Notes for Joseph Lemmond Orr




			The Ancestors of D O N N A J O Y J O H N S O N of Mecklenburg County, North Carolina

Notes for Joseph Lemmond Orr

Tacky Party
A pleasant affair was the "tacky party" given last evening at the residence of Mr. Lindsay Adams on South Church street. The party was largely attended and the costumes extremely "tacky."
Prices were awarded to Mr. John Creswell for the tackiest boy's costume, and Miss Mamie Orr for the tackiest girl's costume. Mr. Joe Orr won the prize for the least tacky costume. Those present were: Misses Mamie, Maggie, Julia and Annie Orr, Mamie Ella and Lula Jamison, Annie Creswell, Della Osborne, Sallie and Maggie Adams; Messrs. John Creswell, Will Orr, Jo Wentz, Will Jenkins, Hazel Puckett, Frank, Jim and Jo Orr. [from the collection of Marge Dawson, date thought to be before 1892]

BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG
Today is the Anniversary of That Great Conflict of 35 Years Ago
Sergeant J. L. Orr reminds a News reporter that today is the anniversary of the battle of Fredericksburg. To those who took part in this, one of the greatest of the conflicts of the late war, there is no need of anything to remind them of it, for the battle is indelibly impressed on their memory.
On the Confederate side were 458 killed and 3,643 wounded; total 4,201. The Federal loss was 1,152 killed; 9,101 wounded, and 3,234 missing; total 13,487.
Less than 20,000 Confederate troops were actively engaged. This number composed about one-fourth of the army under General Lee.
After the battle of Fredericksburg the army of Northern Virginia remained encamped on the south side of the Rappahannock until the latter part of April 1863. [from the collection of Marge Dawson, date thought to have been 1898]

A few days before Thanksgiving Sergeant Orr bought a fine large gobbler for the feast. He invited his friends in for dinner and made big preparations for their entertainment. Of course the turkey was to form the central dish. But the night before the fowl was to yield up his life a "gentleman in black" visited the coop and carried him to parts unknown.
Mr. Orr tried the market but it had been exhausted and no turkey could be bought. The dinner was served without the turkey, and with considerable disappointment to the sergeant. He vowed to find the thief, and so set about for it. On Saturday last he heard a gobble that sounded familiar to him and so he investigated. To his own joy Mr. Orr found his lost fowl. He asked the owner of the coop where he got the turkey and made the questions so hot for him that the sly rogue made a full confession and plea for mercy. Mr. Orr took his turkey, thanked the colored man for fattening him so nicely, and put him back in the original Thanksgiving coop, where he will remain until Christmas, unless the same or another visitor comes again. [newspaper clipping from the collection of Marge Dawson]

A Noted Anniversary
This is the anniversary of a day ever memorable in the history of the South. It is the 29th anniversary of the great battle of Chancellorsvile (sic), in which the immortal Stonewall Jackson received his death wound. It was one of the famous battles of the world. There were 180,000 Federals against 125,000 Confederates, but it resulted in the greatest victory the Confederates ever gained. There were hundreds of Mecklenburg soldiers in that fight, and sergeant Orr, [portion omitted] was one of them. He left an arm there. [from the collection of Marge Dawson]

30 YEARS AGO
The 30th Anniversary of the Battle of Chancellorsville
To the Editor of the News:
How memory comes rushing back with vivid pictures of that eventful day. Two mighty armies engaged in a death struggle! Stonewall Jackson wounded the evening before and the gallant Stuart put in command. The battle opened early in the morning, and before the sun was an hour high the contest was raging at full tide. Here many from Mecklenburg gave their lives, an oblation on their country's altar. Many more were wounded, and some left their limbs to be buried with their dead comrades. Joe Orr, our next tax collector, left an arm; Doc Daniels a leg. Their regiment, 37th N. C., went into the fight with less than 400 rank and file, had 130 wounded hauled off the field, in addition to those killed in action. No one thought of the day being Sunday - anything else than a day of rest. The old gray Rebels love to recall the events of the past, and talk of the bloody dramas; but the younger people seem to take but little interest in the past. In fact, they are but poorly informed of the history of the war period. In 30 years more there will be but a few - scarcely a corporal's guard - to recall the scenes enacted at Chancellorsville.
Old Rebel
[from the collection of Marge Dawson, date thought to have been 1893]

