Name/Title
Last Will and Probate for Stephen GilbertEntry/Object ID
002882Tags
Stephen GilbertScope and Content
The Last Will and Probate of Caleb Gilbert (1755–1760)
Found in 2882d.jpg and 2882c.jpg
The Will (April 19, 1755): Caleb Gilbert, a yeoman from Orange County, NY, dictates his last will and testament.
He leaves his primary farm/plantation to be divided equally between his two sons, Ebenezer Gilbert and Stephen Gilbert, once they reach the age of 21.
He orders Ebenezer and Stephen to pay £10 each to his other two sons, John Gilbert and Josiah Gilbert.
He leaves 20 shillings to his daughter, Phebe Goldsmith.
The remainder of his estate is to be divided equally among his sons John and Josiah, and his daughter Hannah Gilbert.
He appoints Silas Person (Pierson) and Samuel Birdseye as executors.
Probate (June 20–28, 1760): Following Caleb's death, the will is officially proved and registered in New York City by James De Lancey, Esq., the Lieutenant Governor and Commander in Chief of the Province of New York. Administration of the estate is formally granted to the named executors, Silas Pierson and Samuel Birdseye.
2. Bond of Stephen Gilbert (December 20, 1760)
Found in 2882b.jpg
Stephen Gilbert of the precinct of Goshen, Orange County, binds himself financially to Silas Pierson and Samuel Birdseye (the executors of Caleb Gilbert's estate) in the sum of £105 and 7 shillings.
The document mentions a prior obligation connecting Stephen Gilbert and Thomas Goldsmith of Ulster County to Caleb Gilbert during his lifetime for the sum of £200.
3. Administrator Release by Joel Tuthill (April 5, 1768)
Joel Tuthill, acting as the administrator for the estates of the late John Gilbert and Josiah Gilbert, Jr. (both of whom died intestate), acknowledges the receipt of two distinct payouts:
£4, 14 shillings, and 7 pence from Silas Pierson (executor of Caleb Gilbert).
£26, 19 shillings, and 3 pence from Elizabeth Birdseye (widow/executrix of the late Samuel Birdseye, the other executor of Caleb Gilbert).
In consideration of these payments, Tuthill releases and forever quit-claims Silas Pierson and Elizabeth Birdseye from any further legal financial claims, legacies, or demands regarding the estates.
4. Power of Attorney to Silas Pierson (June 25, 1782)
The heirs, legal representatives, and guardians of the deceased Josiah Gilbert join together to grant Power of Attorney to Silas Pierson (with the advice of Birdseye Young).
The signing parties include Elizabeth Gilbert, Hanah Breasted, Sarah Pierson, Bethia Seely (written as "Bertha" but corrected to "Bethia"), Hannah Dye (daughter of Mary Gilbert), widow Hannah Gilbert, and guardians Josiah Pierson and Samuel Huntington (acting on behalf of minor children/legatees, including Caleb Gilbert's minor children).
Purpose: This document authorizes Silas Pierson to sell, convey, and grant the deeds for all real estate belonging to the late Josiah Gilbert located at Grey Court in the Precinct of Goshen, Orange County, New York, in accordance with his last will and testament.
