of Jamaica, Long Island, near the Church. I leave to Henry and John Terboss and their sister, Anne Van Duersen, each 6 shillings. I leave to each of my executors 1 pistole. Of all the rest of my estate I leave 1/9 to my daughter Helena, wife of (???) Reading, and the rest to my two sons, and my two other daughers, Alkie and Barbara. I appoint Archibald Campbell, merchant, Captain Hugh Munro, and John Troup, Sr., peruke maker, executors.

[NOTE.--Nathaniel Brewster was one of the sons of Rev. Nathaniel Brewster, of Setauket, Long Island.] Click to view full context

 In the name of God, Amen, April 20, 1733. I, WILLIAM WILLETT, of the Borrough Town of Westchester, being very sick. I leave all my houses and lands and meadows on Long Island to my sons, William, Thomas, and Cornelius. I leave to my sons, Thomas and Cornelius, all my lands and meadows in Westchester. I leave to my son William my riding horse, bridle and saddle. To my son Thomas, a negro man "Tony," and my roan horse. To my son Cornelius my negro man "Cesar." To my wife Mary, two negro women and a negro girl. To my daughter, Anna Jones, my silver Tankard. To my daughter, Mary Rodman, 6 silver spoons, and as much money as is equal to the value of my silver Tankard, at 8 shillings an ounce. I leave to my friend, William Forster, "to wear in memory of me, my black cloth coat, vest and breeches, black stockings and Hat band, which I bought for mourning for my son Gilbert." My son Isaac is to pay to my sons, Thomas and Cornelius, €5, and my watch and chain. I leave to my sons, Thomas and Cornelius, all cattle, horses, and farming tools, "and the wheat in chamber, and corn in crib," except what the family need. I leave the rest of my personal estate to my daughters, Mary Rodman and Anna Jones. I appoint my sons Thomas and Cornelius, and William Forster, executors.

In the name of God, Amen. I, SAMUEL BISHOP, of the town of Southampton, in Suffolk County, in the Province of New York, on the Island of Nassau, yeoman, being weak in body. I leave to my wife Elizabeth, the use of the best room in my now dwelling house, and the chamber over the same, and the leanto adjoining the said room, and 1/2 my barn and well, and 1/3 of all lands and meadows and Commonage, during her life, and also the use of my movable estate. I leave to my son Samuel my now dwelling house and home lot, and my close of land as I lately bought of Nathan Sayre, and my close of land lying near the Seven Ponds as I bought of Joshua Barnes, and my orchard land lying at Long Springs, and 1/2 of a €50 right of Commonage running throughout the town bounds. I leave to my son, John Bishop, my dwelling house and home lot as I lately bought of Joseph Pierson, and my close of land lying between Joseph Goodale, Samuel Cooper, John Woolly and Elizabeth Bishop, widow of Josiah Bishop, And my close of land lying between Benjamin Hains and Ichabod Sayre, And my close of land lying at the Long Springs adjoining to Isaac Halsey, Jeremiah Jagger and Obadiah Rogers, And 1/2 of a €50 right of Commonage. But if he die without issue, then the said lands are to go to my son Daniel. I also leave him 1/2 of my meadows. If my sons John and Daniel both die without issue, then the lands are to go to my son James. I leave to my wife and my son Samuel, my team and tackling. I leave to my daughters Susanah and Mehitabel, each 20 shillings. To my daughter Hannah, 40 shillings, and to my daughters Deborah and Elizabeth, each 20 shillings. I leave to my son Daniel €30 when of age, and to my son James €20 when of age. I leave to my two youngest daughters, Phebe and Abigail, €10 each. I make my wife and my son John, executors, and my beloved friend, John Post, overseer in trust.

"The last will and testament of JOHN MARCH, of the Parish of St. Catharine, in the Island of Jamaica," and now residing in Boston, in the Colony of Massachusetts Bay. My executors are to pay for the use of the Parish poor €100 sterling, to be distributed by the minister and church wardens. I leave to the Parish of Hempstead, on Long Island, €100 to be laid out for the use of the church, in such manner as the minister and church wardens shall think proper. I leave to William Beckford Ellis, son of George Ellis, Esq., of Jamaica, €100. I leave to my uncle, Foster March, all debts which he owed my father, and are now owing to me; Also €1,500. I leave all the rest of my estate to my brother, Francis March, and make him and my uncle, Foster March, executors.

[NOTE.--The lands mentioned are in Clarkestown, Rockland County. The Patent of Kakiat was a large tract in Clarkestown and Ramapo. The north half was purchased and settled in 1717, by a colony from Hempstead, Long Island. The south half was purchased by John McEvers and Lancaster Symes, who surveyed it into lots and sold to various parties. "Demarest's Kill" is the upper part of Hackensack river, in Rockland County.]

[NOTE.--The term "North Sea" in Southold denotes Long Island Sound.]

