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.]