Oakley Voress
Oakey Voress was born in New Jersey, June 13, 1828; was brought by his parents to Shelby County when about ten years of age. He was raised without any privileges of school instruction until sixteen years of age. His first education was in picking brush, and as soon as old enough was given an axe, and he and his oldest brother did the principal clearing of the farm. He remained at home until his majority, when be commenced life for himself by working at from six to nine dollars per month. As soon as he had saved a little money he bought a small piece of land, which he sold at a small advance, then bought forty acres on which he made his first home for himself. January 1, 1852, he married Mary E. Dickensheets (a daughter of David Dickensheets, who had settled in the county in 1832). A short time after this he added to his little farm sixty acres more land. In 1868 he bought the homestead of his wife’s father, on which he now resides. Mr. Voress has been successful in accumulating property. He is one of the heaviest tax payers in Orange Township, and it has all been made by his own industry and economy, never having received any help in making his start in life. He perhaps loans more money than any man in the township. They have raised a family of eight children, whose names are as follows: Samuel D., Elizabeth J., Charles L., George W., Josephine, Jesse L., Lulu D., and Ida M.
From History of Shelby County, Ohio; R. Sutton & Co, Philadelphia PA, 1883