Jacob Van Woert

Albany resident Jacob Van Woert was born in January 1724. Thus, he would have been the first son of Jacob and Hendrickie Oothout Van Woert. He grew up in a large Albany family.

His wife was Albany County native Elizabeth Fort. Two sons were christened at the Albany Dutch church in 1750 and 1754. Elizabeth was buried in May 1756.

In 1756, "Jacob Van Worst" was identified as a tailor on a list of Albany householders made by the British army.

In 1763, the name of "Jacob Van Voort" appeared on a list of Albany County freeholders.

In 1766 and 1767, his property in the first ward was accorded substantial assessments. In 1779, his property in the same first ward location was valued comparable to that of city businessmen. At the same time, his first ward lot received a more modest assessment.

In November 1768, his land near the Van Rensselaer (north) ferry was referenced in the city records. It formerly had belonged to Jacob Teunise.

In his fifties by the outbreak of hostilities in 1775, perhaps Jacob Van Woert played a more passive role in the ensuing drama. However, afterwards, a "Jacob Van Woordt" was granted a land bounty right in conjunction with the Albany militia regiment.

In January 1782, his account was paid from the city treasury. However, by 1788, the name of this Albany mainliner had dropped from the community-based record. We seek information on his later life and passing.

Sources: The life of Jacob Van Woert is CAP biography number 2599. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources. He sometimes would be known as Jacob J. or Jacob Van Woert, Jr. His same-named son (who married in 1777) gives us pause in the assignment of qualitative information.