Genealogical Notes on the Family of Dirck Jans Woertman
9/28/2025 added Sussex Co., NJ
This blog post takes as its starting point the article “The Family of Dirck Janszen Woertman of Brooklyn Ferry,” by Barbara Barth.1 Additions and corrections are listed by the volume and page of the RECORD. A discussion of the Woertmans/Wortmans of Morris Co., NJ, of Northumberland, PA, and Sussex Co., NJ follows.
132:34. Dirck Jans Woertman and Marritje Teunis had another earlier daughter named Elizabeth, baptized 16 May 16772 who undoubtedly died young. The father’s name was Dirck Jansz. Veerman, using the same surname as appears in the baptismal record for the second Elizabeth on 04 Apr 1681. The mother’s name is not given in the baptismal record of the first Elizabeth, but the witnesses were Gerrit Snediger and Willemtje Theunis. Gerrit‘s first wife was Elsje Teunis, sister of the mother, and the second witness was probably his second wife (at the time of the baptism) Willemtje Heerman, incorrectly recorded as Theunis.
132:140. Abraham4 Messler (John3, Harmtje2 Woertman, Dirck1) did not marry a woman named Jane (see footnote 100 in that article citing SCHQ 6:160). She was Jane Covert, bap. 04 Nov 1724 at the RDC of NYC, NY, widow of James Messler (half-brother of John3), whose will was probated 07 Oct 1805, written at Chester, Morris Co., NJ.
132:145. Antje3 Remsen (Femmetje2 Woertman, Dirck1) probably married Dirck Rapalje.3 His will was written 29 Jul 1777 at Somerset Co., NJ mentions his wife, Antje, his deceased son, George (named after his presumed maternal grandfather), and his son, Jeromus (named after his paternal uncle). The couple probably had a son, Teunis, named after his paternal grandfather, who died young. Dirck died before 02 Jan 1778 when his will, written in Somerset Co., NJ, was proved. Antje probably married (2) Folkert Rapalje, Dirck’s brother. Bible record #4685 at the Genealogical Society of New Jersey includes Folkert Rappelyee (1719-1801) and wife, Antje Remse (born 1701), mentioning Annetje, daughter of Joris Remsen, b 9 Jul 1701. The society lists their records by the names of the oldest individuals included. No relationship is noted in the document. Folkert was not the father of the children listed. Though Derick, brother of Folkert, is not listed, he had children by those names and a wife named Anne.
132:146. Catalyntje3 Remsen and Hendrick Remsen had another son, Rem, born on 01 Aug 1732, baptized at Orangetown, Rockland, NY.4
132:146. Heyltie4 Remsen (Heyltje3, Femmetje2 Woertman, Dirck1) married Johannes Schenck on 25 Oct 1746 at the Reformed Dutch Church of Flatbush, NY.5
132:146. Phebe4 Remsen (Heyltje3, Femmetje2 Woertman, Dirck1) married William Howard, son of Joseph Howard and Grietje Van Letten. They had a daughter, Hilletje, baptized at the Reformed Dutch Church of Newtown, on 9 Apr 1755 with Christopher Remsen and Maettie Remsen serving as the witnesses.6 They had a daughter, Grietje, baptized at the Reformed Dutch Church of Flatlands, NY on 25 Dec 1757.7
132:196. Jan2 Woertman (Dirck1) was said to be “late of Middlesex Co., NJ” in a deed of 2 Apr 1750 between John Post and his wife, Altia, heiress of Abraham Blau, and Peter Perrine. Jan sold the land to Abraham Blaw on 20 May 1703. Somerset Co., NJ Deeds, Vol. A, pg. 286.
132:196. Andries3 Woertman (Jan2, Dirck1). His wife may not have been Jannetje Post, but rather Jannetje Covert. Jannetje Post is not mentioned in the 1698 census of Hempstead, NY, nor in the will of her father, William. An Ananet and Annache are listed in those records, respectively. While the name Annetje is sometimes used in records instead of Jannetje, there is evidence that these names are in reference to his daughter Angetje instead. Jeane Covert, probably the niece of Aeltje Covert and ward of William and Aeltje, is listed as a member of William’s household in 1698. She may have grown up with her cousins, explaining their presence as witnesses for the baptisms of her children. For more information, see New Netherland Ancestry blog, “Agnes, Daughter of William Post and Aeltje Covert, Rumors of Her Demise”, Mike Morrissey. Also, see comments under Jan3 Woertman (Jan2, Dirck1) below.
132:196. Andries3 Woertman (Jan2, Dirck1) and Jannetje had two additional children. Their son, William4, was mentioned in the “Journals of Andrew Johnson”, as the son of Andries Wortman.8 Given the probable birthdates of his children, he was the eldest son, born about 1717. He died before 18 Apr 1765 when his will was proved.9 It was written 1 Mar 1765 at Piscataway, Middlesex, NJ and mentions his wife, Margaret; children: Andrew, Anna Maria, Margaret, and David. The farm where he lives is to be given to his son, David, and William Hallemus (who is presumably his son or step-son, but not specified as either in the abstract of his will). William and Margaret are said to have married on 2 Feb 1743 and their children were: Andrew, b. 19 Feb 1743/44; Margaret; David, b. 19 Feb 1748; Martha, b. 05 Apr 1750, d. Sep 1753; Ida, b. 19 Dec 1752; Ana Mary, b. 21 Sep 1755; William, b. 13 Feb 1758. Unfortunately, the source for the additional children and the dates is unknown.
Their daughter, Anna Maria4, married John Phoenix. They were married by 23 Aug 1739 when she was admitted as a member for the Reformed Church of Raritan, NJ10 as Mary Phoenix. John Phoenix is described as the brother-in-law of William Woertman in the Journals of Andrew Johnston.11 Her name is given as Mary Woertman in the baptism of their daughter, Sarah.12 The will of John Phoenix written 17 Jul 1777 in Somerset, NJ mentions his wife, Anna Maria, and his son, John, presumably his eldest, who were also the executors of his estate. His other children were not named. Jennit Wortman was one of the witnesses.13
132:196. Jan4 Woertman (Andries3, Jan2, Dirck1), see comments under Jan3 Woertman (Jan2, Dirck1).
132:196. Andries4 Woertman (Andries3, Jan2, Dirck1) was living in the Peapack Patent with his father on 21 Mar 1758,14 and is mentioned in a day book of Bedminster about 1760.15 He may be the father of Abraham, Margaret, and Effie of Morris Co., NJ, see below.
132:196. Teunis4 Woertman (Andries3, Jan2, Dirck1) lived in the Peapack Patent in 1754,16 and is mentioned in a day book of Bedminster about 1760.17 No further trace.
132:196. Dirck3 Woertman (Jan2, Dirck1) or his son, Dirck4 had lived in the Peapack Patent where other descendants of Jan2 lived.18
132:197. Wilhelmus4 Woertman (Jan Everts3, Jan2, Dirck1) lived in the Peapack Patent and is usually referred to as “Bouts son”, or William, Jr. (being younger than the son of Andries3).19 He is thought to have married Mary Gordon and had twelve children, including:20 Elizabeth, m. George Reed; Margaret, m. Azariah Letts 5 Feb 1801, Hightstown, NJ; Ann Mary, b. circa 1792, Middlesex, NJ,21 m. Abraham Updike; Rebecca, unmarried, living with her sister, Ann Mary Updike in 1850;22 Archibald; William; and Eleanor, m. Henry Mandeville, Gabriel, m. Lavina, and John G., b. 1794, m. Ida Vescelius. All of the children moved to Tompkins Co., NY. His wife was Mary Gordon, living in Ulysses, Seneca (now Tompkins), NY in the 1810 census, aged over 45.23 William died 08 Jun 1803 and is buried at Bedminster, aged 82 yrs, 7 mon, 5 days which calculates to a birthdate of 03 Nov 1720, approximately one year off from his baptismal date of 17 Nov 1721.24 The children were born in NJ and appear to have migrated to NY with their mother after the death of their father, or earlier if married. Having his first child at age over 50 seems unlikely, so this placement is suspect; see the Wortmans of PA below.
132:197. Jan4 Woertman (Jan Everts3, Jan2, Dirck1), see comments under Jan3 Woertman (Jan2, Dirck1).
132:197. Jan4 Woertman (Peter3, Jan2, Dirck1) married (1) Sarah Tunis and (2) Sarah Harriot. His will was written 21 Jun 1804 at Bedminster, Somerset, NJ and proved 18 Sep 1807. It names his wife, Sally, and his ten children: John (under 21), Margaret,25 Mary (wife of Henry Powelson), Sarah (dec. wife of Philip Van Arsdalen), Abigail (dec. wife of Abraham Tunison, Alche (wife of John Voorhees), Rachel (wife of Robert Blair), Rebecca (wife of John Van Duyn), Isabel (wfe of Elijan Stevens), and Christian [Christiana]. His Revolutionary War Pension application says he died, Aug 25, 1807 aged 76 years, 9 mos, 9 days, which calculated to a birthdate of 16 Nov 1730. His first wife is named Sarah (no maiden name), b. 12 Sep 1732, d. 8 Jan 1777. His second wife is named as Sarah Harriot, b. 1757, m. 9 Jul 1777.
