Pg 381

         WILLIAM W. ORR, one of the well-to-do and progressive farmers of Louisa County, Iowa, now residing on section 4, Union Township, was born in McMinn County, Tenn., and is a son of William and Mary (Walker) Orr, whose history is given in the sketch of J. J. Orr, on another page of this volume. In 1851 our subject left his native State, and emigrated to this county, locating upon the farm which still continues to be his home. He purchased 160 acres of partially improved land, to which he has added until his farm now comprises 640 acres, which, with the exception of forty acres, is all under fence. Mr. Orr is a practical and leading farmer, and everything about his place denotes the thrift and enterprise of the owner.

In 1869 our subject was united in marriage with Sarah J. McCarney, who was born in this county, and is a daughter of John and Sarah McCarney, who were natives of the Emerald Isle. By the union of this worthy couple nine children have been born—Rufus A., James L., Jennie May, Mary Ellen, Francis J., Maggie A., Arthur Garfield, John L. and William Earl. Politically, Mr. Orr is a supporter of the Republican party, and is now a member of the School Board. He raises considerable stock upon his farm, shipping from two to four loads of cattle annually, and is very successful in that line of business. His life has been one of success, for commencing life without financial aid, he has labored earnestly and faithfully until he has become one of the well-to-do farmers of Louisa County. As a citizen, he is held in the highest esteem, and none has the confidence and respect of the community in a greater degree than Mr. Orr.