The following links should help you if your looking for extracting
Will and Administration Records from the State of New York.
http://www.sara.nysed.gov/holding/fact/prob-fac.htm
Most of New York's probate records are maintained by the Surrogate's Court,
which was established in each county in 1787. However, the New York State
Archives holds two large groups of probate records: wills, inventories, and
other documents recorded, filed, or maintained by the colonial Prerogative
Court, 1686-1783, and its successor, the State Court of Probates,
1778-1823; and wills from the New York County Surrogate's Court, 1787-1879.
The Archives also has small groups of wills probated by the higher State
courts prior to 1847; and out-of-state wills filed in the Secretary of
State's office, 1823-1966.
SURROGATE'S COURT IN NEW YORK COUNTY
http://www.ci.nyc.ny.us/html/doris/html/archives.html
Kenneth R. Cobb, Director
31 Chambers Street, Room 103 · New York, NY 10007
(212) 788-8580 · FAX (212) 385-0984
Open to the public
Monday through Thursday 9 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.
Friday 9 A.M. to 1 P.M.
http://www.courtguide.com/nycwillsthfr.html
The Surrogate's Court records [ records of estates ] are kept upstairs in
room 402. Estate files are public. The index for estates is alphabetical
and it is kept in a card file opposite the door to the room. The records
are now being computerized. All research for estates from 1/1/89 must be
done by computer. Three computers are kept in the room for public use. The
clerk will gladly look up a name for you. These clerks are especially
helpful. If you find an estate record, you can ask for the file at the
Information desk. Copy the number and fill out a requisition form. Files
may be reviewed only in this room. Copying machines are available.
Hope this was help to some, Dan