McDonough ILGenWeb

VOORHEES, James E., who is successfully conducting a hardware store in Bushnell, McDonough County, Ill., was born in Henderson County, that State, on April 5, 1860, a son of Henry D. and Elizabeth (Nevins) Voorhees, natives of New Jersey. Henry D. Voorhees was engaged in agricultural pursuits for a number of years, and also served as Justice of the Peace at Raritan, Ill., James B. Voorhees attended the public school of his neighborhood during his youth, and for a considerable period followed farming in Henderson County. In 1885 he moved to a farm near Bushnell, which he cultivated for eight years. At the end of that time he purchased the interest of Mr. Byrne in a hardware store, which was operated under the firm name of Hoover & Voorhees until 1892. In that year Mr. Voorhees bought Mr. Hoover's interest, and since then has conducted the store alone. He does a general hardware business in connection with a tin-shop, in which he employs a tinner. He deals also in paints and oils.

On January 17, 1883, Mr. Voorhees was united in marriage with Ella Simonson, who was born and schooled in Bushnell. Of this union two children have been born: Harry and Katherine. Politically, Mr. Voorhees gives his support to the Republican party. In 1899, he was elected to the City Council and in 1906 is serving a second term. He filled the office of City Treasurer for two years, and is at present a member of the School Board. Fraternally, Mr. Voorhees is connected with the I. O. O. F., A. F. & A. M., C. of H., and M. W. A. The subject of this sketch is a careful and energetic business man, and a useful and influential citizen.

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Source: The Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of McDonough County, compiled by Dr. Newton Bateman, and Paul Shelby, 1907, volume 2, page 1033, extracted 07 Aug 2020 by Norma Hass.