In 1778 the State Legislature established a Court of Probates, which assumed most of the colonial governor's powers in probate matters. A 1787 statute established a Surrogate's Court in each county. The Court of Probates' jurisdiction was limited to hearing appeals from the Surrogate's Courts; supervising estates of New York residents who died out of state and of non-residents who died within the state; and issuing certain types of orders. The Court of Probates was abolished in 1823 and its remaining jurisdiction was given to the Surrogate's Court.
From the description of Letters of administration, 1778-1823. (New York State Archives). WorldCat record id: 151676551