JOSEPH VOOHERS. In reviewing the leading industries of the town of Willow Springs, the mercantile interests claim special attention. Mr. Joseph Voohers, one of the leading merchants of the place, is esteemed on all sides for his enterprise and just methods, and has many warm friends. He is a native of Missouri, born January 24, 1853.
The son of Dr. James B. Voohers, who was an early pioneer of Missouri. The Doctor was born in the Buckeye State, and practiced his profession many years in Springfield, Illinois, Booneville, Missouri, and St. Louis. His death occurred in 1855.
Our subject received his education in the schools of Illinois, and when but a boy started out to fight his own way in life, first as a clerk. This he followed up to 1879, when he became a member of the general merchandising company of J. M. Gibberson & Co., of Elsah, Illinois, continuing with the same for two years. After this he moved to north Missouri, clerked for some time, and then on account of poor health emigrated to Howell County, located at Burnham, where he was engaged in general merchandising for four years. Following this he went to Kansas and for four years was engaged in the lumber business. In 1888 he returned to Howell County, and as his health was better there, he opened up a clothing business on First Street, and later a general mercantile business. In 1890 he built the store building on the corner of Center and Second Street, a two-story brick, 24×103, and he has a large stock of general merchandise. He carries a stock of goods valued at $7,000 and does an annual business of $30,000. He is one of the leading business men of the place and his honest, square dealings have made him a host of friends, who rejoice in his prosperity and success. In politics Mr. Voohers is a Republican and he has held a number of prominent offices in the town, being city treasurer for some time. He has made his own way in life and is a good representative of a business man, being upright, honorable and reliable. Fraternally he is an Odd Fellow, and he is also a member of the A. O. U. W. at West Plains.
Mr. Voohers was married in Illinois to Miss Flora E. Landon, who was born near Delhi, Illinois,in 1864, and educated at Monticello Seminary. They have a daughter, Fay, who is a bright intelligent girl and a graduate of the High School at Willow Springs in 1894. She carried off the honors of her class although only twelve years old. The name Voohers is of French origin and is an old one in the United States. The mother of our subject, who is now living in Willow Springs, as above stated, was born in Kentucky. Three of her five children are living: Sarah Esther, who is living in Willow Springs; John, an attorney at Marshall, Missouri, and our subject.
