Dear COSBY (et al) Rooters,
The following information was posted on another list. I thought that it
might be of interest to some members of our group. I requested and
received permission from the poster to re-post. Hope someone finds this
useful.
Dave
- ------------------------------------
Abstracts of Wills Vol III 1730-1744, pages 194 & 195:
Page 451.--In the name of God, Amen. "I, WILLIAM COSBY, Esq., Governor of New
York and New Jersey, being sick and weak in body, but of sound and disposing
mind, do make this my last will and testament, in writing. I give all that
tract of land lately purchased of the Germans by me, and called the Manor of
Cosby; situate on both sides of the Mohawk river, in Albany County, to my two
sons William and Henry, and their heirs forever. My son William is to have
the part on the south side of the river; and my son Henry is to have the part
on the north side. I leave to my dearly beloved wife Grace, 1/3 of all my
lands at Rochester, in Ulster County, with the mines thereon, during her
life, and then to my two sons. I leave all the rest of my lands and estate in
America to my beloved wife, to be sold and disposed by her as she thinks
best. I leave my house and ground in Soho Square, in London, to my wife, to
be sold by her, towards the payment of my debts. I leave my house at St.
Leonard's Hill, with the land adjoining, to my wife for life, and then to my
son William. I leave all personal estate to my wife, to be disposed of among
my children as she shall think proper, and I make her sole executor.
Dated February 19, 173 5/6. Witnesses, James De Lancey, John Fulton, Charles
Williams, Joseph Murray.
"On the 9th day of March, 173 5/6, this will was by the said testator
republished, and declared to be his last will and Testament." Proved before
George Clarke, Esq., Governor, March 30, 1736.
"Mem. That on the 9th day of April, 1736, I, Frederick Morris, delivered with
my own hand, the original Will of his Late Excellency, GOVERNOR COSBY, into
the hands of his Lady."
- --------------------------------------------------------
Abstracts of Wills Vol III 1730-1744, pages 192 & 193:
Page 442.--"I, GEORGE DOUMEN, of Oyster Bay, in Queens County, yeoman, being
sick." My executors are to sell all my land on the west side of Hudson river,
at Kakiat or New Hempstead, and they are to sell all the wheat that can be
spared, and from the proceeds they are to pay all debts. I leave to my son
Daniel the value of Å3 "of creatures." I leave to my wife Phebe, a negro
girl
during life, and then to be sold. I leave all my houses, lands, and orchards
to my five sons, George, Daniel, Richard, Benjamin, and Henry. And the
personal property to them and my daughter, Sarah Valentine. I make my wife,
and my sons George and Daniel, executors.
Witnesses, Thomas Pearsall, Joseph Carpenter, Richard Valentine.
George Clarke, Esq., President of His Majesty's Council, and
Commander-in-Chief of the Provinces of New York and New Jersey. To all to
whom these Presents may come, Sendeth Greeting. Know ye, that at Queens
County, the 9th day of March, 173 5/6, before John Messenger, Esq., the will
of GEORGE DOUMEN was proved, and the executors confirmed.
[NOTE.--William Cosby, the Governor of the Province, died in New York, March
10, 1736. He was born about 1695. Being a favorite of George II., he was
appointed Governor in 1731, but his administration was turbulent and
unpopular. George Clarke, his successor, was born in England, and came to
this country, to seek his fortune, in the reign of Queen Anne. He sided with
the Governors, and was well rewarded in consequence. At the time of the death
of Governor Cosby he was the oldest Member of Council, except Rip Van Dam,
who should have been the successor, but George Clarke was proclaimed by the
Council and was supported by the home government, and Commissioned as
Lieutenant-Governor. He died in Chester, England, in 1763. Through the
advantages of his position he amassed a large fortune.--W. S. P.]