This large home sits on the NW corner of Court and Cedar Streets. It was built for John Nelson Voorheis in 1880. According to the Clipper-Herald workman started on the house about March and in the May 14th issue of the paper they wrote, "The frame is up and from its proportions and appearance we would infer that it is designed to be one of the best (homes) in Stanton. Land records show that John N. Voorheis purchased lot 40 from M.J. McPherson in the McPherson addition to the village of Stanton in 1875. On August 18, 1879 he purchased lot 39 for $125.00. He came to Stanton from Fairplains Township where he served as treasurer of that township for the year 1869. In 1876 he purchased the local furniture business from Henry Kent who was the current County Treasurer. The former editor of the Montcalm Herald, J.K. Fairchild, described him as a "dealer in all kinds of kitchen, parlor and office furniture". As it was the only furniture business in Stanton, at the time, Mr. Fairchild said he "does a commendably large business". John Voorheis also strived to be one of the best in the undertaking business and he served this community for many years.

     John's obituary appeared in the September 21, 1928 issue of the Clipper Herald. He was born in Chili, N.Y. on August 18, 1835 and was one of seven children. He was orphaned at an early age and was left to care for himself. He moved to Michigan and settled near Pontiac, then moving to Greenville in 1861. When the Civil War broke out he enlisted and served with Company E, 1st Michigan Engineers and Mechanics until he was mustered out at the close of the war. He returned to Greenville where he married Hannah M. Earle and together they carved out a farm from the woods in Fairplains Twp. After ten years on the farm he moved to Stanton where he operated his furniture and undertaking business for ten years.

     John's furniture business was located on the north side of Main Street in the block between Court and Camburn Streets and on April 7, 1885 a fire was discovered about 10 o'clock at night in the M.I. Thomas & Company store. Before they could put out the flames the fire had burned eight buildings which included John's furniture business. It was recorded that Mr. Voorheis losses were $1200 and he only had $500 worth of insurance. The fire and his losses may have been more than he could sustain as he sold his house to John Weatherwax September 10, 1885 for $1000. Weatherwax immediately sold the house to John W.S. Pierson and about 9 months later Pierson sold the house to a David H. Kirkpatrick. John returned to Greenville and in the early 1890's moved to Oregon, settling for a few years in Grants Pass and then moving to Portland where he lived until his death on September 2, 1928 at the age of 94 years.



     John Nelson Voorhies was born August 18, 1835, in the town of Chili, N.Y., and died September 2, 1928, at the Carolina Old People's Invalid Home, 472 Sellwood Boulevard, Portland, Oregon, aged 94 years and 15 days. He was one of seven children and at an early age was left an orphan to shift for himself. He went to Michigan and for a time lived in Pontiac, then going to Greenville, Mich., in 1861. Near the outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted and served with Company E, 1st Michigan Engineers and Mechanics until mustered out at the close of the war. Returning to Greenville he was married to Hannah M. Earle and together they carved out a farm from the Michigan woods. After ten years on the farm he went to Stanton, 1875 to 1885, where the next ten years were spent in the furniture and undertaking business. He later removed to Greenville, and in the early 90's came to Oregon. Mr. Voorhies was a resident of Grants Pass for a few years but for more than 25 years resided at 139 E. 62nd street, Portland. After the death of his wife, in 1912, Mr. Voorhies lived alone, caring for himself until last December, when he went to the invalid home. Mr. Voorheis was in fair health but frail. He was expecting to attend church on Sunday morning but he died at 10 o'clock Sunday morning.

     Mr. Voorhies is survived by two sons, C.R. Voorhies of Stella, Wash., and A.E. Voorhies of Grants Pass. The funeral was held Tuesday morning, at the East Side Funeral Directors, Rev. Mr. Gordon of the Mount Tabor M.E. Church conducting the service. Interment was at the Lincoln Memorial Cemetery, Portland.

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