In the name of God, Amen. I, PETER PRAA, of Bushwick, in Kings County, "being in pretty good health." I leave to my wife Maria, the use of all my estate while she remains my widow, "for her better support and maintainance." I leave to my two grand-sons, Peter Praa Van Zandt and Johanes Van Zandt, my 2 dwelling houses and ground on (???) street, in the north ward of New York. I leave to my daughter, Elizabeth Meseroll, all that tract of land and meadow which I purchased of Dirck Volkertse, adjoining the land I now live on, upon the west side, and east by the land of John Meseroll, and to run north, as the fence stands, and on the south, east, and west by ditches to the river. After my wife's decease, then to my children. I leave to my daughter Annettie, wife of Daniel Bodee, a piece of land and meadow on the east side of Maspeth Kill or creek, commonly called Dominie's Hook (except the little island in the piece, which I will that my old negro Jacob shall have so long as he lives to maintain himself). I give to my daughter, Christiana Provoost, the dwelling house and ground she now lives in; Also two houses and ground I now have by lease from Mr. John Harperdinck, for life, and then to her children. Of the rest of my estate I leave 1/4 to my two grand-sons, 1/4 to my daughter, Elizabeth Meseroll, 1/4 to my daughter, Anattie Bodee, and 1/4 to Christiana Provoost. I make my two grand-sons, and John Colier and Isaac Bergen and Johanes Albertse, executors.

In the name of God, Amen. I, MARGERY ROBERTS, of New York, spinster, "universal legatee of my father, Thomas Roberts, late of New York, cooper," being in good health. I leave all my real estate to my kinsmen, Thomas Hunt and Richard Durham, of New York, mariners, during the life of my brother, Thomas Hunt, and my sister, Hester Charlton, widow, who are to have the rents. After their deaths I leave 1/2 to Thomas Hunt, Jr., and Elizabeth Hunt, children of Thomas Hunt, Sr., and 1/2 to my niece, Jane Durham, wife of Richard Durham, daughter of my brother, Thomas Hunt. I leave to Thomas Hunt, Jr., the pictures of my uncle Roberts and aunt Roberts, and my silver tankard with the Coopers' arms engraved thereon, And my father's gold seal ring, and a silver spoon which has my father's age engraved thereon. I leave to Thomas Durham, son of Richard, a silver tankard. Leaves legacies to Altie Jones, widow; Mary, wife of John Anthony; Ann, wife of Thomas Carhart; Hester, wife of Isaac Bedlow; Frances, wife of Cornelius Van Arlandt, Hester Charlton, William Sharpas, Town Clerk, and his daughter Elizabeth, Margaret Hudson, widow. I leave to my kinsman, James Cebra, shop keeper, of Jamaica, Long Island, 6 silver spoons, marked M. R. I make Thomas Hunt and Richard Durham, executors.

In the name of God, Amen, November 8, 1740. I, MASTER ALEXANDER BAIRD, of Bushwick, in Kings County, on Long Island, Esq. I leave to Mary Baird, formerly the widow of my son Robert Baird, and now wife of Cornelis Van Hengland, €30. "Whereas, my son William has not behaved and conducted himself toward his parents as he ought to have done, and for divers other causes best known unto us," Nevertheless, that he shall not want bread, with God's blessing attending him during his own lifetime, I give him the use of all my plantation or farm lying in Somerset County, New Jersey, for life, and then to his children; and he shall pay to my wife, his mother, €12 yearly. I leave to my beloved wife Magdalena, all my estate in Bushwick, real and personal, and make her sole executor, free of all claims from my son William. "I have written this my last will, with my own hand."

In the name of God, Amen. I, JOSEPH HEGEMAN, of Jamaica, on Long Island. I give to my wife Sarah, the use of all my lands and real estate while she remains my widow. But as soon as she marries she shall deliver them up to my sons. After her decease I leave all my real estate to my sons, John, Hendrick, and Joseph, and they are to pay €150 to each of their three sisters, Ariantie, wife of Hendrick Lott, Elizabeth, and Sarah. All personal estate to my wife and my 6 children. I make my wife Sarah executor. My eldest son, John, is to have €25.

In the name of God, Amen. I, WILLIAM SMITH, Esq., of the Manor of St. George, in Suffolk County, being sick in body, I leave to my wife 1/3 of my personal estate, and the use of my dwelling house, except convenient lodging room for my four maiden daughters, Sarah, Jane, Martha, and Hannah, and my said daughters are to be provided for with meat, drink, washing, lodging and clothing, by my executors, as long as they are unmarried. I leave to my son William, all my lands, meadows, beaches and tenements, in the Manor of St. George, on the south side of the Island, where I now live, except what I give to my son Caleb. I give to my son Meritt, €100, to be paid by my son William. If he refuses to pay it, then my son Meritt shall have Uncachogue Neck. I leave to my son Caleb, 200 acres of land and meadow, bounded eastward and going over on the Fish creek, running in the creek to the head, and from thence a north line until it shall contain 200 acres of land and meadow; westward bounded on Connecticutt River; Also 2 shares of meadow, lying within the said bounds, situate in the said Manor. All the rest of my movable estate I leave to my children, William, Caleb, Elizabeth, Sarah, Jane, Martha, and Hannah. I make my wife Hannah and my sons executors.

MRS. JUDITH STUYVESANT complains of Peter Schamp, of Boswyck, on Long Island:

He Prays that said John Rider be compelled to render a just account of the produce of a certain plantation at Maspeth Kill, on Long Island, which they together bought of Thomas Wandall in the year 1671, since which time the said John Rider hath kept to himself all the produce. (1677.)