132:198. Jan3 Woertman (Jan2, Dirck1). There were several Jan Woertmans living in Somerset and Morris counties who are difficult to distinguish. Besides his son, Jan3, Jan2 had at least 2 grandsons named John (of Andries2 and Jan Evertse2), but likely had others who have not yet been identified:
A John Woertman of Germantown [New Germantown? now Oldwick, Hunterdon Co.], NJ m. Sarah Howard, probably daughter of Joseph & Mary Howard on 15 Jan 1767 at the First and Second Presbyterian Church of Morristown, Morris, NJ.26 She was bap. 8 Apr 1744 at that church.27 She m. (2) Ellis Cook on 28 Sep 178928 and died 8 May 1826 in her 90th year [sic]. Elias Cook wrote his will on 7 Apr 1801 at Hanover, Morris, NJ.29 Ellis’s first wife was, supposedly, Sarah Wortman, died 30 Oct 1771, in her 39th year.30 This John was not John4 Woertman (Peter3, Jan2, Dirck1) whose wives are known.
A John Woertman m. Rachel Ver Kerk before 7 Apr 1759 when her father, John Ver Kerk, wrote his will in Bensalem, Bucks Co., PA, naming him as his son-in-law.31 It is unknown when she was born, but my estimate is that it was not before 1730.
A John Woertman, m. Femmetje Taylor, before 4 Nov 1773 when her father, Benjamin Taylor, wrote his will in Somerset Co., NJ.32 She bap. 06 May 1753 at the Reformed Dutch Church of Raritan, NJ.33
Jan3 Woertman (Jan2, Dirck1) lived in the Peapack Patent by 1743, probably near his brother Peter.34 A John Woertman was living in the Peapack Patent in 175935 and was mentioned in a day book of Bedminster who could be the same person or be the son of Jan Everts2 or Andries3 Woertman (Jan2, Dirck1) if Jan3 had died by then as it appears only one of them was living there around that time.
A John Woertman lived in Roxbury, Morris Co., NJ probably by at least by 1757 and probably m. a woman named Mary, see Woertmans of Morris Co. below.
A John Wortman is listed in the 1773 Tax Ratables of Oxford, Sussex Co., NJ. He may be the same person as the John C. Wortman listed in the 1783-1792 Tax Ratables of Roxbury, Morris, NJ.
Capt. John Wortman of Tewksbury [Hunterdon Co.] (no wife mentioned), NJ mortgaged 35 acres of land where he was living on 8 Nov 1774.36 He is probably the one who took the inventory of the estate of Henry Vanderspiegel of Hunterdon Co. on 23 Sep 1778.37 He is listed in the 1779 and 1780 Tax Ratables
of Tewksbury. He probably had a son named John listed in the 1780 Tax Ratables at John Jr. Given he was a captain, he was born by at least 1750. He may have been the father of William Wortman, part of the Readington, NJ Militia in 1792.38 William is listed in the 1785, 1789, 1790, and 1802 Tax Ratables of Readington, Hunterdon, NJ. That William is likely the one who was deceased by 18 Mar 181839 when William and Mary Wortman of Readington, NJ sold land in Readington to John Wortman of the same place, both sons of William Wortman, dec.40 John Wortman and his wife, Elizabeth (probably Dilley m. 29 Jun 1818), sold part of that land on 10 Nov 1818. They probably had an uncle, David, who died intestate before 16 Dec 1791, at Readington.41 Ursula Wortman (the widow?) and William Wortman (presumably son of Capt. John) were the administrators of his estate. David is listed in the Tax Ratables of Readington, NJ in 1789.42
132:198. Lucas
Covert, husband of Harmtje3 Woertman (Jan2, Dirck1)
was probably the son of Jan Covert and Jannetje Broucard, not Lucas Covert and
Barbara Sprong. Barth cites the
baptismal records and the naming of their children as the reason for this
placement, but she may have been unaware of this Lucas Covert. Though no baptismal record has been found for
him, Lucas is named in his father’s will of 2 May 1719, written at Millstone,
Somerset, NJ. The witnesses for the
baptism at the Reformed Dutch Church of Harlingen, NJ of Lucas’ son, Peter, were Bergen Covert (his brother), and Anna Slover
(wife of Bergen). Lucas was the witness
for his niece, Margaret, daughter of John Swick and Barbara Covert, his wife on
5 Jan 1735 at the RDC of Raritan, NJ. The
names of only two of Lucas and Harmtje’s children are not names of immediate family
members of Harmtje’s family: Teunis and Jannetje. Both Lucases had brothers named Teunis, but
Jannetje would have been named after her paternal grandmother.
132:198. Isaac3 Woertman (Jan2, Dirck1) and his sister Femmetje were witnesses for the baptism of Isaac Covert, their nephew, on 20 Jun 1736 at the First Reformed Church of New Brunswick, NJ.43
132:198. Lodewyck3 Woertman (Jan2, Dirck1) is probably the Lodewyck Wortman who married Elizabeth Maxwell on 25 Oct 1754 at First Presbyterian Church of Morristown, NJ.44 No baptisms were recorded for this couple at that church. She may be the Elizabeth Wortman of Somerset, NJ who died intestate before 2 Nov 1782 when letters of administration of her estate were given to Andrew Wortman of Bedminster, Somerset, NJ. The fellowbondsman was John Wortman, while John Wortman and Peter Wortman took the inventory of her estate.45
132:200. Mary/Martha2 Woertman (Teunis2, Dirck1) almost certainly did not marry (2) Johannes Casshow as the baptismal record cited was probably mis-transcribed naming the wife of Johannes Coussow as Mattye Woertman rather than Marytje Simonse. The next baptism on the same day was omitted in that transcription, being that of Mouris, son of Mouris Simonse and Cornelia Laquire, with Simon Simonse and his wife, Mattye Wortman, serving as witnesses.46 That baptismal record is confirmed by Stoutenburgh, though he does not list the witnesses.
132:200. Annetje3 Woertman (Teunis2, Dirck1) and Jacob Pieterse probably had another daughter, Rebecca, bap. 6 Nov 1726 at the Reformed Dutch Church of New Utrecht, NY, named after her maternal grandmother, Rebecca Jans Van Nostrand. The father is listed as Jacob Jacobsen, whom Jacob Pieterse was sometimes referred to as, while the witnesses were Jacobus DeBeavois and Rebecca Gerritsen, probably the maternal grandmother, wife of Adiran Gerritsen (Nieuwkerk) at that time.
132:201. Catherine2 Woertman (Teunis2, Dirck1) married Adrian, son of Isaac Bennet and Magdalena Joosten, not Adrian Bennet and Agnes Van Dyck. She married (2) Jacob Bennet. See New Netherland Ancestry blog, Additions and Corrections to “Willem Adriaense Bennet of Brooklyn, N.Y., Isaac3 Bennet (Adriaen2, Willem1), Mike Morrissey for more information.
132:260. Elizabeth3 Woertman (Dirck2, Dirck1) and John Margeson had at least two children, Elizabeth and Thomas, baptized at the First and Second Presbyterian Church, NYC, NY.47
132:261. Mary3 Remsen (Elizabeth2 Woertman, Dirck1) was probably born about 1701, see her sister, Femmetje, below. Her son, Jan4 Ditmars. probably married a woman named Geertje and moved to near Six Mile Run, Somerset Co., NJ where they had two children baptized.48
132:261. Elizabeth2 Woertman (Dirck1) and Jan Remsen probably had another daughter, Femmetje, named after her maternal aunt, born 25 Oct 1703, died 06 Feb 1771 at Fishkill, NY, married Abraham Brinkerhoff. Her maiden name is given in the baptismal records of her children at the Reformed Dutch Church of Fishkill, NJ, and her parents are suggested by the witnesses at the baptism of their daughter, Elizabeth, on 10 Apr 172649, being Douwe Ditmars (husband of Femmetje’s sister, Mary), and Elizabeth Remsen, Femmetje’s sister.
132:261. John3 Remsen (Elizabeth2 Woertman, Dirck1) married Sarah Amerman, probably daughter of Derick Amerman and Margaret Polhemus, with license dated 24 Jul 1766 as John Ramsen.50
132:261. Elsye4 Remsen (Rem3, Elizabeth2 Woertman, Dirck1) was the daughter of Rem Remsen and Elsje Bergen, not Rem and Aeltje Demott. The mother’s name is listed as Elsye in the baptismal record51 and she is not listed in the will of Rem, husband of Aeltje.52
132:261, 262, 291. John5 Remsen (Joris3, Elizabeth2 Woertman, Dirck1) did not marry Sarah Amelman/Amerman. John4 Remsen (Rem3, Elizabeth2 Woertman, Dirck1) married Sarah Amerman with license dated 24 Jul 1766, whose wife was only known as Sara. For details see
https://www.facebook.com/groups/436937160998743/posts/1315846869774430/ which references his will (Queens Co., NY Wills, Liber E, pg. 94) and tombstone where his birthdate calculates to Feb 1736.
