F 130 .J5 F8 Copy 1 WILLS OP EARLY JEWISH SETTLERS IN NEW YORK. CoNTBrBUTED BY LeE M. FbIEDMAN. Reprinted from Publications of the American Jewish Histoeical Societt, No. 23, 1915. WILLS OF EAELY JEWISH SETTLERS IN NEW YORK. CONTEIBUTED BY LeE M. FbIEDMAN. Some years ago the New York Historical Society prepared abstracts of the wills filed between 1665 and 1796 in the Surro- gate's office of the County of New York/ An examination of these volumes discloses the fact that amongst these wills there were twenty-two wills of early Jewish settlers. In addition, six wills were filed where non-resident Jews had estates in New York which necessitated ancillary administration there. The wills of these Jews are now presented here. Some inter- esting data is to be gathered from them. Two are the wills of women. The will of Uriah Hyam described the testator as a chandler. In all others, with the exception of two which omit all description, the testator is designated as a " merchant." Ten of them contain bequests varying from a gift of a Sefer Torah to gifts of money from £5 to £50 to the Shearith Israel Synagogue. The wills of the Gomez family, Luis, Mordecai and David, each seem to make a special point of the Hebrew books that are bequeathed. Two wills, those of Joseph Bueno (1708) and Sinya De Tores (1746), left legacies to the poor Jews of New York. The wills are marked by great simplicity and none of them gives evidence of disposing of very considerable wealth. On the other hand, they do show very widely scattered interests throughout the American continent. They also show that many of these early Jewish settlers were slave owners. Several ^ " New York Historical Society Collections, 1892-1905," Abstract of Wills, vols, i to xvi, cited below by volume and page after each item. I wish to thank Miss Elfrida Cowen for her assistance. 147 148 American Jewish Historical Society. of the wills contain provisions for the manumission of a favorite slave on the death of the testator. They also indicate the friendly relations existing between these Jews and their non- Jewish neighbors. Some of the wills indicate early inter- marriages, and all must prove useful to trace family kinship, besides indicating the lines of early Jewish activity in New York. For letters of administration on and inventory of estate of Asser Levy, see Publications of the American Jewish Historical Society, No. 8, p. 22, (vol. i, pp. 112, 123, 124). Inventory of estate of Judah Samuel, recorded at the request of Moses Levy, administrator. Hebrew Bible. 5 Hebrew books, total amount £150. Exhibited by John Bridges as a true and per- fect inventory, September 2, 1702, (ibid., p. 310). Inventory of estate of Joseph Nunes, of New York. Taken by Mr. Paul Droilett and Mr. Lewis Gomez, executors, October 8, 1705. 1 otter skin, 5s. 6cl; 42 dozen Jews Harps, at 12d a dozen, £2, 2s. Total amount £695, 18s, {ibid., p. 322; vol. xvi, p. 35.) Whereas Judah Samuel of New York, lately died intestate, leav- ing behind him one son Isaac Samuel, aged two years. Letters of administration are granted to Moses Levy, February 23, 170%, (vol. i, p. 363). Joseph Brown. Know all men by these presents that I, Joseph Brown, inhabitant in the city of New York, have by these presents made, ordained and constituted my trusty and loving friends, Joseph Bueno and the widow Esther Brown, both residing in New York, my true and lawful attornies, to collect and receive all goods and monies Avhich shall be due to me and to act in my stead in all matters. I have signed these in my perfect mind and understand- ing. And considering the mortality of this transitory life, I make and declare these presents to continue my last will and testament. That is to say, I leave to my brother David Brown, and to my cousin Josias Brown, son of the widow Esther Brown, and to my niece, Rachel Sarphatine, all my estate real and personal. And I make Joseph Bueno and Esther Brown executors. Dated August, 1704. Witnesses: Isaac Granada, Samuel Levy. Proved before Samson Shelton Broughton, Esq., November 21, 1704, (ibid., p. 399). Isaac Rodrigues Marques. In the name of God, Amen, the 17th October, 1706. I, Isaac Rodrigues Marques, of New York, mer- Wills of Early Jewish Settlers in New York — Friedman. 