Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1903-11-25
ODD WEsTcHESTER WILLS.
[ntere8ting Records of Simple Habits
and Fruga1ity.

4
and Fruga1ity.
A collection Of odd and interesting
Westchester wills, says the New York
Tribune, has just been brought to light
In an octave volume prepared by Will
liam Pelletreau and published by
Francis P. Harper of New York. The
wills date back to 1864 and furnish an
Idea Of the frugality and simple habits
Of the people Of that time.
William Merritt of Mamaroneck-on-
Sound, says in his will, probated in
March, 1896: "My body to be buried in
solemn and Christianlike manner,
avoiding all of the funeral ceremonies
and corrupt customs of the world, par
HcularIy that unnecessary, unsuitable
custom Of handing strong liquor about
amongst those who come together upon
such a solemn occasion, by which those
tation are perverted and made sources
Of worldly pomp and qualification;
against which I have often borne my
testimony while living, and now bear
my last testimony"
Mary Elizabeth Gulot of Mamaro-
neck, in January, 1776, provides that
her negro slaves shall have one whole
month TO look for masters such as they
like"
Thomas Seabrooke Of Westminster
(now part Of the Bronx died intes-
tate in 1876. The deposition Of John
Clarke states that when there was
an alarm Of Indians at Castle Hill last
summer he was q sojourner in the
house Of Thomas Seabrooke, who was
commanded, among others, to go to
Capt. Osborne's house, and at his going
away he, the said Thomas Seabrooke,
took his wife (now present Widow Sea-
brooke) by the hand In the door as he
was going out and said: Wife, am
going out. I know not but 1 may be
knocked on the head. If I never come
back give all have to thee" He
never did come back, and on this testi-
mony letters Of administration were
granted to his wife, Mary.
The will Of Anne Kichben, Mamaro-
neck, gentlewoman, proved in Febru-
airy, 100, said: II leave to my daugh-
ter Elizabeth ESQ, my gold ring with
an emerald stone in it and my little
Bible"
Isaac Denman, gentleman Of Rye,
who died in 1923, left to his wife, Han
nah, the use Of all movables and "all
that she can make appear she brought
with her when she became my wife,"
William Willett, Westchester, 1873,
left "use Of personal property to wife,
Mary, to Daughter Ann Jones silver
tankard, to Daughter Mary Rodman
six silver spoons and as much money
as will be equal to the silver tankard
at s shillings an ounce. l leave to
my friend William Foster, to wear in
memory of me, my black cloth coat,
vest and breeches, black stockings and
hatband which I bought for mourning
for my brother Gilbert"
John Fowler, farmer, North Castle,
left to his wife, Mary, the use of the
house, barn and orchard, etc. "Also
my sorrel mare that goes by her name,
with side saddle and my silver tank
ard"
Robert Dingee, Cortlandt Manor,
1851, left to his wife, Sarah, "all her
cloathes and my best riding horse, a
bed and furniture and chest called
her chest, with all that is therein"
Rest Of estate to be sold.
Abraham Miller, North Castle, 1853,
left to his wife, Letitia, 'the best bed
and blankets, sheets, bolster and pill
lows and all sorts sufficient to furnish
complete bed for her forever"