In the name of God, Amen. I, BENJAMIN WOOLSEY, of Oyster bay, in Queens County, being sick. I leave to my wife Ann my negro wench "Venus," and the use of all the Plate she brought so long as she lives, and then to her children which she has by me. I leave to my daughters, Sarah and Mary, all the Plate my first wife brought me. I leave to my daughter Betsey, a soup spoon. I leave to my wife and children my negro man "Mingo" and my riding chair. My executors are to pay all just debts. My executors are to sell the rest of the personal estate, and put the money at interest for my family until a general Division is made, but they are to keep all the live stock till the farm is sold. My executors may sell all the real estate as they think best. From the proceeds, I leave to my sons, Benjamin Muirson Woolsey, John Taylor Woolsey, parts; To my wife one part, and one part to each of my said sons, and to each of my daughters, Sarah, Mary, Esther, and Betsey. "As it is possible that my wife may be with child," it is to have the same as the rest. I make my honored father (in law), George Muirson, Esq., and my brother-in-law, David Bush, of Greenwich, Conn., and my friends, Jacob Carpenter and James Townsend, executors.
[Source: New York City Wills, p 83]
