Anderson in Anderson County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
James Lawrence Orr
Died February 26, 1905
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Founder and President
Orr Cotton Mills
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Honest and Fearless in the
Discharge of Every Duty.
Rest in Peace.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1810.
Location. 34° 30.6′ N, 82° 38.95′ W. Marker is in Anderson, South Carolina, in Anderson County. Marker is on East Greenville Street (State Highway 81). Marker is located on the northeast side of the museum, near the parking lot. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 202 East Greenville Street, Anderson SC 29621, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 10 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Orr Monument (here, next to this marker); Boy High School (here, next to this marker); "Old Reformer" Cannon (a few steps from this marker); Girls High School (within shouting distance of this marker); The Old Reformer (within shouting distance of this marker); Robert Anderson Memorial Fountain (within shouting distance of this marker); Frierson School House (within shouting distance of this marker); McGee Harness Shop (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Virginia "Jennie" Gilmer (approx. 0.2 miles away); Anderson County Library (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Anderson.
More about this marker. The marker was originally located on South Main Street, near the ruins of Orr's Mill. It was placed on the museum grounds after a tree fell over, breaking the monument.
Additional commentary.
1. Samuel Marshall Orr, M.D.
Samuel Marshall Orr, M.D., was one of the sons of Governor James L. Orr, whose record is reviewed elsewhere, and while his two brothers, James L. and Christopher H., adopted the profession of the law, Samuel Marshall became one of the eminent physicians and surgeons of the state, though for many years he also handled extensive business interests.
Doctor Orr was born at Anderson June 5, 1855, and spent all his life in that city. He attended private schools, the King's Mountain Military School at Yorkville, completed a literary course in Furman University, and began the study of medicine under the late Dr. W.H. Nardin, Sr., at Anderson. In 1879 he graduated from Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia, and returning to Anderson was devoted with all his talents and splendid abilities to professional work for a quarter of a century. For a time he was associated with his preceptor Doctor Nardin. His abilities and experience made him esteemed as a consulting practitioner, and Governor Richardson appointed him a member of the first Board of Medical Examiners for the state. He also served as president of the Anderson County Medical Society and vice president of the State Medical Society, and was surgeon for the Charleston and Western Carolina and the Blue Ridge Railroad Companies.
While in active practice and more particularly after retiring from his profession he gave evidence of his marked qualifications as a business man. He entered the drug business at Anderson in 1883, was prominent in connection with the first building and loan association at Anderson, and after the death of his brother Col. James L. Orr in 1905 he succeeded him in the presidency of the Orr Cotton Mill at Anderson. He held that position at the time of his death, and he had also been vice president of the Farmers and Merchants Bank at Anderson, and president and treasurer of the old Anderson Light and Power Company. He was one of the original trustees of the Anderson graded schools, and served many years as a vestryman of the Episcopal Church.
In 1875 Doctor Orr married Miss Charlotte Alethea Allen. Mrs. Orr, who still survives her honored husband, is the mother of four children: Harry A., Mary Orr, Samuel M., Jr., and Lydia. Both sons have achieved distinction as electrical engineers. Mrs. Orr is a granddaughter of Dr. Charles Louis Gaillard, formerly of Charleston, of French Huguenot origin, while her paternal grandfather was Banister Allen of Abbeville County and of English ancestry. (Source: History of South Carolina Volume 3 by Yates Snowden (1920), pgs 111-113.)
— Submitted December 6, 2009, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 14, 2020. It was originally submitted on January 12, 2009, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 2,714 times since then and 83 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on January 12, 2009, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. 2. submitted on June 10, 2009, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. 3. submitted on January 12, 2009, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. 4. submitted on June 10, 2009, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. submitted on September 22, 2010, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.