Abraham Van Vorhes

Abraham Van Vorhes (December 2, 1793 – January 24, 1879) was an American politician, surveyor, and pioneer.

Born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, he moved to Athens County, Ohio and then to Athens, Ohio where he was a mechanic and editor of the Hocking Valley Gazette. While in Athens, Ohio, Van Vohres served as Athens County Treasurer and Surveyor. He then served in the Ohio House of Representatives and then in the Ohio State Senate. Van Vohres was a member of the Whig Party and later the Republican Party. In 1849, President Zachary Taylor appointed Van Vorhes register of the United States Land Office, in Stillwater, Minnesota. In 1853, Minnesota Territorial Governor Alexander Ramsey appointed Van Vohres Minnesota Territorial Auditor. In 1856, Van Vohres served in the Minnesota Territorial House of Representatives. His sons were; Nelson H. Van Vorhes who served in the Ohio General Assembly and the United States House of Representatives and Andrew J. Van Vorhes who served in the Minnesota House of Representatives. He also served as postmaster in Stillwater, Minnesota. Van Vorhes died in Stillwater, Minnesota.