Survivors of Company L
At the veterans picnic Thursday, there was a little reunion of considerable interest. It was a meeting of the remnant of Co. I, Thirty Seventh North Carolina Troops, that left Charlotte on September 3, 1861, under Capt. Jack Harrison. Of the original company, seventeen members made up the reunion party at the park Thursday. They were: Lieutenant A. F. Yandle; Sergeant Joe Orr; Private C. M. Orr, and Corporals, J. G. A. Orr, S. G. Orr, J. O. Alexander, G. W. Williamson, T. B. Henry, R. A. Sharp, J. W. Barnhill, ? C. McCall, A. J. Speares, D. L. McCord, J. W. Hunsucker, J. A. Hunsucker, James Manning, James --?--mery (probably Montgomery). [from the collection of Marge Dawson]

Article from the Social column of a 1900 newspaper:
SERGEANT ORR FELL OF THE CAR
Sergeant Jo Orr was painfully hurt this afternoon about 4:15 o'clock. He was on a South Tryon street car. The car slowed up at the express office corner to let some one off. Sergeant Orr went to get off too, when he fell, striking the ground on his one-armed shoulder and head. He was surrounded instantly by friends and after he recovered sufficiently to rise was helped into the express office, and physicians summoned. The town feels a peculiar affection for this one-armed old Confederate veteran, and an injury to him would be generally deplored. [from the collection of Marge Dawson]

Article from front page of "Charlotte Daily Observer," Tuesday, April 17, 1906:

JOSEPH L. ORR IS DEAD
The Call Came Last Evening at 5:50 O'Clock - The Funeral To-Morrow Afternoon - The Surviving Relatives - Was 74 Years Old and Had Served Honorably in the Civil War, Losing an Arm at the Battle of Chancellorsville - Served on the City Police Force 40 Years

Assistant Chief of Police Joseph L. Orr died at his home at No. 310 South Poplar street last evening at 5:50 o'clock, death resulting from slow paralysis. He had been in declining health for more than a year, but had been confined to his bed only about three weeks. The funeral service will be conducted at the residence to-morrow afternoon at 3 o'clock by Rev. Dr. Martin D. Hardin, pastor of the Second Presbyterian church, assisted by Rev. William Duncan, pastor of the First Associate Reformed Presbyterian church. The funeral will be attended by Mecklenburg camp of Confederate Veterans, which will march to the grave as an escort of honor. The active pall-bearers will be members of the city police force.
Joseph L. Orr was born on March 13th, 1835, in Sugar Creek township, this county. His father was Mr. Mason [sic] Orr. At the time of his death he was slightly more than 74 years old. A widow, who was Miss Margaret Wilson, survives him at the age of 62 years. Other immediate relatives surviving him are: Three brothers, Messrs. C. M., S. G. and J. L. V. Orr; two sisters, Misses Jennie and Susan Orr; six daughters, Mesdames R. J. Porter, J. H. Wentz, G. A. Link, L. R. Goodman, C. W. Cooke and Miss Grace Orr; and three sons, Messrs. Joe. E., Walter B., and James H. Orr. Two brothers died last year, Messrs. J. G. A. and Robert Orr.
The death of Joseph L. Orr marks the close of a long, useful and interesting career. Growing into sturdy young manhood in the country, he moved to the city shortly before the breaking out of the civil war, volunteering for service among the first. He, with his five brothers, were members of Company I Thirty Seventh North Carolina Regiment, which was a part of Lane's brigade, in Jackson's corps. He was a brave soldier. He was appointed corporal of the color guard and always he was at the front with the stars and bars. Twice he was wounded, but not until the last time, when his arm was splintered, did he leave his post. It was remarkable also that four of his five brothers in the same company were wounded once or more, but not one was killed.
At the battle of Chancellorsville he was wounded the second time, his arm being splintered by a shot. The limb was amputated by Dr. J. B. Alexander, of Charlotte, who was a surgeon in the army. The loss of his arm incapacitated Mr. Orr for further service and he was sent home with an honorable discharge.
In the year 1866 the one-armed veteran was selected a member of the police force of Charlote, the town marshall at that time being Capt. W. B. Taylor, the present city tax collector. From the time of his first election as a policeman he served continuously until his death, with the exception of one year. Notwithstanding the fact that he had only one arm Mr. Orr made a most excellent officer, arresting all offenders without regard to class or condition. He was always fair and fearless. Every person he arrested was sure of being treated with any consideration they deserved and equally sure of having full justice done them in the court so far as the evidence of the policeman went. He was an expert with a revolver and in times of riots, which were not infrequent in reconstruction days, he never hesitated to use his gun when it was necessary. His term of service on the police force was probably the longest ever served by one man. A part of the time he served as a sergeant of the police and, four years ago, in consideration for his long term of service, he was made assistant chief, the duties of which office were practically nominal.
As a mark of esteem and respect a guard of honor was established at the door of the Orr home last night by the chief of police, and a policeman will be kept on duty at the house until the funeral.
It was a pretty custom of Assistant Chief Orr for more than three decades, at midnight of the 31st of December every year, to ring out the old year and in the new year. The bell he used was the old fire bell, which could be heard all over the city, and which is now at the North Graded school.
He is gone, and his comrades and friends will say: "May his reward in the eternity be in proportion to his devotion to his duty and his zeal in its execution."

