Gifford November, 1871.

Isaac N. Mills 2 November, 1883.

Surrogates. -- The authority to grant probates was vested in the Governor as the representative of the King, and he was the ordinary of the Prerogative Court. All wills relating to estates in New York, Orange, Richmond, Westchester and Kings Counties were to be proved in New York. In the towns under the Duke's Laws the constables, overseers and justices took charge of the estates of intestates. Under the act of November 11, 1692, this duty was performed by two freeholders appointed or elected for the purpose. Surrogates were appointed by the colonial Governor at a very early date -- for Westchester County as early as 1730. They had very limited powers. Since the organization of the State the surrogates have been vested with the authority to grant probates, subject to api^eal to the Court of Probates. Counties where the population exceeds forty thousand may be authorized by the Legislature to elect such an officer. Otherwise the county judge acts as such. The office was filled by appointment of the Council of Appointmeni ; later by the Governor and Senate. Under the Constitution of 1846 it became elective. The term was at first during the pleasure of the appointing power. From 1821 to 1846 they were appointed for four years. Since the office became elective the term has been six years.

Colonial Sutrogates of Westchester County. Name. Appointed.

Gilbert Willet 1730.

John Barton February 9, 1754.

Caleb Fowler June 10, 1761.