132:266. Abraham4 DeRiemer (Peter3, Annetje2 Woertman, Dirck1) married Elenor/Nelly as his only known wife, not Abraham3 DeRiemer (Annetje2 Woertman, Dirck1), see below. He died intestate before 04 Jun 1779 when his widow, Nelly, refused administration of his estate which was then granted to Jacob DeRemer with Peter Deremer serving as the fellowbondsman. Jacob and Peter were probably his bothers. Nelly married second Peter Covenhoven. On 19 Apr 1808 Peter Covenhoven and his wife, Nelly, and Peter Deremer, son of said Nelly, all of South Amboy, Middlesex, NJ, sold a lot of land in the City of New Brunswick, NJ adjoining the land of John Wyckoff.53 Presuming Catherine died without heirs, this is likely the lot owned by the children of Abraham DeRemer, deceased, in the City of New Brunswick.54
132:266. Isaac3 DeRiemer (Annetje2 Woertman, Dirck1) was baptized 21 Mar 1731 at the Harlingen Reformed Dutch Church,55 not on 31 Mar 1731 at the Raritan Dutch Church, New Jersey.
132:266. Elizabeth3 DeRiemer (Annetje2 Woertman, Dirck1) probably married Abraham Fonteyn, son of Charles Fonteyn and Magdalena Reyniersen. Elizabeth Deremer, wife of Abraham Vanteyn, was admitted as a member to the First Reformed Church of New Brunswick on Nov 2, 1752.56 She was the witness for the baptism of Elizabeth, daughter of John Schuurman and her presumed sister, Annetje DeReimer, on 09 Aug 1761 at the First Reformed Church of New Brunswick,57 and John Schurman was the fellowbondsman for the estate of Elizabeth's husband, Abraham Fonteyn on 18 Jan 1764.58 As Elizabeth Fontine she probably married second Hendrick Fisher on 07 Jun 1764.59 Hendrick Fisher sued Charles Fontine in Somerset Co., NJ for her dower in 1778.60 Though the grounds of the suit and the relationship between the parties are not stated, it would appear that Charles was an undocumented son of Elizabeth, named after his paternal grandfather, and came of age in or about 1778, but Abraham’s estate had gone to Charles, with no dower to Elizabeth.
132:267. Annetje3 DeRiemer (Annetje2 Woertman, Dirck1) and John Schureman probably had another son, Isaac, baptized 31 Dec 1758 at the First Reformed Church of New Brunswick,61 though his parents are not named. He was named after his maternal grandfather. He is not named in his father's will, so he died young.
132:267. Abraham3 DeRiemer (Annetje2 Woertman, Dirck1) is probably the Abraham DeRemer of Amwell, Hunterdon, NJ who sold land in Amwell on 4 May 1784, which he purchased on 14 May 1747, to Andrew Larrison,62 based on his age at the date of the purchase. The deed did not mention his wife, but was witnessed by an Abraham DeRemer, Jr., probably the son of his brother, Dirck, since he did not mention a son named Abraham in his will His wife, Jane, is mentioned as the wife of Abraham DeRiemer in the will of her father, Cornelius, dated 12 Dec 1768.63 He personally confirmed the sale on 6 Jan 1789. He died before 06 Jan 1792 when his will, written 29 Jan 1791 at Amwell, Hunterdon, NJ, was proved.64 It mentions his son-in-law, Samuel Corle and his wife, Catherine; his son-in-law, John Wilson and his wife, Jane (not mentioned by Barth); several grandchildren, and Abraham DeRiemer, son of his nephew, Derrick DeRemer. I am assuming he is actually referring to his nephew, son of his brother Dirck, who may have been the witness to the 1784 deed. As Abraham’s will mentions, his daughter, Catherine, did not die young.
Abraham, husband of Eleanor/Nelly who died intestate before
5 Jun 1779 was actually the son of Peter DeRiemer and Wyntje Kingsberry. The administrator of his estate was his
brother, Jacob, and the fellowbondsman was his brother, Peter.
132:267. Derrick3 DeRiemer (Annetje2 Woertman, Dirck1) is probably the best placement for the Richard DeRemer of NYC, but there is another possibility. The Richard DeRemer who was buried on 27 Oct 1802 in NYC is stated in his death record in Manhattan, NY County, NY on the same date that he was born in NY (unlikely as that name is unknown in the NYC branch of the family previously) and died at age 63, therefore born about 1739. This is much closer to the birthdate of Derrick DeRiemer, husband of Barbara Gosen, who was born 2 Nov 1740. The 1790 census of Harlem, NYC, NY lists Richard DeRemer with 2 males over 16, 1 male 16 and under and 3 females. The 1800 Census of the 7th ward of NYC, NY list Richard Deremer with 1 male 16-26, 1 male over 45, 2 females under 10, and 1 female over 45. On 23 Nov 1801, Richard DeDiemer, cartman, purchased land in the 7th ward of NYC, NY (NY County Deeds, Vol. 61, pg. 262), unfortunately no record of him or his heirs selling it was found. Both families had sons named Abraham and a son named Richard was likely for both. The data fits loosely for both families, but the presence of a daughter, Hannah, possibly named after her paternal grandmother, Annetje Woetman, favors the current placement.
133:143. Phebe4 Wortman (Jan3, Teunis2, Dirck1) and Charles Simonson probably had another daughter, Leah, born Feb 1771, died 08 Sep 1848 at Jamaica, NY, married Leonard Seaman.65 She would have been named after her maternal aunt.
133:143. Antje Lott, widow of Gysbert Bogert, stepson of Derrick3 Woertman (Teunis2, Dirck1) did not marry (2) Martin Schenck of Cowsneck. The will of Mouweris Lott66 bequests one half of his residual estate to the children of his sister, Catherine, and the children of Agnes, deceased, late the wife of Martin Schenck, of Cowsneck. He names the four children of Catherine who are to each receive one fifth of the bequest, but not the children of Agnes, who receive the other fifth. It appears that he names the living children of Catherine together, but Catherine’s daughter, Agnes, separately since she is deceased and the bequest is to go to her children. Catherine’s daughter, Agnes, is named as the wife of Martin Schenck in the will of her father, Jacob Rapalje, on 6 Jan 1775.67
133:193 William5 Bennet (Johanna4 Woertman, Teunis3, Teunis2, Dirck1) did not marry Ann Titus.68 He married his cousin, Sarah5 Cannon (Susanna4 Woertman, Teunis3, Teunis2, Dirck1) after the death of her husband, George Duryea.
133:193 Teunis5 Bennet (Johanna4 Woertman, Teunis3, Teunis2, Dirck1) married a woman named Hannah by 1803 when they were witnesses for the baptism of his nephew, William, son of Jacob Bennet and Elizabeth Brower on 3 Jul 1803.69 She died before he wrote his will in 181070 which does not mention a wife or any children.
As background, of the descendants of Jan2 Woertman (Dirck1) the following are named in the Journals of Andrew Johnson 1743-1763 concerning the Peapack Patent in Somerset Co., NJ:71 Andries3 and his sons: William4, Teunis4. Andries4; Dirck/Derrick3; Jan Everts3 and his son William4; Peter3; Abraham3; and John3. William, son of Jan Everts is often designated as “Bouts” son or William Jr., while William, son of Andries, can usually be determined by the context in which he mentioned. Given that mentions of John3 have no qualifiers, like Jr., when he is mentioned, it is likely there was only one John Wortman in the area at the time, though the later mentions could be of his nephews, John4 (Andries3) or Jan4 (Jan Everts3). All of these Wortmans are mentioned in a day book in the township of Bedminster from about 1760,72 except Andries3, Sr.
The Wortmans of Morris Co., NJ
There are no Wortmans listed in the 1752 Freeholders list of Morris Co., NJ. However, there were several early Wortman families living in Morris Co., NJ with at least one by 1753 and another by 1757. They lived in the area of Morris Co. just north of the Peapack Patent where most, if not all, of the sons of Jan2 Woertman (Dirck1) settled. There is not enough information to place them in the family tree, but this information will hopefully be helpful in determining their position. The surname sometimes is recorded as Workman, but it seems that the name has sometimes been mis-transcribed because of the way the t was crossed (or not), making it look like a k.73
Benjamin Wortman of Morris Co., NJ
Benjamin Woortman died in Morris Co., NJ before 9 Mar 1768 when Letters of Administration of his estate were issued to Peter Woortman, “second brother of said Benjamin.”74 He had been at Peter Workman's, laying sick for 6 weeks and 5 days. The fellowbondsman Joseph Montanye; both [Joseph and Peter] of said Co. Witness - Joseph Wortman. In the record of the inventory, it notes that money was received from John Workman, son of Dirck Dirck [sic], Joseph Workman and Peter Workman.
