VOORHEES

VoorKim · Homesteader

VOORHEES

Alice · Forum Admin

Hi Kim,

I am also a descendant of the large VOORHEES clan of Somerset Co., NJ. Our VOORHEES immigrant ancestors were among the very first European settlers in the New York area, and are very fun to study.

Since I have not solved your mystery yet, I will just share with you some of what I know.

Many of our VOORHEES and allied families moved from NJ to Fulton Co., especially the Fairview area, between 1837 and 1850 or so. I have posted four accounts of this Dutch-American migration, including fascinating eye-witness accounts, on my personal website at:
http://www.stipak.com/hageman/williambrown/Illinois.HTM#EMIG

I tried to find your husband's family in my copy of "The Van Voorhees Family in America, the First Six Generations," by Florence A. Cristoph, published by the Van Voorhees Association. I was unable to positively identify them, but there are several leads. Also, there is now a 2-volume set covering the 7th and 8th generations, but I do not have those books yet.

I strongly suggest that you visit the Van Voorhees Association website at:
http://www.vanvoorhees.org/index.html

If you join this wonderful family group, they will help you.

Best wishes,
--Alice

Diane · Homesteader

Dear Kim,

I don't know if this will help but I found the following information on a James Voorhees:Fairview Cemetery: "VOOHREES, James d.May 11, 1871; 34y, 3m, 11d; another name on other sied of stone; can't read."

There is a younger James & Elizabeth but I know you are looking for an older one.

Also, in the Funeral Homes Record - Fulton County book there are 2 Elizabeth's listed. See if either of these will help: VOOHREES, Elizabeth - age 94y, 2m, 6d; d. Mar.19, 1908 - bur.Mar.22, 1908, Fairview Cem.; L.P.R. Danville, IL. Trip to Norris & Funeral ar Reformed Church & Vault - $64.00

VOOHREES, Elizabeth S. - age 90y, 2m, 20d; d.Nov.24, 1902, Fairview Cem.; Secured by Mrs. J.V. Davis; Cloth Casket & Service - $65.00

I don't see either on in the Fairview Cem list but one could be the name on the other side of James' stone.

There is also a Mrs. Matilde Voorhees in the F.F.H.R. and a John is mentioned:

VOOHREES, Mrs. Matilde - age 71yr's; d. Apr.21,1897; bur.Apr.23, 1897, Fairview Cem; Secured by JOHN VOOHREES; Found dead in bed. Heart Disease; Coffin Zinc lined w/slate Vault Included. The 1st slate vault put in. $126.00.

Good Luck,

Diane

-- Edited by Diane at 00:31, 2005-08-03

-- Edited by Diane at 20:55, 2005-08-06

Diane · Homesteader

Dear Kim,

OOPS I missed this one!! When I posted the above I missed the following:

Voohrees, James P., d. 3-4-1879, 86yrs., 6ms. (d.c.) The information comes from the Cemetery Inscriptions of Fulton County, ILL - Volume 4. Since my book states the infomation comes from his death certificate, you should be able to get a copy, most likely from the Fulton County Courthouse. Hopefully that will show his parents names.

Good Luck!

Diane

linicx · Pioneer

Hi Kim,

I believe you will find your Voorhees circa 1630 in an area called New Netherland, which was then a part of New York state that was under control of the Dutch government. One of the best sources online for a scholarly styd of our Fulton County Dutch ancestors is the Rootsweb Dutch-Colonies List.

PS: I have one Voorhees in my early records (1630-1815), but it is a collateral name and I would be hard pressed to find it as of my records are packed.

Linda

Karen Morlan · Veteran Member

Chapmans "History of Fulton County Illinois 1879" lists a Jeremiah Vorhees as serving in Company F. Captains in the Civil War Aug 11, 1862 mustered out June 21 1865.

I don't know if this is anyone in your Vorhees family but it may help someone.

Try this web page http://www.itd.nps.gov/cwss/ it can be helpful for civil war people, I didn't see this Jeremiah Vorhees listed there.

Good luck - Sincerely Karen Morlan