149 chant, being of perfect remembrance, and bound on a voyage to Jamaica, in the West Indies. It is my will that my dear mother, Rachel Marquise, be maintained out of my estate and live with my wife and children; but if she cannot agree with them or likes to live by herself, she is to receive £50, and a good servicable negro woman shall be purchased for her. And I hereby give a strict charge to my wife and children to be dutiful to my said dear mother. I leave to my daughter Esther, £50 to buy her a Jewell when she is of the age of 18, or marries with her mother's consent. The rest of my estate I leave to my wife Rachel, my son Jacob and my daughter Esther. The part of my estate which is left to my children, is to be put into the hands of Mr. Aaron La Megroa, merchant, in Jamaica, who shall be supervisor over my children. I desire Mr. Lewis Gomez and Mr. Abraham de Lucena to assist my wife in the management of all her affairs, and I make her executor. Witnesses: William Peartree, Ebenezer Willson, Rip Van Dam. Proved, March 24, 170 6, {ihid., p. 439; vol. xvi, p. 48). Joseph Bueno. In the name of God, Amen. I, Joseph Bueno de Mesquita, of New York, merchant, being at the present sick in bed. I leave to my wife Rachel, daughter of Rachel Dervall, £600, and all plate and household stuff, and all her wearing apparell, rings, jewels, necklaces, etc. I leave to my beloved brother Abraham Bueno de Mesquita, of the Island of Nevis, my Five Books of the Law of Moses in parchment with the ornaments of plate belonging thereto. In full of all his pretentions and de- mands to my estate. I also give him £161, 2s, 3d, which he now oweth to me. I leave to my mother-in-law, Rachel Dervall, £50, and to my brother-in-law, Samuel Dervall, £50 when of age. To my godchild, Asher Camponell, £20. To the poor of the Jewish nation in New York, £20. All the rest of my estate is to be sold, and the proceeds to be given to the children of my brother Abraham, and the children of my sister Esther, deceased wife of Isaac Gaby. [I do] appoint my wife Rachel, Lewis Gomez and Abraham De Lucina, executors. Dated October 20, 1708. Witnesses: Abraham Kettletas, Hen- drick Kermer, Johanes Bonta. Proved, November 1, 1708, (vol. ii, p. 13; vol. xvi, p. 54). Richard Ingoldsby, Esq., Lieutenant-Governor, etc Whereas, Isaac Pinheiro, of New York, lately died intestate. Letters of ad- ministration are granted to Lancaster Symes, John Cholwell and Isaac Gabay, of New York, merchants, in trust for the widow of said Isaac Pinheiro, February 20, 170 ■^^, (vol. ii, p. 38). 150 American Jewish Historical Society. Samuel Levy. In the name of God, Amen. I, Samuel Levy, of New York, merchant, being sick and weak. I leave to my wife, Rachell, all household goods, furniture and plate, except my silver tea-pot, and one of my silver tankards, which I give to my daughter Abigail. I leave to Miriam Hart, my brother's daughter, now wife of Moses Hart, of New York, £10, to buy a piece of plate in remem- brance of me. I leave to my mother-in-law, Rebecca Asher, £10, yearly during her life. My executors are to pay to my brother, Joseph Levy, and his son, Isaac, of London, £200, to be distributed by them among such of my poor relations, living in Germany, as they may think fit. I leave all the rest of my estate to my wife Rachel, and my daughter Abigail, when she is of age. My shares in the Pinck Charlotte and sloop Abigail are to be sold. I appoint my loving kinsman, Isaac Levy, son of my brother Joseph, and my loving kinsman, Matthew Simson, and Jacob Franks, of New York, executors. Dated, April 28, 1719. Witnesses: Lawrence Levy, Joseph Isaacs, Mordecai Gomez. Proved, May 21, 1719, (iMd., p. 189). Wiliam Burnet, Governor, etc. "Whereas Isaac Naphthali, of New York, having certain suits against him in Court by one Jacob Nunes Fernandes, and Moses Levy became his bond. The said Naphthali absconded and left the Province, and Moses Levy became obliged to pay £113, lis, 6d and costs. " And said Naphthali died some years ago in parts remote." Whereupon Moses Levy is appointed administrator, November 10, 1721, (ibid., p. 241). In the name of God, Amen. I, Abraham de Lucena, of New York, merchant. By God's Grace proceeding on a voyage to Jamaica, and considering the dangers of the seas, " I bequeath my soul into the hands of the Almighty God of Israel, my Creator, trusting in his mercy for pardon of all my sins, and hoping for a joyful Resurrection to Life Eternal." I direct all my estate to be divided into 6 parts, one part to my wife and the rest to my children, Moses, Samuel, Esther and Judith. And I make my wife Rachel executor. Dated February 12, 1716. Witnesses: J. Van Cortlandt, Philip French, Frederick Van Cortlandt. Proved September 21, 1725, {ibid., p. 319). Rip Van Dam, Esq., President, etc. Whereas David De Mer- cado, of New York, died intestate. Letters of administration are granted to his brother, Moses de Mercado, December 21, 1731, (vol. iii, p. 44). William Cosby, Esq., Captain-General and Governor. Whereas Wills of Early Jewish Settlers in New York — Friedman. 