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- Farming has claimed the attention of Joseph W. Orr from his early youth to the present time and he is now operating eighty acres which he purchased in 1895, in addition to carrying on the home farm of one hundred acres, all located in Scotch Grove township. Mr. Orr was born in Clay township, Jones county, April 15, 1864, a son of William and Jemima (Orr) Orr, both natives of the Emerald Isle, whence they came to the new world after reaching mature years. Each located in Connecticut and in that state in 1855 they were united in marriage. In April of that year, about two months subsequent to their marriage, they sought a home in the west, making a location in Jones county. Here the father worked as a farm hand for several years, while for four years he operated rented land. Both he and his wife were economical and industrious and their united efforts eventually brought them the capital that justified the purchase of a farm and Mr. Orr then bought eighty acres of land ready for cultivation and twenty acres of timber land. Locating on his newly acquired tract he continued to carry on farm work till the time of his death, which occurred on the 28th of January, 1888, when he had reached the age of fifty-five years. The mother still survives and yet makes her home on the farm left to her by her husband.
Joseph W. Orr was reared at home, acquiring his education in the common schools. He was associated with his father in the farm work until the latter's death, when the son assumed its management and has since carried on the work for his mother. In 1895, Mr. Orr purchased eighty acres of land adjoining the home place and he now has charge of the one hundred and eighty acres, this land lying in Scotch Grove Township. He follows general farming and his excellent knowledge of the best methods of agriculture are bringing to him gratifying results. Mr. Orr was married on the 24th of August, 1887, to Miss Ella J. Lee, of Clay township, a daughter of James F. Lee, who came when a boy with his parents to Jones county from Dubuque county, this state. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Orr have been born seven children, but two of the number are deceased. Those who survive are: Vera J., who is a student in Lenox College at Hopkinton, Iowa; and William L., Ruth N., John Harold and Ralph J., all still under the parental roof.
Mr. Orr is a democrat in his political views and affiliations and keeps well informed on the current events of the day. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, while his fraternal relations connect him with Onslow Lodge, NO. 398, I.0.0.F. and Onslow Camp, No. 2120, M.W.A. Mr. Orr is one of the substantial and influential men of Scotch Grove township, where his entire life has been spent and his record will therefore prove of interest to our readers.
From History of Jones County, Iowa, Past and Present, R. M. Corbitt, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, 1910, p. 542.
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- Yes, date unknown
, d. 28 Jan 1888 (Age 54 years)