Husband Hon. Robert Orr 1 2 3
Born: 5 Mar 1786 - Westmoreland Co, PA 3
Christened:
Died: 22 May 1876 - Kittanning, Armstrong Co, PA 4
Buried:
Father: Capt. Robert Orr (Abt 1744-1833) 5 6
Mother: Frances "Fannie" Culbertson ( - ) 6
Marriage: 1836 4
Wife Martha Grier 1 4
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Father: Rev. Isaac Grier ( -1815) 7
Mother: [Unk] Cooper ( - )
Children
1 M Grier C. Orr, Esq. 8
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
2 F Fannie E. Orr 8
Born:
Christened:
Died: 14 Mar 1882 8
Buried:
General Notes: Husband - Hon. Robert Orr
He was quite young when he moved with his parents west of the Allegheny in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania. He grew up amid pioneer surroundings, and developed the strength and courage which such conditions foster in men of character. He inherited the forceful mental and moral qualities of his father, for whom he was named, and he lived a life that added prestige and glory to the record of an honored family. Though the educational advantages he had in his native county was scarcely any better than those he found in his new home he gained considerable learning for his day, and he was one of those who acquired much through observation and experience. After living with his parents in Sugar Creek township for a few years he came to Kittanning when the county was organized for judicial administration, in 1805, and became deputy under his brother John, who was the first sheriff of Armstrong County. Subsequently he studied surveying, which he followed so successfully that he was afterward appointed deputy district surveyor.
He inherited his father's military spirit and sense of duty to his country, as was shown by his activity during the War of 1812, in which he rendered valuable service. When the 2d brigade rendezvoused at Pittsburgh (Oct. 2, 1812) he was elected major, and left that place the same fall under command of General Crooks, to join the northwestern army under General Harrison, on the Miami river, where Fort Meigs was afterward built. At Upper Sandusky they were joined by a brigade of militia from Virginia. From that place Major Orr, by the direction of the General, took charge of the artillery, munitions, stores, etc., and set off with about 300 men to the headquarters of General Harrison. While on the way he was met by an express from Harrison, bringing information of the defeat of General Winchester on the river Raisin, and requesting him to bring on his force as rapidly as possible. After consolidation with the balance of the army from Upper Sandusky, they proceeded to the rapids of the Miami (Maumee), where they remained until the six months' term of duty of the Pennsylvania and Virginia militia had expired. General Harrison then appealed for volunteers to remain fifteen days longer, until he should receive reinforcements from Kentucky. Major Orr and about 200 other Pennsylvanians did volunteer and remain until they were discharged, after the battle of Fort Meigs, on April 19, 1813.
In 1817 General Orr received his first honor in civil life, being elected to the Legislature, in which body he served two terms. Then, in 1821, he was sent to the State Senate to represent the large, but comparatively thinly settled, district composed of the counties of Armstrong, Warren, Indiana, Jefferson, Cambria and Venango, the latter county including much of the territory now in Clarion. After serving one term he was led to enter the contest for election to Congress, and, doing so, defeated Gen. Abner Laycock. He thus became the representative in the Nineteenth and Twentieth Congresses of the district composed of Armstrong, Butler, Beaver and Allegheny counties. Later in life General Orr was appointed by the governor associate judge of Armstrong County and served very acceptably to the people. He retained his interest in military affairs and was active in the militia organizations of western Pennsylvania, in this connection acquiring the rank and title of general.
General Orr became possessed of a large number of land tracts in Armstrong and adjoining counties, which he leased or sold as he had opportunity. During the years he was most extensively engaged in his land business, money was scarce, and it was very frequently the case that purchasers were unable to meet their payments. His true character was shown in his liberality and fair treatment of all. When those to whom he sold were embarrassed and could not meet their obligations, he extended their time and gave them easier terms. With many individuals this was done again and again, until at last they were able to pay. He never dispossessed a man of property on which he was toiling to discharge his indebtedness. Often the sons of the men who contracted with him for lands completed the payment for them. Through his leniency and lack of oppression many families were enabled to gain homes. His kindness of heart and practical philanthropy found expression in many other ways, for he was unostentatiously and judiciously charitable throughout his life. He did much to advance the interests of the school and the church, and for many years prior to his death was a member of the Presbyterian Church.
For about three years (1848-52) General Orr resided in Allegheny City, and for a short time, about 1845, he lived at Orrsville (mouth of Mahoning), but the greater number of his years were passed in Kittanning. He was interested in and helped to advance almost every local public improvement inaugurated during his time. Laboring zealously for the construction of the Allegheny Valley railroad, he lived to realize his hope in that direction and see the wealth of his county practically increased by its mineral and agricultural resources being made more easily available to the uses of the world.
In politics General Orr was a Democrat, in 1861 a War Democrat. He used his influence and contributed liberally of his means to assist the organization of the military, and the camp where the 78th and the 103d Regiments rendezvoused was appropriately named Camp Orr in his honor. His appearance on the ground, when the soldiers were encamped there, was always the signal for an ovation, or at least hearty cheers, and all who knew him gathered around him to shake the hand of the old soldier of 1812. He lived to see the war ended and the country he loved so much preserved in union. He lived to witness the nation recover from the worst effects of the war and in the centennial year rejoice in peace and prosperity. [HAC 1914, 311]