Cornelius Voorhies

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Cornelius Voorhies (July 22, 1804 – July 1, 1859) was a justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court from May 4, 1853 to April 27, 1859.

Voorhies, "of Dutch descent",[1] was born in the state of Louisiana on July 22, 1804.[2] Two sources disagree on his birthplace: Celebration of the Centenary of the Supreme Court of Louisiana, dated to 1913, states that Voorhies was born in Avoyelles Parish,[1] while the Dictionary of Louisiana Biography states that Voorhies' birthplace was Opelousas, in neighboring St. Landry Parish.[2]

He served as a district attorney, as a state senator, and as a district judge.[1]

He became an associate justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court on May 4, 1853, and served in that position until April 27, 1859,[3] when he retired.[2]

Voorhies died in his St. Martinville home on July 1, 1859.[2][4] His death was mourned by the Lafayette Parish District Court the day after.[4]

He had nine children with his wife Cedalise Mouton, including Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana Albert Voorhies, who succeeded him on the court, and state legislator Felix Voorhies.[2] His son succeeded him on the bench.[1]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d Celebration of the Centenary of the Supreme Court of Louisiana (March 1, 1913), in John Wymond, Henry Plauché Dart, eds., The Louisiana Historical Quarterly (1922), p. 118.
  2. ^ a b c d e "Dictionary of Louisiana Biography – V". Louisiana Historical Association. Archived from the original on 2021-09-16. Retrieved 2019-10-18.
  3. ^ "Cornelius Voorhies, 1853 (4 May)–1859 (27 Apr.)". Louisiana Supreme Court. Archived from the original on June 9, 2019. Retrieved May 16, 2020.
  4. ^ a b New Orleans Daily Crescent, July 13, 1859, "Death of Ex-Associate Justice Voorhies"
Political offices
Preceded by
Newly constituted court
Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court
1853–1859
Succeeded by