The subject of this sketch was born in the township of Pultney, Steuben county. New York, January 20, 1816, and in 1834 removed to Michigan with his father, Joseph Voorheis, who settled in Pontiac, about three miles northeast of the village. Robert was one of a family of twelve children who came with their parents to Oakland County, and four others were born afterwards. Joseph Voorheis died in Pontiac township.

Robert D. Voorheis was married March 18, 1840, to Lucinda Stockwell, and in 1842 came with his wife and infant daughter to White Lake township, and located on the farm where he now resides, owning land in sections 21 and 22. His father had purchased the place from the government about 1836, and it had been occupied by R. D. Voorheis' brother. Dr. Andrew Voorheis, for some time. The latter built a log house, which stood on the opposite side of the road from Mr. Voorheis' present residence, and a short distance farther west. This house was occupied by Mr. Voorheis and family until 1854, when they moved into their present frame dwelling.

Mrs. Voorheis was born in the town of Ira, Cayuga county. New York, July 6, 1815, and is one of a family of eight children. Her father, Levi Stockwell, brought his family to Michigan in 1837, and located a mile north of the village of Auburn, in Pontiac township. Mrs. V. lived with her father until her marriage, and taught several schools in the county, including two years in her own district. Her father has been dead over twenty years, and her mother died in February, 1875.

Mr. and Mrs. Voorheis are the parents of three children, of whom two are now living, both daughters ; a son died in infancy. The elder daughter, Harriet, married Charles Wesley Lyman, who afterwards died, and after living a widow for six years she was married to Thomas D. Bartholomew, a Presbyterian minister, and they are now living in Huron county, Ohio. Lavangy, the younger daughter, is the wife of Charles Harger, now living in Pontiac.

Mr. Voorheis had followed farming from his youth, and owns a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres where he is now living. He is a Democrat in politics. In 1854 he was elected to the office of justice of the peace, and served one term. He and his wife are both members of the First Presbyterian church of White Lake, with which organization they have been connected since their settlement in the township. Mr. Voorheis was formerly a member of the Presbyterian church at his native place in New York, and Mrs. V. united with that denomination at Pontiac.