Using Wills and Probate Records at the Westchester County Archives

 

The Westchester County Archives has wills and probate records dating from the late 18th century through the first few decades of the 20th century.  These records, obtained from the Surrogates Court for Westchester County, are useful for tracing the transfer of property and possessions from one generation to the next, determining dates of death, and in identifying the heirs of a individual, among other things.  Listed below are the probate records held by the Archives and the years for which they are available.  Click on the name or series numbers to view a description of the records     Cover of will, 1873, filed with the Westchester County Surrogates Court
Cover of will, 1873, filed with the Westchester County Surrogates Court. Series 132, Wills, A-0250 (49)F, folder 2
        
Probate Records Available at the Westchester County Archives
Series 168 Administration Letters, 1787-1940
Series 16 Estate Records, 1775, 1782-1909
Series 167 Guardianship Records, 1802-1896
Series 171 Surrogate Records, Index, 1772-1989
Series 201 Testamentary Letters, 1830-1897
Series 132 Wills, 1782-1941
        
To locate a specific will (for the years 1782-1941) or probate record (for the years 1782-1909) held by the Archives, the first step is to consult the Surrogate Records Index (Series 171).  This can either be done by visiting the Archives in person or by submitting a custom research request specifically asking that the probate records be searched for an individual.  Once it has been determined that a will, estate file, or other probate record exists for an individual, the record itself can be reviewed.  To obtain copies of wills from 1942 to the present or probate records from 1910 to the present, please contact the Surrogates Court directly at (914) 824-5634. 

If you have any questions regarding locating or using probate records at the Westchester County Archives, please contact the Archives Reference Desk.


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Westchester County Archives
archivesreferencedesk@westchestergov.com