151 Benjamin Elias, late of New York, died intestate, Letters of Ad- ministration are granted to Abraham Isaacs, of New York, mer- chant, December 29, 1732, (iUd>., p. 88). In the name of God, Amen. I, Michael Michaels of New York, merchant, being weak in body, I leave to Rachael Levy, daughter of Moses Levy, late of New York, merchant, £300. All the rest of my estate I leave to my honored father, Moses Michaels, mer- chant, and I make him and Meyer Cohen and David Hays execu- tors. Dated February 12, 1736. Witnesses: Elizabeth Carthew, Alex- ander Allaire, Richard Nichols. Proved, March 31, 1737, (ihid., p. 222). In the name of God, Amen. I, Rachael Lewis, of New York. I leave to David Machado, merchant, all my goods and chattels, except my household furniture, which is to be sold by my execu- tors and the money used to purchase a Shefer Tora, for the use of Sherith Israel, in New York. I make my friend, David Machado, executor. Dated April 8, in the 10 year of King George 2. Witnesses: Lewis Gomez, Rodrigo Deribera, William Jamison, Abraham Riming. Proved, April 18, 1737, (ihid., p. 223). For the will of Luis Gomez see Publications, supra, No. 11, p. 143 (ibid., p. 292). Will of Uriah Hyam, now resident of New York, chandler. I leave to my brother Enoch, now living in Bohemia, £20. I leave to the youngest son of my son, Andrew Israel, who now lives in the Island of Jamaica, my negro boy. I leave to the Congregation of the Children of Israel, here in New York, £6. All the rest of my estate, I leave to my son, Andrew Israel, of the Island of Jamaica. I make my son, Andrew Israel, and Jacob Frankes and Mordecai Gomez, of New York, executors. Dated November 1, 1740. Witnesses: Joseph Simson, David Machado, Joshua Isaacs. Proved, January 14, 1740. Andrew Israel being absent, and the other executors having resigned, Let- ters of administration are granted to Abraham Isaacs and Joseph Simson, as principal creditors, {ibid., p. 320). In the name of God, Amen. I, Samuel Myers Cohen, of New York, merchant, " being now bound on a voyage to England, and considering the dangers of the seas. I bequeath my soul to God who gave it, trusting, and alone depending on his mercy for my eternal salvation." I leave to my wife Rachel, all silver plate, and the furniture of my house, and all wearing apparel, and my negro 152 American Jewish Historical Society. slaves. My executors are to sell all real estate, and £200 are to be put at interest for the support of my father Emanuel during his life. I leave to my three sisters, Esther, Rachel, wife of Solomon Bunn, and Bilah, each £25. To my niece, Rose Bunn, £100, when married with consent of my wife. I give £25 for the use of the Synagogue, now frequented and belonging to the People called Jews, and whereof I am a member. I leave to each of Mr. Jacob Frank's children, a mourning ring of the value of 40s sterling, and to Captain William Walton and his wife each a ring of the same value. To each of my executors £25 for a mourning suit. All the rest to my wife and my 4 daughters, Elkaly, Hiah, Rebecca, and Richa. I make my wife and my brother, Abraham Myers Cohen, Jacob Walton, William Walton, Jr., executors. Dated August 11, 1741. Witnesses: Johanna Kallsall, Margaret Gouverneur, Anthony White. No record of probate, (ibid., p. 405), In the name of God, Amen. I, Joshua Isaacs, of New York, merchant, being in perfect health. " I desire my body to be buried in our Jews' burying ground in New York among my rela- tives and friends." " Whereas at the time of our marriage I gave my wife Hannah a Bill of Dowry for £500; it is to be paid." " I leave £50 to our congregation of Jews in New York, the income to be for the support of a Hebrew School to teach poor children th^ Hebrew tongue." I leave to each of my brothers and sisters £5 to buy mourning. I leave to my daughter Grace all the rest of my estate, but if I should leave any more children they are to have an equal share. I make Mr. Jacob Franks, merchant, of New York, Mr. Solomon Isaacs, of Boston, and Mr. Joseph Simson, of New