ORRIS, Virginia 1837 – 1920

ORRIS, DUNLAP, SNYDER

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler, Volunteer (email)
Date: 3/30/2013 at 07:37:14

Miss Virginia Dunlap was born in Lexington, Highland County, Ohio, Feb. 9th, 1837. Death removed her from our midst Tuesday morning, March 23rd, 1920, aged 83 years, 1 month and 14 days.

She came with her parents to Iowa in 1852, and they made their home near West Liberty. This country was then a wild prairie, and land could be purchased for $1.25 per acre. Many of the Dunlap family were associated with the practice of medicine. It was from such a family that this young lady came. She attended Cornell College at Mt. Vernon, Iowa.

On the 3rd day of July, 1861, she was united in marriage to Dr. W. W. Orris, at West Liberty, Iowa. At the time of their marriage Dr. Orris was in the active ministry of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was recognized as one of the strong men in the way of pulpit ability. He later studied medicine and began the practice of the same at Victor, Iowa. He moved to Des Moines, Iowa, in 1889 and soon found a place among the leading doctors of the city. He continued to practice until his death about 20 years ago.

Mrs. Orris was a member of the Methodist Church at the time of her marriage. She lived a devoted Christian life, and never was more delighted than when she was doing her part in the various activities of church work. The married life of Dr. and Mrs. Orris, which was enjoyed for almost 40 years, was marked with an unusual degree of love and devotion. The Dr.’s death occurred Feb. 22nd, 1900. They were far above the average in their attainments and the place of usefulness they filled in the world.

She leaves a brother, Dr. Dunlap of Victor, Iowa, and one son, Charles W. Orris, of Des Moines, Iowa. Chas. W. and wife attended the funeral which was held March 25th. These services were held at the home of a niece, Mrs. Chapman Snyder with whom Mrs. Orris had lived for the last ten years. The services were in charge of Rev. John W. Pool, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church in Brooklyn. Interment in the Brooklyn cemetery.

Source: Unknown newspaper clipping found in scrapbook belonging to my great grandmother.