New York County Probate Records
Searching for more information about wife's ancestors. Her great grandfather was a piano maker originally from Paris, France and then in New York City from late 1840s to 1870. One of only 2 records for her great grandmother is a letter of administration given to her great grandfather in 1869 regarding her estate. I think I've covered all the image databases offered on the Family Search site and haven't found anything more. There should have been a letter to petition for administration and, perhaps, a proceeding, but haven't found either. Hence my question, is there a more complete listing of probate records available from a Family History center, or does anyone have specific knowledge of this database and know if another source is more complete? The index to letters of administration for New York County shows the letter of administration with a Liber, Book and Page number, but the numbers, for all they promise, are absolutely useless. However, it at least proves that somewhere, some time, a document existed that would provide a wealth of information if I could only find it. Thanks for any insight.
Answers
-
Good morning @RickPenland
Have you tried using Full-Text Search in your research? I've found it particularly helpful in probate searches.
For some of my early New York City family members, the New York Land records have provided context to their life stories.
https://www.familysearch.org/en/search/collection/2078654
If you would like to share the names and details, perhaps someone else can help with the research.2 -
@RickPenland Have you tried searching in Full-Text Search?
0 -
Tried full text search and found it easier to just review the pages. The photographic process included placing an image that indicated a new batch . Thus, it's not that time consuming to look at each grouping and find the name and/or the date. Found them in the Letters of Administration index already, but full text search did not. There is a note in the "how to use this collection portion," that states " This collection does not include records from metropolitan New York at this time." Being a piano maker with a store for some time meant he was absolutely metropolitan New York. The "How to Use tutorial also states "Additional records and/or images may be added to this collection in the future." Thus, that part of my question about where is the complete collection? I'm reasonably convinced that it is not part of the collection that I access online here. Does a family history center have more?
0 -
@RickPenland This is a complete listing of probate records in our collections for the state of NY and I'm pretty sure all are available through Full Text Search: https://www.familysearch.org/en/search/catalog/1920234
If you are not successful with Full Text, you might need to find out if the document still exists or was filmed. The records should be archived at the Surrogates Court for New York County: https://ww2.nycourts.gov/courts/1jd/surrogates/index.shtml
Good luck in your search!
2 -
@RickPenland If you would care to share the name(s), there are several very experienced New York City researchers here ready and willing to help
1 -
Thank you for your comments. I will attempt to make contact with the surrogate court to determine what documents have been filmed and where they are.
1 -
A visit to a History Center may be worthwhile as your Full Text Search results could be different due to record restrictions
0 -
Thanks for the suggestion. Sent an email to the surrogate court this morning. Hope for a reply. Since someone asked about names, her great grandfather was Louis Dubreuil and her great grandmother was Maria Veronica Bretziegheimer. Maria died in December of 1867 and Louis died in December of 1869. Somewhere between her death in 1867 and the letter of administration being granted in April, 1869 there should have been a petition with more information.
0 -
Very surprised to get a reply from the record room at New York County Surrogate's Court so quickly. An archivist replied "…can order the petition from our off-site warehouse which will take several weeks. Most of our records are not on Family Search." Thus, at least I know that looking further at Family Search wouldn't yield anything. Have to wait a while, but hope for revealing information. My thanks to the Surrogate's Court and your replies.
1 -
@RickPenland Thank you for updating us. It's great to hear that things turned out well!
2
