The wills recorded in these volumes were proved (i.e. determined by testimony of witnesses to be authentic) before and admitted to probate by the Surrogate judge for New York County. Starting in 1823 the volumes contain occasional wills of out-of-state residents, including wills of foreign nationals. If the will is in French, Spanish, or another foreign language, both the text and a translation are provided. Each will provides for the disposition of the testator's real and personal property and designates an executor or executrix. The will is witnessed by two persons. Some of the wills are accompanied by codicils. The will is accompanied by a record of the proof of will and admission to probate. This record takes various forms.
