LOTO is rediscovering its history and at present, this is all we know about our founder. We are grateful to any genealogists or researchers who might help us uncover more about her life.
Emma Maude Houseman was born in August of 1880 in Auburn, New York. Her parents Caroline Grismer and Jacob Houseman were from Germany. It seems Emma was an only child and her father passed away when she was young.
She completed the eleventh grade, then worked as a laundress and lived with her mother in Seneca Falls. Emma married Albert Voorheis and became a homemaker. Emma and Albert lived at 2324 South Avenue in Syracuse, New York.
Emma was a member of Twilight Rebekah Lodge #285 and a past deputy and officer of the Rebekah Assembly of New York. She wrote our ritual as a “fraternal playground for Rebekahs.” While LOTO was never formally affiliated with the Rebekahs, it provided a space for relaxation and enjoyment for many of its members.
Emma established LOTO on March 4, 1916, when she was 34 years old, and established the very first Zuanna, Pioneer No. 1.
Our Journals of Proceedings highlight Emma’s extensive hospitality, noting her frequent hosting of gatherings at her home in Syracuse, where she organized dinners, theatre visits, and tours for visiting LOTO members. She was known for her warmth and generosity, making numerous calls and personal visits to ensure everyone felt welcomed. Her efforts were consistently acknowledged, with many expressions of gratitude directed to Emma, Albert, and Florence. Additionally, Emma is often featured in articles from the Syracuse Herald, recognized for her involvement in both LOTO and Rebekah activities.
Thanks to OASIS, we are lucky to have a note from Emma during the height of the Great Depression in 1933:
“In common with other fraternal societies and the churches of the land, we have shared in the general depression from which none have escaped. We waited for the turn of the tide, and we are confident that when the tide has been fully established, we will be carried safely to the harbor of success. Therefore, let us not be discouraged with present small gains, but with stout hearts and strong hopes carry on our work, assured that the sun of prosperity will, ere long, shine upon our Order.”
Emma’s husband Albert Voorheis was born April 28, 1877 and was a foreman at Mumatic Canco Factory, a metal polisher for HH Franklin, a building superintendent, and worked for the Lamson Corporation. He was Past Grand of Alphadelpha Lodge #44 in Syracuse, New York and died January 31, 1949 when he was 71 years old.
Emma and Albert had one daughter, Florence K. Voorheis. Florence was born June 28, 1901. Florence completed the eleventh grade and was a Queen at Pioneer No. 1 during the 1920s. She worked during the 1930s and 1940s as a stenographer at a chemical plant. Florence passed away in April 1974.
Emma passed away October 23, 1940 in Syracuse, New York when she was about 58 years old. Emma is buried with Albert and Florence at White Chapel Memory Gardens.
(Emma is in this group)