Benjamin, Peter, Joseph, and John are probably all aged 21 or older, so born by 1747. If John Workman, son of Dirck Dirck, is actually the son of Dirck Wortman, which seems likely, then Benjamin and Peter are probably undocumented sons of Dirck3 Woertman (Jan2, Dirck1) and Elizabeth. Their known children were baptized at New Brunswick, NJ,75 but there is room between 1727 and 1744 for additional children. As noted earlier, Dirck3 or his son Dirck4 owned land in the Peapack Patent and were living in or near Bedminster about 1760. Unfortunately, the family has not been traced further. The names Joseph and Benjamin are new to the Wortman family at this point so possibly come from the maternal side of the family whose ancestry is unknown. John, Peter, and Joseph are likely the Wortmans described below.
John and Mary Wortman of Roxbury, Morris, NJ
John Wortman purchased 286 acres of land from Hendrick Fisher (Esquire) and Peter Schenk (Esquire) located east of Allametonk River; At Allametonk; Roxbury Township; Morris Co., NJ on 16 Apr 1771.76 Stephen Hunt was owner of adjoining land (possibly sold shortly afterwards to Peter Wortman, see below) and Matthew Teneyck was one of the witnesses. Matthew later obtained a mortgage in 1772 on the land from John and Mary Wortman.77 John was listed with 150 acres in the Tax Ratables of 1779 in Roxbury, Morris, NJ (Book 1429A) and is listed through 1792. The Allametunk River, now known as the Lamington River, flows between Washington and Chester townships of Morris Co. Those townships were formed from Roxbury in 1798 and 1799, respectively.
A John Wortman was involved in several Supreme Court Cases in Morris Co., NJ:78
As a defendant in the case of Thomas Clawson v. John Wortman for a debt in 1757.
As a defendant in the case of Caleb Lindsley v. John Wortman for trespass on the case in 1776.
As a defendant in the case of David Zeigler v. John Wortman for trespass in 1780.
As John Workman, a witness called in the case of State of New Jersey v. Thomas Collins in 1780 for possession or passing of counterfeit money or documents
These may not all be the same man, but the first suggests he was an older man, born by at least 1736. Also, an Andries Wortman, possibly the father of John, was involved in a similar case in 1757, King v. Timothy Conner, to the last one above in Morris Co.: An Indictment for Counterfeiting (on June 20, 1747, at Morristown, for keeping certain instruments called molds and stamps, wherein to case the likeness of Spanish pieces of eight; and purchasing from Andreas Wortman false bills of credit).
There were three or four John Wortmans who appear in the Tax Ratables of Roxbury, Morris, NJ from 1779-1797 (no listings for 1781-83 have survived):
1) John Wortman appears in the 1779-1792 Tax Ratables of Roxbury, Morris, NJ, usually with 100 acres.
2) John, Jr. is listed in 1779-1780 with 0 acres, probably the son of John.
3) John Wortman, usually noted as 3d, is listed 1783 – 1797, single in 1783 and 1784, so probably the husband of Charity.
4) John C. Wortman is listed 1783-1792.
It is unclear what the suffix 3d is intended to signify, but I think it is that he is the youngest of the 3 John Wortmans, not a John III. John C. Wortman has not been identified.
John Wortman and Charity Messler of Morris Co., NJ
The will of James Messler written 9 Mar 1803 in Chester, Morris Co., NJ79 names his wife, Jane, and his son-in-law "John Wortman, Jr." implying he was the son of a John Woertman. The land of John and Mary Wortman above was on the east side of the Allametunk River, so later in Chester Township, Morris Co. Their son, Benjamin, was born in Chester Township, possibly named after the Benjamin Woertman who died in 1768. These suggest he may be the son of John and Mary.
John Wortman served in the Revolutionary War. His widow was of Morris Co., NJ when she applied for his pension on 30 Aug 1838. It is summarized as follows: John Wortman NJ Line, Charity, widow, W100, sol was b. 25 Aug 1757 and he m. Charity Mesler 2 Oct 1785 and she was b 20 Jun 1768, sol d 19 May 1831 in Morris Co NJ and his wid appl there 30 Aug 1838, sol's and wid's children were: Jane b 6 Jul 1786, Benjamin b 2 May 1788, and infant b 13 Jun 1790 and d 26 Jun 1790, Mary b 26 Aug 1791, Agnes b 13 Oct 1793, Charity b 10 Mar 1796, Ann b 9 Jul 1798, Sarah b 31 Mar 1801 and d 3 Apr 1802, Abraham b 14 Jul 1803, Ruth b 12 Apr 1806 and d 5 Dec 1809, and John b 6 Apr 1809.80
On 21 Oct 1802 John Wortman of Chester Township, Morris Co., NJ bought 240 acres of land in Chester.81
He appears to be buried in the Old Bedminster Cemetery. Though the tombstone transcription says he died in 1834, if you use his death date in his pension application and his age on the tombstone, you get the correct birth date.82 His wife, Charity, appears to be buried there as well. No death date is given on her tombstone, but given her baptismal date and her age at death, she would have died before 11 Apr 1839.83 Others list her death date as 13 Mar 1840 (her estate was inventoried in 1840 in Morris Co.).84
Peter Wortman and Mary Miller of Roxbury, Morris, NJ.
Peter bought land at Allametunk, Roxbury Township on 18 Jun 1771 from Stephen and Ann Hunt.85 One of the witnesses was John Montaney, probably Montayne, his brother-in-law. He was listed with 235 acres in the Tax Ratables of 1779 in Roxbury, Morris, NJ. The land probably adjoined land of John Wortman, which John purchased on 16 Apr 1771, which adjoined land of Stephen Hunt at that time.
Peter’s will, written 23 May 1779 at Roxbury, Morris Co. and proved 28 Jun 1779, mentions his wife, Mary, his oldest son, Andrew, his youngest son, Joseph, and 5 daughters, but only names 4 of them: Elizabeth, Alshe, Sarah, and Margaret. His son, Joseph, was under the age of 21, and all of his daughters were under the age of 18. The executors of his estate were his wife, Mary, and John Montayne, supposedly his wife's brother-in-law. Peter’s wife was probably the daughter of Andrew Miller and Elizabeth Hann. Their daughter, Sarah, married John Montayne. The executors, Mary Wortman, now Brown and John Montayne were forced to sell 44 acres of land on 18 Apr 1787, bordering the Peapack Patent (in Somerset Co.) on the south, to Patrick Brown, possibly Mary’s second husband. Since this was likely part of the purchase in 1771, it clarifies the location of the property.
Some have suggested that this Peter was probably the son of Andries Woertman and Jannetje,86 but this has not been confirmed. In fact, as noted above, Peter is the “second brother” of Benjamin, but it is unlikely that Andries had two sons in addition to their nine known children. Peter did have a son named Joseph, possibly named after Josephus, but that is just a guess. None of Peter’s daughters have been traced further.
His son, Andrew, was at least 21, so born by at least 1758. Given the above, Peter was probably born by at least 1738. A Peter Wortman and a Josephus Wortman were on a voting register in Morris Co., NJ in 1776.87
On 23 Aug 1782 his son, Andrew Wortman of Roxbury, Morris, NJ, sold 112 acres of land in Roxbury to James Skinner.88 On 18 Jun 1783 Andrew Wortman of Roxbury, Morris, NJ sold 202 acres of land in Roxbury to Morris Creator.89 No wife is mentioned in either deed; no further trace.
His son, Joseph, married Margaret Emans, daughter of Nicholas Emans and Mary Van Doren,90 and had children: Mary, m. Henry Durling; Gertrude, m. Stephen Howell; Peter, b. 15 Jun 1794, m. Mary Messlar; Jacob, m. Sally Crater; Melinda, unmarried; and Nicholas, unmarried. Joseph and Margaret Wortman of Washington Township, Morris Co., NJ sold land in Washington on 25 Apr 1806,91 which they purchased from Andrew Bartles on 8 May 1797 and bordered land of Morris Creator.
An Aeltje Clawson, daughter of Joseph Wortman, age 68 died on 17 Feb 1861 in Somerset, NJ according to her death certificate. Her will was written in Bedminster, Somerset, NJ was proved 3 Apr 1861 and mentions her son, Henry Dorland, whom she was living with at the time. Her first husband was Henry Dorland (The Dorland Enigma Solved, Barbara Barth, pg. 111). Their children were Catherine, b. abt. 1816, William Willis, b. abt. 1821 and Henry C., b. 12 Jul 1827. Her second husband was Levi Clawson, b. circa 1790, d. 8 Jun 1857, whom she was living with in the 1850 census of Bedminster, Somerset Co., NJ. She is probably another daughter of Joseph and Margaret, with Mary either being confused with her or having married someone else.
Peter’s sons, Andrew and Joseph Wortman, may be the ones who were indicted for a misdemeanor by the Somerset County Court of General Sessions on 22 Apr 1784 (Somerset County Genealogical Quarterly Vol 2, Num. 3 p. 138).