RESOLUTIONS OF RESPECT
At a meeting of the police officers held in the police office yesterday mornin, (sic) the following memorial resolutions were unanimously passed:
"Wheras. It hath pleased God in His allwise providence to remove from our ranks our brother officer, Assistant Chief of Police Joseph L. Orr, therefore be it
Resolved, 1st. That we humbly and reverently bow in submission to the doings of Him who holds in His hand the issues of life and death.
Resolved, 2nd. That we extend to the bereaved widow and children our sincere and heartfult (sic) sympathy and pray God that He may be kind to the widow and to the fatherless.
Resolved, 3rd. That we recognize in our brother a brave, faithful and efficient officer, a kind, loving and devoted husband and father, and a genial, agreeable companion.
Resolved, 4th. That his body of policemen wear an appropriate badge of mourning on the left arm for thirty daus (sic), as a memorial of respect to the memory of our dead brother.
Resolved, 5th. That a page of the police records be set apart as a memorial page to Joseph L. Orr and that these resolutions be spread thereon; further that a copy of same be sent to the bereaved widow and family, and a copy to each of the city papers with the request to publish.
This 17th day of April, 1906.
SERGT. T. J. T. FARRINGTON,
SERGEANT W. H. PITTS,
JOHN P. C. MORRIS,
B. J. SUMMERROW,
Committee
[from the collection of Marge Dawson]

Obituary dated April 18, 1906:
Funeral of Joseph L. Orr This Afternoon.
The funeral services of Assistant Chief of Police Joseph L. Orr, who died Monday evening, will be conducted at the residence this afternoon at 3 o'clock, by Rev. Dr. Martin D. Hardin, assisted by Rev. William Duncan. The pall-bearers will be members of the city police court and a guard of honor from Mecklenburg Camp of Confederate Veterans will escort the remains to the cemetery. [from the collection of Marge Dawson]

Article from "Charlotte Daily Observer," April 19, 1906:

THE LIST RITES
Body of Joseph L. Orr Laid to Rest -- the Cortege

The funeral of Assistant Chief of Police Joseph L. Orr was held at the Second Presbyterian church yesterday afternoon at 3 o'clock, Rev. Dr. Martin Hardin, the pastor, conducting the services, assisted by Rev. William Duncan, pastor of the First Associate Reformed Presbyterian church. From the home to the church to the cemetery, the hearse was accompanied by a guard of honor from the Mecklenburg camp of Confederate veterans, the main part of the camp marching in front. The pall bearers were members of the city police force. A large number of the city officials were present at the last rites.
There were many floral tributes to the deceased, attesting the esteem in which he was held.

REMAINS LAID TO REST
Funeral of Assistant Chief J. L. Orr Yesterday Afternoon
The funeral of Assistant Chief of Police Joseph L. Orr was conducted at the Second Presbyterian Church yesterday afternoon at 3 o'clock, Rev. Dr. Martin D. Hardin, the pastor, officiating, assisted by Rev. William Duncan, pastor of the First Associate Reformed Presbyterian church. From the home to the cemetery, a guard of honor from the Mecklenburg Camp of Confederate Veterans walked by the side of the hearse. The members of the police force were the active pall-bearers. The funeral was largely attended. The remains were laid to rest in Elmwood Cemetery. [from the collection of Marge Dawson]

Note - the Great San Francisco Earthquake struck at 5:13 a.m. on April 18, 1906. Fires raged for more than three days and most of the city was destroyed.

Looking Backward
From Files of the Observer This Date in 1906
TWENTY YEARS AGO TODAY
Assistant Chief of Police Joseph L. Orr died last evening at his home in the city. Mr. Orr was born in Sugar Creek township March 13, 1835. He, with his five brothers, were members of company I, 37th North Carolina regiment, in the war between the states, the regiment being a part of Lane'' brigade, Jackson'' corps. No braver soldier ever lived. He was revered and beloved throughout Mecklenburg county. [an article from the Charlotte Observer dated 1926, from the collection of Marge Dawson]

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