George Van Woert, a representative of an old county family, was born on the farm which he 
now owns and occupies, October 7, 1845.  This farm is situated in District No. 5, of 
the town of Oneonta, and with the exception of three years, Mr. Van Woert has always 
resided upon it.  The buildings he now occupies and uses were erected by himself in 
1874, and they are all in good repair.  He carried on general farming and dairying 
extensively, and is also engaged in the lumber business, having a sawmill in his 
farm.  His thrift and industry are indicated by the fact that he continues to add to 
his possessions, owning 188 acres of the old homestead and also 108 acres in another 
part of the town.  On his homestead farm is one of the famous Indian mounds, where 
they remains of many a Red Man were buried.  On the same farm is an old orchard, the 
trees of which were set out by the Mohawk Indians.  

Mr. Van Woert is a son of Andrew Van Woert, who was born and reared on this tract of 
land, familiary known as the Dramland Tract.  He at one time owned 700 acres, and was 
on of the leading farmers of his day.  He also owned a large dairy in connection with 
his farm.  He was married at the age of twenty-three to Susan Scrambling, daughter of 
George and Eunice Scrambling, old settlers of this town.  The father of Andrew Van 
Woert was John Van Woert, who married Lany Young, and they were at an early day 
residents of Albany, Mr. Van Woert following the harness trade.  They remained in 
Albany but a few years, and then came to Osego County, and boutht 400 acres of land, 
of the Dreamland Tract.  here he lived in the woods, clearing his farm as fast as he 
could, and making a good home for himself and family.  He was a farmer and dairyman, 
owning at that time the largest dairy in the town, consisting of from forty to fifty 
cows.  Here he spent his life, and died when past eighty years of age.  His wife died 
at the same place.  They were Baptists in religion, and he was a Democrat in 
political faith.  He also took some little interest in local politics.  


George Van Woert was married at the age of twenty to Miss Lurissa Shepherd, December 
26, 1865.  She is the daughter of Isaac and Caroline Shepherd, who were farmers 
located at Oneonta Plains.  Both are now deceased, the former dying at the age of 
seventy-seven, and the latter at the age of seventy-nine.  Their children now living 
are Roxie, wife of Daniel Leonard, a farmer of Delaware County; Rebecca, widow of 
George Westcott, and residing at Oneonta Plains; Emily, wife of Anson Hurlbut, a 
farmer residing in the town of Otego, at Mill Creek; Lurissa, wife of Mr. Van Woert, 
and Henry, a farmer of Oneonta Plains.  Mr. and Mrs. Van Woert are the parents of one 
child, Alton M., born April 13, 1869.  he is a bright and intelligent young man, and 
still resides at home with his parents.  he was educated in the schools of the town 
of Oneonta.  He, as well as his father, is a Democrat, and they are both liberal in 
their religious views.