Josephus and Martha Wortman of Hanover, Morris Co., NJ
He is likely the Joseph Wortman mentioned earlier in the probate of Benjamin Wortman in 1768, so probably born by at least 1750. He was on a voting register in Morris Co., NJ in 1776, mentioned earlier. He died in Morris Co., NJ before 5 Apr 1777 when letters of administration were issued to Martha Woortman (probably his widow) and Elijah Jones, Jr.92 The fellowbondsman was Matthew Moores, noted as “all of Hanover, said Co.”, so it is assumed that Josephus was as well. It is unknown if he had any children.
He was involved in two Supreme Court Cases in Morris Co., NJ:93
1) as a defendant in Joseph Wortman v. James McBride for Debt in 1774.
2) as a defendant in James McBride v. Josephus Wortman in an Appeal on Debt in 1776.
Andrew Wortman of Morris Co., NJ
Andrew is known only by his identification as the father of Margaret Wortman, wife of Albert Voorhees.94 She gave testimony in 1841 supporting the pension application for Abraham Wortman. She states that she was born in Morris Co., NJ, that she lived there until she was 46, and that she was then age 72 and lived in Athens Co., OH.95 She did not state how they were related, but that she was intimately acquainted with him and his wife, that Abraham was married at Spotswood Middlesex, NJ. on or about Feb 1786 which was about two years before her own marriage, and that they had lived in the same neighborhood in Morris Co. Given the naming of her children below, it is likely Andrew’s wife’s name was Mary. Given Abraham’s birth in 1753, Andrew was probably born by 1733 and had several other children. The best known match would be Andries4 Wortman (Andries3, Jan2, Dirck1) if Abraham was not actually born in Morris Co., but grew up there.
Margaret Woertman was born 27 Sep 1768, married Albert Voorhees 20 Dec 1787, and died on 20 Jun 1850 at Athens, OH. Their children were: Catherine, b. 23 Sep 1788 in NJ, m. Hezekiah Topping; Peter, b. 5 Jan 1791, m. Elizabeth Burnett; Albert, b. 17 May 1793, m. Mary Clay; Sally, b. 5 May 1796, died Oct 1799; Mary Workman, b. 14 Feb 1799, m. Abraham Van Voorhees; Andrew Workman, b. 23 Aug 1801, m. Mary Crokitt; Abraham, b. 5 Sep 1804, m. Sarah Sperry; Rebecca, b. 27 Jul 1807, m. Darius Farrel.96
In Abraham Wortman’s pension application he states he was born in May 1753 in Roxbury Township, Morris Co., NJ and resided there until after the birth of their third child. He was listed in the 1779-1791 Tax Ratables of Roxbury, Morris, NJ. He was 79 on 29 Aug 1832. He died 29 Dec 1835 at Mill Run, Fayette, PA. Abraham married Abigail Ponwort and had the following children: Ephemia, b. circa 1786; Mary, b. circa 1791; Elizabeth, b. circa 1791; Robert, b. circa 1799; Sarah, b. circa 1801; Smith, b. circa 1805.
A Robert Colborn of Fayette, PA gave supporting evidence for Abraham Wortman’s pension application. He said he was personally acquainted with Abraham, that Abraham was a native of Rocksbury, Morris, NJ and that he served with him in several engagements. Abraham provided supporting evidence for Robert’s pension claim (#32691).97 Robert’s wife is thought to be Effie Wortman (see Hammers Genealogy, Wayne V. Parker), born about May 1753 in Morris Co., NJ, died 25 Nov 1826 in Turkeyfoot, Somerset, PA (see https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/91924468/effie-colborn, possibly a sibling of Abraham (note: he had a daughter named Ephemia). Her parents were supposedly John Worman, Sr. and Sarah, implying she had a brother named John. This John could have been the husband of Charity mentioned earlier as he was known as John Jr., but the identification of her parents seems speculative. Effie was alive at the time of the battle of Monmouth (1778), but her name is not given.
The Wortmans of Northumberland, PA
There were several Wortman families mentioned in the early records of Northumberland, PA, beginning in the 1770s. Those include Andrew, David, William, and Ephraim. Their parentage is unknown, but though speculative, Andrew, David, and William may be the sons of William4 Woertman (Andries3, Jan2, Dirck1), mentioned in his will written in Piscataway, NJ98 and have not been otherwise traced, based on very circumstantial evidence. If correct, then Ephraim is likely a cousin. Though there is not enough evidence to identify their parents, it is hoped this information will give rise to more research on these families.
On Aug. 21, 1777, the men of Muncy Township [Northumberland, in 1795 Lycoming Co.] signed the petition and addressed it to the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania reporting the election of two Justices of the Peace; Andrew Culbertson and Mordecai McKinney. Signers included Andrew Wortman and David Wortman. On 10 Jun 1778 those signing a petition by the distressed inhabitants of the county of Northumberland, on the west branch of the river Susquehanna above Muncy Hills included Andrew Wortman, David Wortman, and Ephraim Wortman.99 There was a mass evacuation of the area100 and it appears Ephraim withdrew to Augusta Township, Northumberland and Andrew to Kingston, Luzerne, PA.
Ephraim Wortman served in the Third Pennsylvania Regiment under Colonel Thomas Craig in 1777.
Ephraim Workman is listed in the State Tax, Augusta Township, Northumberland County, 1778-1780.101
Andrew Wortman served as a private in Pennsylvania under Capt. Christian Schaffer in 1778.
On 4 Apr 1788 a William Wortman witnessed a deed conveying lands [probably in Kingston, Northumberland, later Luzerne Co.] from John Swift to John Pierce. I have not found any further trace of him. Though there is no evidence which identifies this William Wortman as the son of William of Piscataway mentioned earlier, a family history of William Wortman and Polly Gordon (mentioned earlier with a different placement) places them in Luzerne, PA at the time of the Wyoming Massacre in 1778. It mentions the mother, Polly Gordon, as having escaped with nine children, protecting her youngest two.102 The Battle of Wyoming took place in Kingston, Northumberland (later Luzerne) Co., PA.103 The story is not completely correct since only two or three of their children were born by 1778. The family is said to have later lived in PA or NJ (most records suggest NJ but a few suggest both) and moved to Ulysses, Tompkins Co., NY after 1801. The problem with this placement is that their eldest child was born by 1774, whereas William, son of William of Piscataway, is thought to have been born in 1758, see earlier, too late to have had children in 1774.
On 14 Oct 1789 Benjamin Carpenter bought from Andrew Wortman and his wife, Jemima, administrators of the estate of Ozias Yale, three-fourths of Lot 31, Third Division, Kingston [Northumberland, later Luzerne Co., PA].104
Ephraim Workman is listed in the 1790 Census Northumberland, PA with 1 male over 16, 3 males 16 and under, and 4 females.
Andrew Wortman and David Wortman were involved in the Pennsylvania Insurrection of 1794: Enrolled 16 Sep 1794, Discharged 23 Dec 1794.105 David Wortman, son of William of Piscataway, NJ, married Lydia Gordon on 10 Jan 1770 in Middlesex Co., NJ,106 but since I have no further trace of David, he may not be the David of Northumberland.
About 1794 Andrew Wortman moved from PA and settled near the river [Genesee in Ontario, now Genesee Co., NY]107 On 28 May 1802 Andrew Wortman registered his earmark in Northampton, Ontario Co., NY.108 Northampton became part of Genesee Co. when it was formed in 1802. On 13 May 1810 Andrew and Jemima Wortman of Caledonia, Genesee, NY sold land in the township of Springfield to a group of Hosmers.109
Below are the census records regarding the early Wortman families in Genesee Co., NY. Based on the land records it is clear that Andrew came from Luzerne Co., PA and settled in Genesee Co., NY. The 1800 census suggests Andrew was born no earlier than 1755, while Andrew, son of William of Piscataway, NJ. was supposedly born in 1744. It is uncertain if Ephraim Wortman of Northumberland Co., PA is the same as Ephraim of Genesee Co., NY, but it is quite likely. How Thomas may be related is unclear, but may be a son of Ephriam.