York, executors. Dated July 13, 1744. Witnesses: David Machado, Jacob Pinto, Samuel Pinto, Myer Myers. Proved, August 6, 1744, (vol. iv, p. 11). George Clinton, Esq., Captain-General and Governor. Whereas, Abraham Isaacs, of New York, merchant, died intestate, Letters of administration were granted to his wife, Hannah, October 6, 1743. She died and new Letters of administration are granted to his eldest son, Jacob Isaacs, September 24, 1745, (ibid., p. 55). In the name of God, Amen. August 27, 1745. I, Isaac Levy, being sick. I leave to my daughter Ritzy, of New York, £300. To my grand children, Joseph Moses, Coleman Coleman and Byla Coleman, £200. To my nephew, David Hart, £300. All the rest of my estate to my daughter Ritzy, and my nephew, David Hart, and I make them executors. Legacies to Mary Drummy, widow, Mary Cannon. MHi Wills of Early Jetoish Settlers in New York — Friedman. 153 Witnesses: David Macliado, Job Staple, Elinor Mass. Proved, September 10, 1745, {ibid., p. 56). In the name of God, Amen. I, Sinya De Tores, late of Jamaica in the West Indies, widow, being infirm and weak of body. I bequeath to the Treasurer of the Synagogue in New York, £5. " I direct that my body be decently buried according to the manner of the Jews." I leave to the Poor of the Synagogue of Kingston, in Jamaica, £5; and to the poor of my nation in New York, £5. I leave to my brother, Samuel De Silva, £5. I leave to my niece Rebecca De Silva, daughter of my brother Samuel, one negro girl to the value of £15 to be purchased by my executors. I leave to my niece Rachel, daughter of my brother Josiah De Silva, one negro girl to the value of £15, to be purchased by my executors. To my niece, Sinya De Silva, daughter of my brother Joshua, a negro girl. All the rest of my estate, real and personal, I leave to my grand son, Moses Gomez, son of Daniel Gomez, of New York, merchant. If he should die before coming of age (which God forbid) then to my son Daniel Gomez. I make my son Daniel, and my grand son Moses, executors. Dated February 16, 174%. Witnesses: David Gomez, Daniel Bontecou, Samuel Burling. Proved, November 13, 1746, {ibid., p. 103; vol. xvi, p. 160). In the name of God, Amen. I, Mordecai Gomez, of New York, merchant, being in good health, " I commit my precious and im- mortal Soul into the hands of God who gave it, and my body to the Earth, to be buried in the Jews Burying ground according to the Jewish Custom." I direct all debts to be paid. I leave to my be- loved wife Rebecca, all that my dwelling house and lot on the Dock ■ in the East Ward in New York, between the land of Daniel Bloom and the place now in the occupation of the widow of John Lawrence, and is now in the tenure of Lawrence Burrows, as my tenant, during her life, and then to my sons Abraham and Moses, and my daughters Hester and Rachel. I leave to my son Isaac, my Five Books of Moses, and one pair of silver ornaments thereto belonging, weighing about 30 ounces. I leave to my grand daughter Hester Gomez, now in Jamaica, West Indies, daughter of my son Moses, deceased, £100; I also leave her % of my dwelling house and lot and store house (the water Lot excepted) where I now live in Queen Street, in New York, bounded east by the house of late John Stephens, deceased, and west by the house now in ^ Water Street between Wall Street and Maiden Lane. 154 American Jewish Historical Society. occupation of William Bradford, Jr., and south by the East River or harbor, and which did belong to my deceased wife, Hester Gomez. The other % I leave to my sons Isaac and Jacob. My wife Rebecca is to have the use of the whole for one year. I leave to my sons Isaac and Jacob all that my dwelling house and lot situ- ate and lying in the Sloat,' which I purchased of Sarah Hyer, widow of Garett Hyer; also my three negro slaves, and my two Snuff mills and Vz my household stuff except plate, and the other y2 to my wife Rebecca. To my wife Rebecca, and my sons Abra- ham and Moses, and to my daughters Hester and Rachel, certain negro slaves. I leave to my sons Abraham and Moses and my daughters Hester and Rachel, all those my 5 houses and lots in the North Ward in New York, containing in breadth, from Kip Street* and Anns street, 90 feet by 204 feet; also a house and lot in Dey street, bounded south by the rope walk of Evert Pell, east by Abraham Gorden, west by John Ryckman, north by Dey street, and now in tenure of Abraham Lyon, being 14 feet wide and 80 feet long. I leave to my