Daniel Spader Voorhees

NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

Source: History Morris County New Jersey, Volume II, Lewis Publishing Co., 1914

Daniel S. VOORHEES, one of the eminent attorneys of the Morris county bar, whose prominence is the result of ability of a high order and unquestioned integrity, and one of the leaders of Republican thought and action in Morris county, is a native of Somerville, Somerset county, New Jersey, born August 15, 1852, son of Daniel Spader and Mary Louise Compton (DOTY) VOORHEES.

Daniel Spader VOORHEES Sr. traced his paternal ancestry to Holland. He was born in Somerville, New Jersey, in 1808, died in 1878. He was a farmer by occupation, a man of usefulness and activity, respected and honored by his townsmen. He married Mary L. C. DOTY, whose death occurred in 1894. Children: William; Tobias’ Mary who became the wife of Seaman WILLIAMS; Anna L., who became the wife of Williams H. WILLIAMS; Sarah, who became the wife of William VROOM; Daniel Spader.

Daniel Spader VOORHEES Jr. spent the days of his boyhood and youth in Elizabeth, New Jersey, and obtained a practical education in the Morrow Street School. His first occupation was selling newspapers at the railway station in Elizabeth, and at the early age of fourteen he was employed in a hardware store in Elizabeth, remaining for two and a half years. In 1869 he removed to Morristown, and on June 1, 1870, accepted a clerical position in the Office of Richard SPEER, then county clerk. He was appointed to the position of deputy county clerk in 1876 by William McCARTY, was re-appointed by his successor, M. S. CONDIT, in 1878, and again by the same clerk in 1883. Five years later he was again chosen for the same position by E. B. MOTT, and was by him re-appointed in 1893, and thus for twenty-one years he acceptably filled the office, performing the duties thereof to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. During the years of his public service Mr. VOORHEES devoted his leisure moments tot he study of law under the instruction of John M. BETTS, George FORSYTHE, Edward A. QUAYLE and John B. VREELAND, and after a competitive examination before the Supreme Court at Trenton, was admitted as an attorney to the New Jersey bar in March, 1896, and in April of the same year was appointed master in chancery. He is a lawyer of quick perception and eminent ability, and has achieved a high reputation at the bar. I 1898 he was elected county clerk of Morris county, and so capable was his administration of the office that he was re-nominated at the close of his term and re-elected by a handsome majority, an eloquent testimonial to his efficiency and skill. At a joint of the legislature, February 14, 1907, Mr. VOORHEES was appointed tot he office of State Treasurer, for a full term of three years, to succeed Frank O. BRIGGS. He entered upon his duties, March 1, 1907, and at the expiration of his term was re-elected, serving at the present time (1913). He has been a member of the State Republican Committee since 1903, in which body his services have been exceedingly valuable. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Improved Order of Red Men, and of various clubs and organizations of Morristown.

Mr. VOORHEES married, January 18, 1874, Frances L., daughter of William W. and Margaret WHITE, of New Brunswick, New Jersey. She was born January 18, 1856.

Transcribed by John Cresseveur (1949-2003)