1800 Census Geneseo, Ontario, NY: Andrew Wortman
1 male under 10, 1 male 26-44, 1 female 16-26. 1 female 45 or older
1810 Census Caledonia, Genesee, NY: Andrew Wortman
1 male 16-25, 1 male 45 or older, 1 female 45 or older
1810 Census Genesee, NY: Ephraim Wortman
2 males 16-25, 1 male 45 or older, 1 female 45 or older
1820 Census Batavia, Genesee NY: Ephraim Wartman
2 males under 10, 1 male 26-44, 1 female under 10, 1 female 26-44
1830 Census Batavia, Genesee, NY: Ephraim Wortman
1 male 10-14, 1 male 15-29, 1 male 40-49, 1 female 5-9, female 30-39
1820 census Batavia, Genesee, NY: Thomas Wortman
1 male under 10, 1 male 10-15, 1 male 26-44, 1 female under 10, 1 female 10-15, 1 female 26-44
1830 Census Batavia, Genesee, NY: Thomas Wortman
1 male 10-15, 1 male 15-19, 1 male 20-29, 1 male 50-59, 1 female under 10, 1 female 15-19, 1 female 50-59
Ephraim may have been the Ephraim L. Wortman who was a witness to the will of John Bartholomy of Greenwich, Sussex, NJ on 3 May 1772.110 As mentioned earlier, Ephriam was living in Muncy, Northumberland, PA in 1778. He served in the PA Militia in the Revolutionary War.111 Amos, son of Ephraim Wortman and Anna Crossman, said his grandfather was the Ephraim Wortman who served as a tailor for George Washington. This suggests Ephraim, Sr. lived in NJ since Washington spent so much of his time there after the loss of NYC. In the 1880 census of Leslie, Ingham Co., MI Amon’s parents are listed as having been born in PA. I have not proved this is the correct Ephraim.
Wortmans of Sussex and Warren Counties, NJ
There were several Wortman families who lived, at least temporarily. in Sussex and Warren (part of Sussex until 1824) counties in NJ. Those included one or more David Wortmans in Sussex, now Warren Co., NJ in 1793:
1793 Military Census, Greenwich Twp., Sussex Co., NJ: David Wortman and David Workman (same person?),
1793 Tax Ratables of Greenwich Twp, Sussex Co., NJ, and David Wortman; 1793 Tax Ratables, Oxford Twp., Sussex Co., NJ: possibly same person owning land in both places.
An Elizabeth Wortman married Christopher Mott on 8 Feb 1798 at Sussex, NJ, though this could be her married name. Nothing further is known for certain of this couple. However, the following records probably relate to Christopher Mott and Elizabeth McClure:
On 1 Nov 1813 Christopher Mott and his wife, Elizabeth, of Hardwick, Sussex, NJ sold land in Hardwick, NJ. Sussex Co., NJ Deeds, Vol. K2, pg. 112.
On 20 Mar 1817 Christopher Mott and his wife, Elizabeth of Hardwick, Sussex, NJ, but now of Wayne Co., PA sold land in Hardwick, NJ to George Mott of Hardwick, NJ. Sussex Co., NJ Deeds, Vol R2, pg. 86.
He may be the Christopher Mott who was a Captain in Harker's Company, Second Regiment, Sussex, NJ. If so, his wife may have been Elizabeth McClure, married in their 30s, and if so, she may have been the widow a Wortman.
An Ephriam L. Wortman was a witness to the will of John Bartholomy of Greenwich, Sussex, NJ on 3 May 1772. He may have been the Ephraim Wortman living in Muncy, PA mentioned earlier,
There was a William Wortman of Sussex Co., NJ who married a woman named Grace. He is thought by some to be the same William of New Jersey who first married Grace Park, then second Content Stockton, and moved to Forsyth Co., NC. They are probably different men, but are both presented below.
William Woertman of Sussex, NJ
Generation No. 1
1. WILLIAM1 WOERTMAN was born bet. 1733 - 1753. He married GRACE prob. MILLER. She was probably the daughter of Andrew Miller and Elizabeth Hahn. Andrew's daughter, Grace, is thought to have married Joseph Ogden. He is probably the Dr. Joseph Odgen who wrote his will on 15 Oct 1768 in Roxbury, Morris Co., NJ, proved 21 Nov 1769, mentioning his wife, Grais. One of the executors was Andrew Miller, Jr., presumably his wife’s brother. William was her second husband.
William was probably a witness to the will of Elinor Robeson of Knowlton, Sussex, NJ on 30 Oct 1773. He was probably the William Wortman in the 1773 Tax Ratables of Oxford Twp., Sussex, NJ. A John Wortman is also listed that year.
They likely had a daughter named Margaret. She was born about 1780. She was listed as Margaret Tunison living with Andrew Miller Wortman Tunison (son of her presumed sister, Elizabeth) in the 1850 census of Branchburg, Somerset, NJ, but is named Margaret Wortman in the 1860 census of the same household.
See https://www.familysearch.org/en/tree/person/details/LTGT-B6R for details.
Children of WILLIAM WOERTMAN and GRACE MILLER are:
i. AELTJE2 WOERTMAN, b. 23 Nov 1772, NJ; d. 06 Jun 1861, Bedminster, Somerset, NJ. She was living with her nephew, Issac, in the 1860 census of Bedminster, Somerset, NJ. Her death record names her parents: William Wortman and Grace.
2. ii. ANDREW MILLER WOERTMAN, b. 26 Aug 1775, Sussex, NJ; d. 28 Jul 1856, Bedminster, Somerset, NJ.
iii. ELIZABETH WOERTMAN, b. 30 Dec 1777, d. 26 Dec 1857 at Somerset, NJ. Her death certificate lists her parents as William Wortman and Grace. She married Abraham P. Tunison on 10 Oct 1808, and had a son named Andrew Miller Wortman Tunison, born 22 Jul 1809.
Generation No. 2
2. ANDREW MILLER2 WOERTMAN (WILLIAM1) was born 26 Aug 1775 in Sussex, NJ, and died 28 Jul 1856 in Bedminster, Somerset, NJ. He married MARY DOW 16 Apr 1802 in Somerset, NJ. She was born 03 Oct 1780 in NJ, and died 06 Nov 1865 in Bedminster, Somerset, NJ.
Andrew Wortman & Polly Davis, John Vorhius b. Feb. 25, 1803, bap. Mar 13.
Andrew Wortman & Polly Davis, Elizabeth b. Sept. 3, 1806, bap. Oct. 19, 1806
I am uncertain where these baptisms took place.
His will mentions his wife, Mary, and his children, but only names his sons, William and John. His death record says he was born in Sussex, NJ and his parents were William and Grace.
See https://www.familysearch.org/en/tree/person/details/LTGT-B6R for details.
Children of ANDREW WOERTMAN and MARY DOW are:
i. JOHN VOORHEES3 WOERTMAN, b. 25 Feb 1803, NJ; d. 18 Oct 1890, Bridgewater, Somerset, NJ; m. SOPHIA COOPER, 14 Nov 1827, NJ; b. circa 1805, NJ; d. 28 Mar 1873, Green Knoll, Somerset, NJ.
The family is listed in the 1850 census of Franklin, Somerset, NJ
ii. WILLIAM WOERTMAN, b. 4 Sep 1804, NJ; d. 21 Aug 1873, Somerset, NJ; m. CATHERINE ANN TUNISON, 18 Jan 1827 Somerset, NJ; b. 03 Mar 1806, NJ; d. 08 Jul 1890, Somerset, NJ.
iii. ELIZABETH WOERTMAN, b. 3 Sep 1806, NJ; d. 12 Jun 1890, Delaware, Hunterdon, NJ; m. ROBERT LANNING ABBOTT, 13 Sep 1827; b. 18 May 1796, NJ; d. 23 Nov 1875, Sergeantsville, Hunterdon, NJ.
iv. PHILIP V. WOERTMAN, b. 23 Jul 1811, NJ; d. 17 Dec 1899, NJ.
v. JACOB T. WOERTMAN, b. 30 Apr 1814, NJ; d. 17 Jun 1895, NJ; m. PHEBE HIXON; b. Jul 1817, NJ; d. 1915, NJ.
vi. GRACE ALETTA WOERTMAN, b. 29 Mar 1817, NJ; d. 25 Aug 1881, Somerset, NJ; m. JOSEPH GASTON BANGHAM, 11 Mar 1854, Bedminster, NJ; b. 19 Dec 1814, Somerset, NJ; d. 09 Feb 1892, Somerset, NJ.
vii. ISAAC V. WOERTMAN, b. 1820, NJ; d. 30 Jun 1897, Bedminster, Somerset, NJ; m. ELISA UNKNOWN.
viii. MARGARET FISHER WOERTMAN, b. 1822, NJ; m. JOHN GOODHART, 05 Oct 1850, Reformed Church, Bedminster, NJ.
ix. SARAH TEN EYCK WOERTMAN, b. 25 Jul 1825, NJ; d. 26 Aug 1908, Bedminster, Somerset, NJ; m. NATHAN COMPTON, 15 Jan 1852, RDC of Bedminster, NJ; b. circa 1821.
William Wortman of New Jersey and North Carolina
Generation No. 1
1. WILLIAM1 WOERTMAN was born 26 Jun 1747 in NJ, and died 29 Nov 1833 in Kernsville, Forsyth Co., NC. He married (1) GRACE PARK. She was born 10 May 1751 in Durham, England, and died 19 Jun 1781. He married (2) CONTENT STOCKTON 03 Jan 1782 in Stokes, NC, daughter of DANIEL STOCKTON and MARY CLAYTON. She was born circa 1761 in NJ. He is listed in the Tax Ratables of Stokes Co., NC in 1790.