mother-in-law, Rachel De Lucina, £10 per annum, for life. I leave to the manager or Ruler of the Synagogue in New York, £25 for the use of the Synagogue, to be paid in one month. All the rest of my estate to my wife and children. I make my wife and my son Isaac and my four brothers, Daniel, David, Isaac, and Benjamin Gomez, executors. Dated May 3, 1750. Witnesses: Sarah Griffiths, Mary Cadmis, Cornelius Cadmis, James Emott. Proved, November 12, 1750, (vol. iv, p. 310). For the wills of Philip Isaacs, see Publications, supra. No. 12, pp. 166, 167 (vol. V, p. 96); of Abraham Mendes Seixas, see idem, p. 166 (ibid., p. 115); and of Solomon Isaacs, see idem, p. 167 (ibid., p. 179). To all and Singular, the Faithful in Christ. I, Thomas, by Divine Providence, Archbishop of Canterbury and Primate of all England. Be it known that in searching the Registry of the Pre- rogative Court, was found among other things, that on the 27th of November, 1762, at London before the Worshipful Andrew Cotter Du Corel, LL. D., Surrogate to the Rt. Worshipful Sir Edward Simpson, Kt., LL. D., Master keeper of our Prerogative ' The Sloat was a narrow street at the rear, of the lots on Hano- ver Square. The present Beaver Street includes a part of it. " The lots on Kip Street are now bounded West by Nassau Street, North by Ann Street. Wills of Early Jewish Settlers in New York — Friedman. 155 Court, the last will and testament of Aaron Harte, late of the Parish of St. Mary. White Chappell, was found, and Letters granted to Nathan Soloman and Barent Gomperts, executors. In the name of God, Amen. I, Aaron Hart, of New street, alias Somerset street, White Chappel, London, merchant, being of sound mind. " I desire to be buried in Linnen and to have a Herse, and four mourning coaches and 6 others. And a marble stone shall be put on me to the amount of £10 or £12. And I desire and order that 10 persons may come to read, every morning and evening for one month after my decease, for which my executors shall give them 20 shillings each." After all debts are paid, I leave to my daughter, Rachel Hart, £600 for a marriage portion provided she marries with consent of executors. If she dies, then to my 3 sons, Napthalai, Hyam and Samuel. To my wife £600, £369 of which is in New York, and the rest in cash; besides all the furni- ture except silver plate. " I leave to my wife a silver tea pot and a silver cofee pot and a small silver tea equippage." I leave to each of my three sons £600 when of age. I leave to the two single children of Mr. Simon Jonas Levy, which he had by my sister Bayla, £20 each, and to his married daughters £5 each. To Mr. Moses Myer and wife 12 Guineas. To Mr. Benjamin Alexander, Jr. 5 guineas. To Mrs. Rose Cohen, my wife's mother, £20 and £5 for mourning. To my servant a mourning gown. All the rest to my sons when of age. My children are to live with their mother. All my estate to be sold and money put at interest. I make Nathan Soloman and Barent Gomperts executors. Dated November 21, 1762. Witnesses: Joseph Jacobs, Phineas Nelto. Proved in London, November 27, 1762. Confirmed in New York by Governor Colden, September 17, 1763, and Letters of administration are granted to Ackeson Thomson, merchant of New York, attorney for Nathan Soloman. " The executors being both beyond seas," (vol. vi, p. 266). In the name of God, Amen. I, David Gomez, of New York, mer- chant, being of perfect mind. " I committ my Soul to Almighty God my Creator. I humbly resign my body to the Earth." " I leave to my brother, Isaac Gomez, my part of the silver ornaments or Remeniems of the Five Books of Moses which I had by my de- ceased wife out of the estate of my mother-in-law, Mrs. Lebonah De Lyon." I leave to the Synagogue of this city £10. All my estate to be sold. I leave to my nephew Matthias Gomez, son of my brother Isaac, £150. After legacies are paid, I leave to the rest of 156 American Jewish Histoncal Society. my brothers, Daniel, Isaac and Benjamin, each 14, and i/4 to my niece Esther, wife of Moses Gomez, son of Daniel, and to my niece Rachel, wife of Matthias Gomez, son of Isaac, and to Mordecai Gomez, son (?) of Isaac Moses, Jr., deceased. And I make my brothers executors. Dated April 5, 1765. Witnesses: William Butler, Thomas Pear- sail, James Parsons. Proved, August 14, 1769, (vol. vii, p. 270). In the name of God, Amen. I, Isaac Gomez, of New York, mer- chant, " being in as good state of health as I have been for some time past, but