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]
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]