He is thought to be the son of Jan, grandson of Andries. He is sometimes thought to be the same as William Wortman of Sussex, NJ, but other than the fact that they both married women named Grace, I have not been able to find a connection between the two.
They are thought to have 2 other children: George, b 1809, Polly, b 1811. George does not appear in the 1810 census and neither appear in the 1820 census, for details see https://www.familysearch.org/en/tree/person/KPW8-6XY. Daniel Stockton and his family moved to North Carolina about the same time as William’s family did.
Children of WILLIAM WOERTMAN and GRACE PARK are:
i. ANNA2 WOERTMAN, b. 21 Aug 1770, NJ; d. 08 Oct 1859, Henry, Indiana; m. WILLIAM BOWMAN.
ii. MARY WOERTMAN, b. 07 Apr 1773, NJ; d. 1862, Forsyth, NC; m. THOMAS EDWARD VOSS.
iii. JOHN WOERTMAN, b. 20 Jan 1776, NJ; d. 11 Feb 1835; m. ELIZABETH MEDARIS, 16 Aug 1804, Stokes, NC.
In 1880 daughter Emeline S. Vance says her father was born in NJ and mother born in NC
Children of WILLIAM WOERTMAN and CONTENT STOCKTON are:
iv. SAMUEL2 WOERTMAN, b. 02 Jun 1782, NC; d. 1850, Cass, IL; m. MARTHA JEAN.
v. ELIZABETH WOERTMAN, b. 19 Mar 1788, NC; d. 1865, Surry, NC; m. SAMUEL JONES.
vi. WILLIAM WOERTMAN, b. 19 Feb 1790, NC; m. ISABELL LOWRIE, 15 Feb 1813, Stokes, NC.
vii. RACHEL WOERTMAN, b. 07 Mar 1792, NC; d. 29 Mar 1865, Daviess, MO.
viii. GRACE WOERTMAN, b. 19 Aug 1794, NC.
ix. EPHRAIM WOERTMAN, b. circa 1797, NC; m. LUCINDA WHICKER, 17 Oct 1818, Guilford, NC.
x. PATSY WOERTMAN, b. 19 Oct 1799, NC.
xi. ABBY WOERTMAN, b. 12 Jul 1802, NC.
Other Unplaced
Wortmans
Margaret Wortman
A Margaret Wortman married John Tunison and had four children baptized at the Reformed Dutch Church of Raritan, NJ on 2 Nov 1801: Phebe (noted 10 yrs); Rebecca; Aeltje Lane; and Maria. They probably had another child, Cornelius, baptized 11 Jan 1782 at the RDC of Readington, NJ (the mother’s maiden was not included).
John Tunison was probably the son of Cornelius Tunison and Annetje Tunis, baptized 25 Dec 1754 at the RDC of Freehold, NJ, and died 09 Apr 1809 at Bridgewater, Somerset, NJ. Jacob Tunison was appointed administrator of his estate on 5 Jul 1809, but no widow was mentioned. His children were mentioned, but not named, in the will of his sister, Phebe Tunison, on 7 Jul 1820. Their son, Cornelius, was probably named after his paternal grandfather, while Phebe and Rebecca were named after their paternal aunts. Assuming Cornelius was their eldest child, and Margaret was 20 when she married, she was probably born by 1761. Cornelius’ baptism may have been at Readington for the benefit of Margaret’s family.
Andrew Wortman of South Amboy
An Andrew Wortman is listed in the Tax Ratables of South Amboy, Middlesex, NJ in 1784, 5, 6 and 1793, 5. 7. An Andrew and Mary Wortman had their son, James Gordon, baptized at the Presbyterian Church of Cranbury on 29 Apr 1794, born 10 Oct 1793. At that time parts of the township of South Amboy included what would later become the township of Cranbury. It is uncertain if they are the same Andrew. Mary Wortman is listed as a member of the church, though no date is given.
A David Wortman is listed in the Tax Ratables of South Amboy from 1780 – 1785. No further trace.
Woertmans of Eastern Precinct (later Franklin Twp.), Somerset, NJ
A William Wortman is listed as the brother-in-law and executor of the estate of Jonathan Smith of Franklin Twp., Somerset Co., NJ in his will dated 14 of Jan 1804. Jonathan mentions his wife, Elizabeth, six sons and 4 daughters, not named, and his brother, Adam Smith. Elizabeth's maiden name is thought to be Wortman, but that is not stated in the abstract of his will. He is probably the William Wortman listed in the New Jersey Tax Ratables, 1784, 1786. Eastern Precinct, Somerset Co., NJ (GMNJ Vol. 54, pg. 13). No further trace.
Endnotes
1. New York Genealogy Biographical Society, RECORD 132(2001):28ff.
2. Records of the Reformed Dutch Church in New Amsterdam and New York, Baptisms, Collections of the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society, Vol. 2, pg. 128.
3. See https://www.familysearch.org/tree/person/details/MFDG-5SY
4. New York Births and Baptisms, Southeast Region, 1660-1916, by Kingship, CD, reproduced by arrangement with MyFamily.com.
5. Josephine Frost Collection.
6. Baptismal Record of the Reformed Dutch Church of Newtown, Long Island, New York, copied by Josephine Frost, pg. 4.
7. Baptismal Records of the Reformed Dutch Church of Flatlands, Long Island, New York 1747 – 1752, online at: https://www.olivetreegenealogy.com/nn/church/flatlands1.shtml
8. Somerset County Historical Quarterly (SCHQ), Vol 3, pg. 262.
9. Documents Relating to the Revolutionary History of the State of New Jersey, Vol. 33, Calendar of Wills, Vol. 4, pg. 490.
10. "Genealogy of the Phoenix Family from the Journal of Mr. Patterson, April 26th, 1880 to Mary Phoenix Sanders Daughter of Lydia Phoenix and William Phoenix and Mary VanDorn from the files of the Genealogical Society of New Jersey". This is supposedly at the Rutgers University Library.
11. SCHQ Vol 3, pg. 278.
12. SCHQ, Vol 5., pg. 57.
13. Documents Relating to the Revolutionary History of the State of New Jersey, Vol. 34, Calendar of New Jersey Wills, Vol. 5, pg. 393.
14. Journals of Andrew Johnson, SCHQ, Vol. 3, pg. 266.
15. Some Bedminster Inhabitants of about 1790, SCHQ, Vol. 7, pg. 51.
16. Journals of Andrew Johnson, SCHQ, Vol. 3, pg. 25.
17. Some Bedminster Inhabitants of about 1790, SCHQ, Vol. 7, pg. 51.
18. Journals of Andrew Johnson, SCHQ, Vol. 2, pg. 187.
19. Journals of Andrew Johnson, SCHQ, Vol. 2, pg. 121-2.
20. See https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/13317943/william-wortman also https://townofenfield.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Enfield-History-Early-Settlements-Crossroad-Communities.pdf This document includes the family in PA, but it is unlikely Mary Gordon had 9 children by 1778.
21. 1850 Census of Ulysses, Tompkins Co., NY, pg. 456B.
22. 1865 Census of Ulysses, Tompkins Co., NY, pg. 456B.
24. SCHQ, Vol. 2, pg. 230.
25. She is not mentioned in the abstract of his will, but she is mentioned in Theodore Frelinghuysen Chambers, Early Germans in New Jersey, pg. 575.
26. The Record of the First Presbyterian Church of Morristown, N.J.: v. 1-5 Jan. 1880-Dec. 1885
27. The Record of the First Presbyterian Church of Morristown, N.J.: v. 1-5 Jan. 1880-Dec. 1885
28. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSDM-BQWK-T?lang=en&i=687
29. Documents Relating to the Colonial, Revolutionary, and Post-Revolutionary History of the State of New Jersey, Vol 40, Calendar of New Jersey Wills, Vol. 11. p. 73.
30. Ibid, also https://www.gdcooke.org/ss/org2-o/p18562.htm
31. New York Genealogy Biographical Society, RECORD 132(2001):197, 198.
32. Documents Relating to the Colonial History of the State of New Jersey, Vol 34, Calendar of New Jersey Wills, Vol. 5. p. 516.
33. SCHQ Vol 3, pg. 139.
34. Journals of Andrew Johnson, SCHQ, Vol. 1, pg. 193.
35. SCHQ Vol 4, pg. 37, 116. and Vol. 7, pg. 51.
36. Hunterdon, NJ Mortgages, Vol. 1, pg. 200.
37. Documents Relating to the Colonial and Revolutionary History of the State of New Jersey, Vol. 34, Calendar of New Jersey Wills, Vol. 5, pg. 538.
38. The Hunterdon County, New Jersey Militia, 1792, by Hiram Deats, pg. 33.
39. Documents Relating to the Colonial, Revolutionary, and Post-Revolutionary History of the State of New Jersey, Vol. 42, Calendar of New Jersey Wills, Vol. 13, pg. 493. The administrators of William’s estate, William and John Wortman, were appointed by 12 Feb 1817.