of sound mind." I recommend my immortal Soul to the mercy of my Great Creator, and my body I committ to be decently interred. After all debts are paid, I leave to my wife Deborah an annuity of £150 yearly during her widowhood and the use of my dwelling house and lot in Queens Street, where I now dwell. Also all furniture, plate and jewels and as many of my slaves as are necessary to attend her. After the death of my wife I leave to my daughter Esther £600 and V2 of the plate and jewels " except the silver ornaments belonging to my five books of Moses, called by us Rimonaim." I leave to the Ruler of the Jewish Synagogue in this city £15 for the use of the Synagogue. All the rest of my estate I leave to my son Matthias, and I make him executor. Dated February 16, 1769. Witnesses: Jonathan Morrell, John Dunlap, merchant, Moses Smith, Proved, October 1, 1770, (iUd., p. 337). " New York, S.S." In the name of God, Amen. I, Benjamin Gomez, of New York, merchant, being in perfect health. " I com- mend my Soul to God, my Body to be decently buried," and my debts paid. I leave to my granddaughters, Deborah and Esther, children of Matthias and Rachel Gomez, when of age, £100 each. I give and devise unto the Synagogue in New York £10, to be paid to the Ruler thereof in one month. I leave to my daughter Rachel, wife of Matthias Gomez, all my household furniture, plate, jewels, linnen, and my two slaves, and all the rents, and profits of my estate, during her life. After her death, all the money is to be put at interest, and I leave the same, and all my real estate to my grandsons, Isaac and Benjamin, sons of my daughter Rachel, wife of Matthias Gomez. " My trustee wench, Katty, is to be free from the yoke of Slavery, as a reward for her fidelity." I make my daughter Rachel, and her husband, Matthias Gomez, executors. Dated January 3, 1770. Witnesses: Christopher Gates, Thomas W. W. Beavan, Gent, Elias Jones. Proved, September 22, 1772, (vol. viii, p. 63). ■prnpHRMM Wills of Early Jewish Settlers in New York — Friedman. 157 In the name of God, Amen. I, Isaac Adolphus, of New York, merchant. After all debts are paid, I bequeath to Benjamin Etting £25. To the widow, Hetty Hayes, £25. I leave to my executors for the use of the Synagogue in New York £10. My executors are to sell my estate, and after paying all debts, funeral expenses, and legacies, I leave all the rest to my brothers, Jacob, Philip, and Ezekiel, and my sisters, Esther Samuels, Minche Moses, Hannah Worms, and Gellah Abrahams, and my nephews, Moses Etting and Michael Israel. I make my brother Philip, and my good friends, Hayman Levy, Myer Myers and Isaac Moses, executors. Dated September 7, 1775. Witnesses: John Berrien, merchant, John De Crimshier, attorney at Law, Benjamin Seixas. Proved, September 13, 1774, (ibid., p. 197). In the name of God, Amen, September 12, 1774. (Also mentions son Joseph.) I, Joseph Jacobs of Southampton, in Suffolk County, being very sick. All my just debts to be paid. I leave to my wife Elinor my now dwelling house and home lot; Also a piece of land lying at the Ten Acres, which I bought of Stephen Pierce; Also £50. I leave to my sons, Joel and Oliver, and my daughters, Elea- nor and Prudence, each £100. All the rest I leave to my wife and my five children. The younger children are to have a home in my house till of age. I make my friend, Elias Matthews, of Southamp- ton, executor. Witnesses: Dr. William Smith, Zephaniah Rogers, Stephen Rogers. Proved, October 19, 1774, (ibid., p. 221). In the name of God, Amen. I, Isaac Pinheiro, of the Nation of the Jews, merchant, being sick and weak. My Body I commit to the Earth to be interred in the Burial Place belonging to the Jewish Nation of the Island of Nevis, and after their rites and ceremonies. I leave to my son Jacob, £250 when of age, and a negro boy, and a horse which he commonly rides, with a pair of pistols, holsters, saddle, and other furniture. To my son Moses, £100 when 18 years of age, and a negro boy. To my daughter Sarah, £500 Sterling at the day of her marriage. To my daughters, Rebekah and Judith, £500 each when married. I leave to my dear honored father, Abraham Pinheiro, of the City of Amsterdam, £30 annually during his life, and then to my dear mother-in-law [step-mother?] for life. I leave to my sister Sarah, wife of [Isaac] Dagama, of Corasoe [Curasao], 100 Pieces of 8. To my sister, Rachel Pinheiro, of Amsterdam, £30. I leave to my sons Jacob and Moses, a certain