Dr. William L. Orr 1823~1908

ORR, KINNAMON, POOL, BALDWIN

Posted By: IRISH EYES ARE SMILING (email)
Date: 7/20/2016 at 19:17:23

Courtesy of the Ottumwa Tri~Weekly April 2,1908

DR. W.L. ORR ONE OF OTTUMWAS PIONEERS DIES IN BOSTON TODAY

One time principal of schools here, was mayor for several terms and leader in public life.

WILL BRING BODY BACK TO OTTUMWA

Dr. W.L. Orr aged 85; one of Ottumwas oldest pioneers died this morning at the home of his son John B. Orr of Boston, Mass; where he with his daughter Mrs. Don A. Pool and husband had gone last January to locate permanently.

The passing of Dr. Orr removes one of the foremost citizens of Ottumwa; who during his long term of residence here was ever identified with many matters of local interests in the city. He was for a time principal of the public schools of the city and in political life was prominent being Mayor, Alderman, Clerk and Justice of the peace at different times during his life in Ottumwa.

A LIFE WELL SPENT

William L. Orr was born at Washington Washington County PA April 12, 1823. He received his classical education at Washington College Pennsylvania, and a medical college of Philadelphia. In 1844 he moved to Fairfield, Iowa and began the practice of medicine. Coming to Ottumwa in 1852; he entered the drug business for several years. From 1856 until 1858 he was principal of the public schools here; after which he resumed the practice of medicine. In 1860 he was elected Mayor of the city and was reelected three times.

SAW ARMY SERVICE
In March 1862 he entered the service of his country as assistant surgeon of the Third Iowa Volunteer Cavalry in December of the same year and was promoted to the office of Surgeon of the First Iowa Volunteer Infantry which owing to ill health he resigned in November of 1864. He again engaged in the drug business in 1876 continuing until 1878 when on October 8, he was elected justice of the peace. At a earlier date; he had been alderman and city clerk.

February 24, 1846 he was united in marriage to Miss Ruth Baldwin who was born in Washington County PA. To this union eight children were born; 4 of whom are still survives as follows: Mrs. H.A. Kinnamon of Keokuk, Mrs D.A. Pool,John B. Orr of Boston and Calvin McClintock of Oakland, Cal.

WAS A PRESBYTERIAN

Dr. Orr was one of the first twenty three members of the First Presbyterian church in this city and was elected one of the three ruling elders of the church in this city in 1853. He was ever a consistant member, being identified closely with its history in the county since it's organization here.

The remains will be brought to this city for burial and will arrive here on the Burlington NO 3 Saturday morning. The funeral will be held from the First Presbyterian church where the service will be conducted by the Pastor Rev. F.F. Stoltz at 3 p.m. Interment will be in Ottumwa Cemetery.