40. Hunterdon, NJ Deeds, Vol. 29, pg. 149.
41. Documents Relating to the Colonial, Revolutionary, and Post Revolutionary History of the State of New Jersey, Vol. 37, Calendar of New Jersey Wills, Vol 8, pg. 411.
42. Familysearch.org: Tax ratables, Hunterdon Co., 1778-1822 – Film # 007815955 and https://www.nj.gov/state/archives/guides/sas00001Digital.pdf?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExUnpJQmZjcDVLUlZXNVZOegEeYktlFjqzdzedSTQzBej0I73_lRUw8xY5nb4R0Eb0w77ERSJve7ds8zSscno_aem_hVExsGIGx5Q_8ru8OpyEiA
43. New Brunswick First Reformed Baptisms, Proceedings of the New Jersey Historical Society, Vol. 11, pg. 403.
44. The Record of the First Presbyterian Church of Morristown, N.J.: v. 1-5 Jan. 1880-Dec. 1885
45. Documents Relating to the Colonial, Revolutionary, and Post-Revolutionary History of the State of New Jersey, Vol. 35, Calendar of New Jersey Wills, Vol. 6, pg. 457.
46. Baptismal Record of the Reformed Dutch Church of Oyster Bay, Long Island, New York, copied by Josephine C. Frost, pg. 6 and A Documentary History of the Dutch Congregation of Oyster Bay, Queens County, Island of Nassau, now Long Island, by Henry A. Stoutenburgh, pg. 492.
47. Familysearch.org Film 1002479, item 2, https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSHM-VSVZ-V?cat=11491&i=182
48. SCHQ, Vol. 8, pg. 219, 225.
49. Records of the First Reformed Dutch Church of Jamaica, Long Island, RECORD 106(1975):201
50. New York Marriages Previous to 1784, a Reprint of the Original Edition of 1860 with Additions and Corrections.
51. Records of the First Reformed Dutch Church of Jamaica, Long Island, RECORD 108(1977):25
52. Queens Co., NY Wills, Vol. A, pg. 183. He left a will dated May 4, 1775 and proved Aug 21, 1783.
53. Middlesex Co., NJ Deeds, Vol. 7, pg. 425.
54. SCHQ, Vol. 7, pg. 186, compare the description of the lots.
55. Earliest Baptismal Records of the Church of Harlingen, RECORD 40(1909):287.
56. Historical Discourse Delivered at the Celebration of the One Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary of the First Reformed Dutch Church of New Brunswick, N.J., by Richard H. Steele, Members 1752, pg. 210.
57. New Brunswick First Reformed Baptisms, Proceedings of the New Jersey Historical Society, Vol. 12, pg. 80.
58. Documents Relating to the Colonial History of the State of New Jersey, Vol 33, Calendar of New Jersey Wills, Vol. 4. p. 146.
59. Documents Relating to the Colonial History of the State of New Jersey, Vol 22, Marriages, p. 138.
60. Supreme Court of New Jersey Case Files, case 13572, online at https://wwwnet-dos.state.nj.us/DOS_ArchivesDBPortal/SupremeCourt.aspx
61. New Brunswick First Reformed Baptisms. Proceedings of the New Jersey Historical Society, Vol. 11, pg. 559.
62. Hunterdon, NJ Deeds, Vol. 3, pg. 301.
63. Documents Relating to the Colonial and Revolutionary History of the State of New Jersey, Vol. 34, Calendar of New Jersey Wills, Vol. 5, pg. 513.
64. Documents Relating to the Colonial, Revolutionary, and Post-Revolutionary History of New Jersey, Vol. 37, Calendar of New Jersey Wills, Vol. 8, pg. 109.
65. Seaman Family in America, descended from Captain John Seaman of Hempstead, Long Island, by Mary Thomas Seaman, pg. 101, also family tree at https://www.familysearch.org/tree/person/details/MYYG-ZGZ
66. Abstracts of wills on file in the Surrogate's Office, City of New York, Volume 13, pg. 197, Abstracts of Wills LIBER 38. Page 156.
67. Abstracts of wills on file in the Surrogate's Office, City of New York (Volume X. Oct 23, 1780-Nov 5, 1782), p 13, ABSTRACTS OF WILLS LIBER 34.
68. New Netherland Ancestry blog, Additions and Corrections to “Willem Adriaense Bennet of Brooklyn, N.Y." - Jacob3 Bennet (Willem2, Willem1), Mike Morrissey.
69. Register of Baptisms, Marriages, and Deaths of the Bushwick Reformed Church of Bushwick, NY, Vol. 1, pg. 16.
70. Kings Co., NY Wills, Vol. 2, pg. 233.
71. SCHQ, Vol. 1-4.
72. Some Bedminster Inhabitants of about 1790, SCHQ, Vol. 7, pg. 51.
73. Familysearch.org, Voting register. Morris Co., NJ of 1776, LDS Film 2209519 Item 2: Peter Wortman Image 13
74. Documents Relating to the Colonial History of the State of New Jersey, Vol 33, Calendar of NJ Wills, vol 4, pg. 490. See also files 148N and 251N, Morris Co., NJ estate files.
75. Proceedings of the New Jersey Historical Society, First Reformed Church of New Brunswick, NJ Baptisms, Vol. 11, pg. 209, 210, 211, 411.
76. Morris Co., NJ Deed Volume A, Folio 382-384.
77. Morris Co., NJ Mortgages, Vol. B, pg. 152.
78. New Jersey Supreme Court Case Files, online at: https://wwwnet-dos.state.nj.us/DOS_ArchivesDBPortal/index.aspx Case numbers 9178, 24038, 47231, 4545*.
79. Morris Co., NJ Wills, Lib. A, p. 63.
80. Condict Revolutionary Record Abstracts. DAR Pension, Charity W100 - Men From Morris County New Jersey Who Served in the American Revolution, Barbara Hoskins (1979), published by the Friends of the Joint Free Public Library of Morristown and Morris Township.
81. Morris Co., NJ Deeds, Vol. G, pg. 399.
82. SCHQ, Vol. 2, pg. 230.
83. SCHQ, Vol. 2, pg. 230.
84. Index of New Jersey Wills, Morris Co., Vol. 3, pg. 1092.
85. Morris Co., NJ Deeds, Volume A, Folio 389-390.
86. Theodore Frelinghuysen Chambers, Early Germans in New Jersey, pg. 575.
87. Familysearch.org, Voting register. Morris Co., NJ of 1776, LDS Film 2209519 Item 2: Peter Wortman Image 13; Josephus Wortman Image 16.
88. Morris Co., NJ Deeds, Vol. H, pg. 33.
89. Morris Co., NJ Deeds, Vol. K, pg. 1.
90. Morris Co., NJ Deeds, Vol. NN, pg. 115.
91. Morris Co., NJ Deeds, Vol. L, pg. 550.
92. Documents Relating to the Colonial and Revolutionary History of the State of New Jersey, Vol 34, Calendar of NJ Wills, vol 5, pg. 601.
93. Supreme Court of New Jersey Case Files, cases 13572, 27481, online at https://wwwnet-dos.state.nj.us/DOS_ArchivesDBPortal/SupremeCourt.aspx
94. The Van Voorhees Family in America, The First Six Generations, Compiled by Florence A. Christoph, pg. 265
95. The Van Voorhees Family in America, The First Six Generations, Compiled by Florence A. Christoph, pg. 265; also Revolutionary War Pension Application W4404.
96. The Van Voorhees Family in America, The First Six Generations, Compiled by Florence A. Christoph, pg. 265-266.
97. Online at: https://catalog.archives.gov/id/54259044
98. Documents Relating to the Revolutionary History of the State of New Jersey, Vol. 33, Calendar of Wills, Vol. 4, pg. 490.
99. History of Lycoming Co., PA, by John Meginness, pg 131
100. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Runaway
101. Pennsylvania State Archives, Third Series, Vol. 19, pg. 406
102. Online at https://townofenfield.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Enfield-History-Early-Settlements-Crossroad-Communities.pdf
103. Battle of Wyoming, Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Wyoming
104. The Michael Shoemaker Book, by William T. Blair, pg. 47 and 497. Luzerne Co., PA Deeds, Vol. 1, pg. 266, see also pg. 259.
105. https://ia601304.us.archive.org/23/items/cu31924032760211/cu31924032760211.pdf pg. 39 and 47.
106. https://wwwnet-dos.state.nj.us/DOS_ArchivesDBPortal/ColonialMarriages.aspx
107. The Towns of Monroe County, Chapter II - The Town of Chili, see https://genealogytrails.com/ny/monroe/history_townsofmonroe.html
108. The Northampton Town Records, 1797 - 1808, Transcribed by Prof. Albert Hazen Wright, see:
109. Genesee, NY Deeds, Vol 3, pg. 28
110. Documents Relating to the Colonial and Revolutionary History of New Jersey, Vol. 34, Calendar of New Jersey Wills, Vol. 5, pg. 35.
