Clark, Robert Carlton, Ph.D. "History of the Willamette Valley Oregon."  Vol. 3.
Chicago: Chapman Publishing Company, 1927. p. 183.

ROBERT ORR
 
     Robert Orr has experienced many phases of pioneer life in Oregon,
developing a strong, self-reliant nature, which is essential to progress in
every line of endeavor, and success has rewarded his efforts. He is one of the
well known ranchers of Lane county and resides near Junction City. He was born
September 23, 1867, in La Salle county. Illinois, and is of Scotch lineage in
the paternal line. His father, Thomas Orr, was a farmer and died in 1880. The
mother, Mrs. Lucinda (Sanford) Orr, was a native of La Salle county and in 1879
made the journey to Oregon, where she spent the remainder of her life, passing
away October 12, 1913. Her father, Josiah Sanford, had crossed the plains in
1853 with his sons, James and Richmond, and they were the first white men to
build a cabin in the Grand Ronde valley of Oregon. They went to Oakridge over
the Indian trail and were among the first settlers in that district. James
Sanford was a sagacious, farsighted business man and prospered in all of his
undertakings, accumulating a substantial competence.

     Robert Orr received his rudimentary instruction in Illinois and when about
thirteen years old entered the preparatory department of the Oregon Agricultural
College at Corvallis. When a youth of fifteen he began to provide for his mother
and sister by operating the homestead near Oakridge and also hunting and
trapping. He remained there for seven years and then settled on a tract of land
near Crow. After cultivating the place for a few years he moved to Eugene and
later took up a homestead in the Wolfcreek district, improving the land, which
he held for six years, and at the same time he managed his uncle's ranch at
Creswell. Mr. Orr spent fourteen years in Eugene and during twelve years of that
period followed the carpenter's trade. About 1912 he located near Blachly, where
he engaged in farming for seven years, and then moved to his present place,
which comprises twenty acres of highly productive land. He keeps a few chickens
and cows but is now living practically retired- For many years his life was an
arduous one and his leisure is well deserved. He carefully planned each detail
of his work and made every effort count for the utmost.

     Mr. Orr was married August 11, 1907, to Miss Vida Mae Neet, a native of
Fall Creek, Oregon, and a daughter of Ole and Sadie Neet, who still make their
home in that place. Mr. and Mrs. Orr have four children: Robert M. and Vera Mae,
who are attending high school; and Dorothy Hazel and Ella Vina, grammar school
pupils. All were born in Lane county and the son will have the advantage of a
university education. Mr. Orr is an adherent of the republican party and while a
resident of Blachly served on the school board. He was connected with the United
Workmen of the World and also with the Degree of Honor. He lends the weight of
his support to all projects destined to prove of benefit to his district and
state and his genuine worth has enabled him to win and retain the esteem of many
friends.

     
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Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in June 2016 by Diana Smith.  Submitter
has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.