acteristic decision of character, good sense, personal beauty, and warm affection for each other. When their mother died in 1723, the list of her descendants and family relatives i)resent, which is still preserved, is most sur[)rising for its numbers, length and prominent names. The funeral took place in New York and was one of the largest ever seen in that city up to that day. Space will not permit any mention of its details here, interesting as they are.

Of these children of Stephanus van Cortlandt, the eleven who survived their Father, are thus named in his will in the order of their births, Johannes, Margaret, Ann, Oliver, Mary, Philip, Stephanus, Gertrude, Elizabeth, Katharine, and Cornelia. With the exception of the devise of Verplanck's Point to Johannes as being the eldest son, the whole real estate after the decease of his wife, he divided among his children equally. It was very large, for besides the Manor of Cortlandt, it included, lots and houses in New York, his share of the great Patent above the Highlands, a tract in Pennsylvania, and other lands owned in connexion with Gulian Verplanck, in Dutchess county, and some small pieces in other counties. It is only the Manor of Cortlandt that can here be treated of. His wife Gertrude was made " sole Executrix," and with her as guardian of the minor children, of whom there were several, as well as of the others, he a|)pointed "my Brother Jacobus Van Cortlandt, my Brother [in law] Brant Schuyler, and my cousin William XicoUs,-' to be Guardians, Tutors, and Overseers over my said children." Tlie personal and mixed estate including " plate and jewels " was bequeathed "to my well beloved wife Gertrude," whom he charged with the payment of all debts and funeral charges. And to her were also given " the full and whole rents, issues, and profits of all and every part of my said houses, lands, mills, and other such Estate whatsoever, without giving or rendering any inventory or account thereof to any person whatsoever." The will was dated the 14tli of April 1700, and was proved the 7th of Jamiary 1701.