Westchester County

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One of the oldest historical societies in the United States, the Westchester County Historical Society was established in 1874 by a group of prominent Westchester men who were passionately interested in history, especially 

On March 27, 1684, Phillip Galpin brought his will to be recorded by John Ryder, the first County Clerk for Westchester County.

At a used book sale, G&B member and volunteer Kathleen Tesluk of New Canaan, CT, acquired a bible marked with the names “John and Agnes Gardner.” She made a transcription of the family record section for The New York Researcher&n

One of the unique aspects of New York history was the existence of manors as political and judicial units in the colonial era.

Compiled accounts of many Westchester County families are contained in “The Families of the Colonial Town of Philipsburgh, Westchester County, N.Y.,” a four-volume typescript by Grenville C. Mackenzie [NYG&B Library MS. T 1.1].

Guides and General Resources

• Roger D. Joslyn, "New York," in Ancestry's Red Book: American State, County & Town Sources, rev.ed. (1992) pp. 521-40

Previously published accounts of Hart Island have treated its early history inadequately. Land, probate, and other records familiar to genealogists help in tracing the ownership of the island prior to its purchase by New York City.

Westchester County is bordered by Connecticut, New Jersey and the New York counties of Putnam, Rockland, and Bronx.

County Formed: November 1, 1683

Parent County: Original County

This material is a compilation of resources available.