Nelson H. Van Vorhes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nelson Holmes Van Vorhes
|
|
---|---|
![]() |
|
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Ohio's 15th district |
|
In office March 4, 1875 – March 3, 1879 |
|
Preceded by | William P. Sprague |
Succeeded by | George W. Geddes |
Member of the Ohio House of Representatives from the Athens County district |
|
In office December 2, 1850 – January 1, 1854 Serving with H. S. Bundy
|
|
Preceded by | Anselm T. Holcomb, Joseph K. Will |
Succeeded by | Samuel B. Pruden |
In office January 7, 1856 – January 1, 1860 |
|
Preceded by | Samuel B. Pruden |
Succeeded by | A. B. Monahan |
In office January 3, 1870 – January 4, 1874 |
|
Preceded by | William P. Johnson |
Succeeded by | Charles H. Grosvenor |
Speaker of the Ohio House | |
In office January 1, 1856 – January 3, 1858 |
|
Preceded by | Francis C. LeBlond |
Succeeded by | William Burnham Woods |
In office January 1, 1872 – January 4, 1874 |
|
Preceded by | A. J. Cunningham |
Succeeded by | George L. Converse |
Personal details | |
Born | Washington County, Pennsylvania |
January 23, 1822
Died | December 4, 1882 Athens, Ohio |
(aged 60)
Political party | Republican |
Other political affiliations |
Whig |
Nelson Holmes Van Vorhes (born January 23, 1822, died December 4, 1882) was an important politician from Ohio. He served as a U.S. Representative for his state. He was also a newspaper editor and a soldier.
Contents
Early Life and Career
Nelson Van Vorhes was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, in 1822. When he was about 10 years old, his family moved to Athens County, Ohio. There, he worked on a farm.
Learning a Trade
When he was young, Nelson spent six years learning to be a printer. This means he learned how to set type and print newspapers. From 1844 to 1861, he owned and edited a newspaper called The Athens Messenger.
Serving in Ohio
Nelson Van Vorhes was very active in Ohio politics. He was a member of the Ohio State House of Representatives for many years, from 1850 to 1872. During this time, he also served as the Speaker of the Ohio House for four years. The Speaker is like the leader of the state's law-making body.
He also tried for other political jobs. In 1853, he ran for Ohio Secretary of State as a member of the Whig Party, but he did not win. In 1854, he was chosen to be a probate judge, but he later left that job.
Military Service
During the American Civil War, Nelson Van Vorhes joined the Union Army in 1861. He started as a private, which is the lowest rank. He later rose through the ranks to become a colonel. A colonel is a high-ranking officer. He led the 92nd Ohio Infantry regiment.
However, his health became poor, and he had to leave the army in the summer of 1863.
National Politics and Later Life
After his military service, Nelson Van Vorhes continued his political career. He was a member of the Republican Party.
Serving in Congress
In 1875, Nelson Van Vorhes was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He represented Ohio in the U.S. Congress for two terms, from March 4, 1875, to March 3, 1879. He tried to be re-elected in 1878 but was not successful.
Nelson Holmes Van Vorhes passed away in Athens, Ohio, on December 4, 1882. He was buried in the West Union Street Cemetery.