Plantation by me lately purchased 12 158 American Jeivish Historical Society. of George Brown and Frances, his wife, and Sarah Madrin, being part of the Plantation formerly of Thomas Madrin. Also a Cafe [coffee] mill now standing on the Plantation by me leased from William and Richard Bowry, with 14 negroes. It is my express will that Jacob Sattur and Mary Sattur, his wife, now living in South Carolina, do sell her Plantation in this Island of Nevis, and that my executors purchase the same for my sons. And whereas by a deed of gift some years past, I gave to my son Jacob and my son Abraham, 7 negroes, 3 of whom are dead and lost by the late French invasion, and the other 4 are now in my possession, my son Jacob is not to disturb my executors in the peaceful possession of them. I leave to my wife Elizabeth (sic) the use of all the above named Plantation and negroes and mill, until my son Moses is of age. I also leave her the house and land I now own in Charlestown in this Island, and all the rest of my estate. If she dies, without disposing of the same, then to my children. If my daughters are not married at the time of my wife's decease, they are immediately to be sent to Curasoe [Curagao] to my sister, Sarah Dagama, to live with her, and my brother-in-law, Isaac Dagama, is to be their guardian. I make my wife sole executor, and I request my friends, Captain Samuel Clarke and Solomon Israel, to be overseers. Dated November 12, 1708. Witnesses: Evan Davis, John Hilton,. John Carpenter, Gideon Dovrede. Proved in Nevis, April 12, 1710, (vol. xi, p. 1). To all to whom these Presents may come, I, Esther Pinheiro, of the Island of Nevis. Whereas my late husband, Isaac Pinheiro, in his will made me executor, which will was proved before Walter Hamilton, Esq., Governor of Nevis, and whereas my husband died in New York, on February 17, last past, leaving divers merchan- dise, etc. I appoint my friends. Rip Van Dam and Louis Gomez, of New York, my special attornies. April 19, 1710. Witnesses: John Woodly, John Thatcher, (ibid., p. 3). In the name of God, Amen. I, Moses Levy, of New York, mer- chant, being sick. All debts to be paid. I leave to my son, Asher Levy, one silver mugg, of the weight of 20 ounces. To my daughter Miriam, £100 when of age or married, over and above her share. I leave to my grandson, Napthtaly Franks, one piece of silver plate, of the value of £12. All the rest of estate I leave to my wife Grace, and to my sons, Nathan, Isaac, Michael, Sampson, Ben- jamin, and Joseph, and to my daughters, Rachel, Miriam, Hester, Wills of Early Jewish Settlers in New York — Friedman. 159 and Hannah. The shares of Nathan, Isaac, and Michael, are to be paid in 5 years, and the rest when of age or married. But if my wife shall not be contented with her share, but shall insist upon the performance of certain Articles of Agreement, made by my wife, Grace Levy (then Grace Mears), and Jacob Mears, before our marriage, then my executors shall pay to her in 5 years, such sums of money and plate, as by said Articles are agreed. I make my wife and my sons, Nathan and Isaac, and my son-in-law, Jacob Pranks, and my brother-in-law, Judah Mears, executors. Dated June 13, 1728. Witnesses: Matthew Clarkson, Richard Nichols, Moses Lopez Fonseca. Proved December 4, 1728, {ibid., p. 72). In the name of the God of Israel, I, Matthias Gomez, merchant, of the Township of Northern Liberties, County of Philadelphia, in Pennsylvania, being sick and weak in body. To be decently interred according to the order of the Jews. All my just debts and funeral expenses to be paid at some convenient time after my decease. I make my loving mother, Deborah Gomez, my brother-in-law, Moses Gomez, and his son, Daniel, executors. I leave unto my four children, Deborah, Isaac, Esther, and Benja- min, in equal shares, when they respectively are twenty-one years old, two third parts of a tenement and lot ground on Queen Street in the Fly in the City of New York; Also two tenements and lots on Golden Hill in said city; Also, one undivided half part of a distillery house and lot, with the stills and utensils, on Ferry Street in said city; Also, my house and lot on said Queen Street, which was devised to me by my late father, Isaac Gomez, deceased, after the decease of my mother Deborah. Unto my eldest son, Isaac, my Sepher, or five books of Moses, written on parchment, with Rimonims or ornaments of silver. My executors to let or demise all my real estate