Peter de Vries 1910-1993
Nelson Holmes Van Vorhes (1822–1882) was an Ohio newspaper editor, Civil War officer, and Republican politician who represented Ohio in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1875 to 1879 after years of service in Ohio state politics.
- Peter de Vries
Arts and Letters
Nelson Holmes Van Vorhes was born in Washington County, PA on January 23, 1822. He moved with his family to Athens County, OH in 1832. He apprenticed as a printer for six years, and served as the editor and proprietor of the Athens Messenger from 1844 to 1861. During that time he also served as a member of the Ohio State House of Representatives from 1850 to 1872, and served for four years as its speaker. He was elected probate judge in 1854, but resigned.
He was an unsuccessful candidate for election in 1858 to the 36th U.S. Congress. He was a delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1860. He joined the Union Army in 1861 and was mustered out as a colonel.
He was elected to the 44th and the 45th U.S. Congresses and served in Congress from March 1875 to March 1879. He was not successful for election in the 46th U.S. Congress.
Nelson Holmes Van Vorhes passed away in Athens, Athens County, OH on December 4, 1882. At the age of 60. He was interred in West Union Street Cemetery, Athens, OH.
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