Will of Robert Jackson (162?-1684)
Proved October 13, 1685
(Recorded in the first book of Records, Queens County, Long Island, New York)

In the Name of God Amen

      The twenty-fifth day of May Anno Domini, One Thousand Six Hundred Eighty-Three, I Robert Jackson, of Hemstead [sic] in the North Riding of Yorkshire upon Long Island in the Province of New York, in America, being in perfect mind and memory, thanks be given to Almighty God, and considering with myself the frailty and uncertainty of the mortal life, and that it becometh every man before his departure out of this life, to set in order all his earthly things, so that after his decease no suite, trouble or controversy may ensue for the same.  Therefore being well advised that a work I now have in hand, do make and declare this to be my last will and testament, in measure and form following: 

      First and principally, I commend my soul into the hands of the Almighty God that gave it, and my body to the Earth whereof it was framed, to be decently buried, according to the discretion of my son and heir, John Jackson.

      And for my worldly estate which God hath endued me withall, I give, bequeath and dispose as followeth, - I do give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Agnes, six cows two oxen, one horse, and one mare, two three year old cow kind, and four two year olds, and two yearlings.  Also, I give unto her all such household goods as are left in the house which she brought with her.  Likewise I give and bequeath unto my said wife, two of my lessor sort of brass kettles to add to hers, which are left in the house, which she brought with her.  Also I give and bequeath unto her four of my pewter dishes, with four plates and four poringers and my lessor flagon, and one of my pewter tankards, to add to her pewter, that is left in the house, which she brought with her.  Also I give and bequeath unto her one of my feather beds with a bolster and pillows, together with a pair of sheets and a pair of blankets, and a rugge, and the curtains that hangs around my bedd to add to her bedding which is left in the house, which she brought with her.  Furthermore I give and bequeath unto my said wife five pounds in silver money, and fifty yards of linen cloth, some of one sort, and some of another, such as in the house is.  Also to add to her clothing I give her one piece of searge.

      Item.   I give unto her two swine, also ten bushels of wheat to be paid yearly for the term of five years, provided that she lives unmarried, or unburied so long, but if she be either married or buried, then the said wheat shall cease to be to her, or to any on her account.  Also I do allow her to live in my new dwelling house, so long as she lived unmarried or unburied, and that she have half the house lot next to George Hewlet, so long as she remains unmarried or unburied, but if she marry or is buried, then I will that half of the said house lot return to my son John.  Also I give and bequeath unto her some wooden vessels, and so I cease giving to her.

      Item.   I give and bequeath unto my son Samuel Jackson, five mares, and my Cloake and five pounds in silver money and to his wife a hood and scarfe, and to every one of his children a piece of eight (1/2 Joe, Gold $8.00)

      Item.   I give and bequeath to my daughter Sarah, the wife of Nathaniel Moore, two cows, and every one of her children a piece of eight ($8.00)

      Item.   I do give and bequeath unto Nathaniel Cole, Junior, the son of my daughter Martha deceased, two cows, and if any one come to inquire for a portion for my daughter Martha deceased, I bequeath unto him five shillings.

      Item.   I do make, ordain and appoint my son John Jackson, my son and heir, to be my sole Executor and Administrator, of this my last will and testament, and I do hereby give him full power to administer upon all my estate within doors and without, immediately after my decease, lest it be embezzled away.  And I do bind and oblige my son John to pay all the legacies which I have herein bequeathed, and what is left after the said legacies are paid and discharged of my proper estate at my decease, I give and bequeath wholly to my son John Jackson and his children.

      In witness whereof I the said Robert Jackson have hereunto putt my hand and seale the day and year above written.

                                                                                          (His signature)   Robert Jackson

Signed and sealed in presence of John Carmen, John Smith, Samuel Embree, Joseph Smith, Queens County.   At a County Court, or Court of Sessions held for the said County, October the thirteenth, one thousand six hundred eighty and five, the Will of Robert Jackson deceased proved by the oath of Samuel Embree and Joseph Smith of Hemstead.  Wells (Mills) or Nicholls.  

This Will was transcribed from Oscar Burton Robbin's book History of the Jackson Family, page 2.

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