My Genealogy Hound

Isaac I. Voorheis, whose fine farm of 215 acres in section 27, Independence township, Oakland County, has always been his home, was born in this township December 2, 1853, and is a son of Peter and Mary (Fisher) Voorheis.

Peter VoorHeis was one of the prominent, reliable and public-spirited men of Oakland County, Michigan, to which State he came with his parents in 1832. He was born in Sussex County, New Jersey, August 14, 1812, and died December 17, 1893. He was a son of Peter D. Voorheis, who, when his son was three years old, removed to Seneca County, New York, and later to Ogden, Monroe County, New York, coming to Michigan as stated above. The family settled in what is now section 35, Independence township, Oakland County, where the grandfather of our subject built a primitive shanty of slabs with a stick chimney and a dug-out cellar. Life then permitted little luxury, but contentment reigned in this little home and in it were born those who later became noble men and women. Peter D. Voorheis brought the first spring lumber wagon from his home in New Jersey. His son Peter began for himself when almost twenty-one, securing a tract of government land in section 22. There he lived for nine years and then bought the present farm of our subject in sections 26 and 27. He went through many hardships, but we have yet to learn from any records that his courage or industry ever failed. When he wanted something he found a way to earn it, as he split 1,000 rails to buy his first pair of boots. Much of his early life on his land was necessarily spent in the open air, and he frequently had, as not altogether welcome companions, wandering bands of Indians. He finally cleared up a fine farm of 500 acres of land, became honored and respected in his community and died at a good old age. On November 27, 1834, he married Mary Fisher, who accompanied her father, Adam Fisher, from Warren County, New Jersey, to Oakland County, Michigan, in 1833, and was the only surviving member of her family at the time of her death on November 25, 1892. The ten children born to this marriage were: Margaret, deceased; Mrs. Nancy Tompkins, deceased; Fisher A., deceased; John, deceased; Mrs. Libbie Hickson, deceased; Mrs. Mary E. Voorheis, deceased; Mrs. Ruth A. Gates, of Independence township, Oakland County; Peter, of Waterford township, Oakland County; Elisha, who is living on an adjoining farm; and Isaac I. Peter Voorheis assisted in the organization of Independence township and most efficiently assisted in its official management for years. He was a justice of the peace for a long period, was the main mover in the establishment of the schools and of the Presbyterian Church in the locality, helped to organize the Sashabaw Society and was a prime mover in the establishment of the Cemetery Association.

Isaac I. Voorheis is so well known in the neighborhood in which he has passed his life that a biographer finds no new facts to state. His record has always been that of a worthy member of an old and honorable pioneer family. He has cultivated the home farm with industry and success and under his capable management has made it wonderfully productive. The record of one year was: 2,000 bushels of potatoes; 3,000 bushels of corn; 500 of oats; 500 of rye; 200 of buckwheat; and 20 tons of hay. In addition fifteen head of high-grade stock were raised; thirty Rambouillet sheep; eight head of horses and a large number of hogs. The peach orchards yielded 100 bushels of luscious fruit. Some two years ago Mr. Voorheis suffered a heavy loss by fire, when four barns with contents were destroyed, including four head of horses. Last year larger and better barns were built. Mr. Voorheis is one of the best farmers in the township and he has taken advantage of his active membership in the agricultural societies to keep abreast of the times, being a member of both the Gleaners and the Grange. He is also president of the Olive Branch Farmers’ Club. His social connection is with the Knights of the Maccabees. For twenty years Mr. Voorheis has been school moderator and takes an active interest in all public matters pertaining to the prosperity of Independence township.

In 1878 Mr. Voorheis married Estella Beardslee, who was born in Independence township, and was a daughter of Orsamus Beardslee. She died in 1887, leaving two sons, Arthur, of Independence township, Oakland County; and Homer, who still lives at home. In 1888 Mr. Voorheis married Alice Braidwood, who was born in Sanilac County, Michigan, and is a daughter of George Braidwood. Three children have been born to them, namely: Mabel Iona, Isaac W., Jr., and Stanley J.

Politically Mr. Voorheis is identified with the Democratic party. He is known to be a man of strict integrity and reliability and no one in Independence township stands higher in public esteem.