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	(1822-01-23)January 23, 1822 Washington County, Pennsylvania
Died	December 4, 1882(1882-12-04) (aged 60) Athens, Ohio
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.

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.