during the minority of my children for the best rents; these to be applied to the support of my loving mother Deborah, in lieu of an annuity of £150 given to her for life by my late father; Also, for the support and education of my children in non-age. Should the rents be insufficient, then my executors are to sell all or any real estate in the City of New York for the best prices, the net proceeds to be for the above purposes. The residue of my estate unto my four children at majority, in equal shares. I make my executors guardians of the persons and estate of my children in minority. Dated April 20, 1781. Witnesses: Walter Bicker, of the City of New York, hatter; Samuel Cowperthwait, Thomas Franklin, junior. Proved, January 2, 1784, (vol. xii, pp. 154, 155). 160 American Jewish Historical Society. I, Isaac Levy, of New York, do declare this to be my last will and testament. All my real estate of every kind and Denomination shall at my decease become the property of my son Asher and my daughter Esther, otherwise called Henrietta, as also my personal estate to both the same, " both borne of Elizabeth Pue," equally divided between them at the times they respectively become of age, on conditions hereafter mentioned. In case of the death of either my said son or daughter before aged twenty-one, I give my estate to the survivor, if both die before of age then to my brother, Samson Levy, and my sister, Rachel Seixas, wife of Isaac Seixas, equally. My will is that neither my son nor daughter shall marry or enter into matrimonial contract before the age of twenty-one years, but if either so do he or she shall have no share in my estate, but the share of he or she that doth marry or enter into matrimonial contract shall be given to the other that doth not marry contrary to my will; and if both marry or enter into matri- monial contract before twenty-one then I give my whole estate to my brother, Samson Levy, and my sister, Rachel Seixas. My executors are my said brother, Samson Levy, his son Moses, and my son Asher. Dated October 22, 1776. Witnesses: Walter Shee, Benja. Condy, Edmund Nihell. The Register for Probate of Wills, Philadelphia, certified Novem- ber 8, 1785, that the above will was a true copy from the original filed in the office at Philadelphia. Administration of the above granted to Joshua Isaacs, of the City of New York, a creditor of Isaac Levy, formerly of the same place but late of the City of Philadelphia, merchant, deceased, whereas the executors, Samson Levy, Moses and Asher Levy are absent from this State, New York, November 16, 1785, (vol. xiii, p. 228). Joseph Israel Levy, living in Calcutta, in the Kingdom of Ben- gall, to my daughter, Abigail Israel Levy, £1000, to be left in the hands of Abraham Levy, merchant, London, to be applied to the best advantage, that is, the money to be put to land interest and that interest for the use of bringing her up until she is twenty-one years of age; in case of her death, the money to go to my mother, and I also give to my mother, Rosey Israel, living in Houndsditch, near Aldgate, London, £500 more, and in case of my mother's and daughter's death, these moneys are to go to my brothers and sisters; Also £500 to the Jews' College in Jerusalem, and unto the poor widows and poor motherless and fatherless children in Lon- don, £200; Also to the mother of my child, named Jabica, five hun- ' l..L.Ji'.A.,.^JB ! I HI Wills of Early Jewish Settlers in New York — Friedman. 161 dred Rupees, and two slave girls and the garden and the house, with everything belonging unto her to be paid to her by my executors, and the other amount of all sum or sums of money, lands, tenements, goods, chattels and estate whatsoever, I give these to my brothers and sisters in London or elsewhere each to have equal share. I appoint Abraham Levy, merchant, in London, Charles Weston, Joseph Pallard and Robert Brown, executors. Dated Calcutta, January 2, 1772, and in the twelfth year of his Majesty's reign. King George III. Witnesses: Anthony O'Brien, James Miller. Proved, April 27, 1786. The same day Moses Israel, gentleman, and on the 28th, Solomon Simson, merchant, both of New York City, testified that they were well acquainted with the testator's handwriting and believed he subscribed to the above will. On April 28, 1786, the executors of the will were " absent beyond the seas " and Samuel Israel was appointed Administrator, (ibid., p. 331). LIBRARY OF CONGRESS iii 014 205 599 5 #