The Revised Statutes of 1825, having abolished the entail, Augustus became possessed of the estate in fee simple. Upon the 18th of Feb., 1827, Augustus van Cortlandt bequeathed the Yonkers to his brother Henry, for life, and to his brother's eldest son fore^^er, provided they take and constantly use the name of " Van Cortlandt ;" and upon the failure of male heirs, to Henry, the testator provided that the property should pass to his nephew, Augustus van Cortlandt Bibby, son of his sister Augusta."

Henry, the above devisee, took possession of the estate on his brother's death, in 1839, and assumed the name of Van Cortlandt. Hetny van Cortlandt died Oct., 1839, and was succeeded by his nephew, the present proprietor, Augustus van Cortlandt, Esq.

The present mansion house, a large edifice of stone, was erected by Frederick van Cortlandt, A. D. 1748 j^ it forms a noble object when viewed from the lawn. The situation commands nearly the whole length of the vale of Yonkers ; stretching south, the view is terminated only by the high hills of New York island, and heights of Fordham. The pleasure grounds in front, appear to have been laid out in the ancient Dutch style, with high artificial banks, adorned with rows of statea Surrogate's ofBce, N. Y.

b The following item occurs in the will of Frederick van Cortlandt, dated 2iid of Oct. 1749 : " whereas, I am now about finishing a large stone dwelling house on the plantation in which I now live, which, with the said plantation, will, by virtue of my deceased father's will, devolve after my decease, upon my eldest son James, &c. Surrogate's office N. Y., fol. xviii. G2,