Jackson Orr facts for kids
Jackson Orr (born September 21, 1832 – died March 15, 1926) was an important person in American history. He was a lawyer, a brave officer during the American Civil War, and a successful businessman. He also served as a U.S. Representative for Iowa, helping to make laws for the country. Later in his life, he moved to Colorado and continued his work there.
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Early Life and Education
Jackson Orr was born in Washington Court House, Ohio, in 1832. When he was about four years old, his family moved to Benton, Indiana. He went to local schools and later studied at Indiana University in Bloomington. In 1856, he moved to Jefferson, Iowa. There, he studied law and became a lawyer.
Serving in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began, Jackson Orr joined the Union Army. From 1861 to 1863, he served as a captain. He led Company H in the 10th Iowa Volunteer Infantry Regiment.
Life in Iowa and Politics
After the war, Jackson Orr started businesses in Montana (now Boone), Iowa. He also became involved in politics. In 1868, he was elected to the Iowa House of Representatives. That same year, he almost won the chance to run for a U.S. Representative spot, but he was just two votes short.
In 1870, Orr tried again and won the nomination from the Republican Party. He was then elected to represent Iowa's 6th district in the 42nd United States Congress. This meant he would go to Washington D.C. to help make laws for the country.
After the 1870 census, Iowa gained more seats in Congress. Orr's home county was then part of a new area called Iowa's 9th congressional district. He ran in this new district and was elected again to the 43rd United States Congress. During this time, he led a special group called the Committee on Expenditures in the Department of the Interior. This committee checked how money was spent in the government department that looked after public lands and resources. He served in Congress from March 4, 1871, to March 3, 1875.
Moving West to Colorado
In 1874, Jackson Orr decided not to run for Congress again. Instead, he moved to Silverton, Colorado, in 1875. Silverton was a mining town in a new part of southwestern Colorado Territory.
In Colorado, Orr continued his public service. He was elected as a county judge and served for three years. Later, he moved to Denver, Colorado. There, he worked as a lawyer and also in the real estate business, helping people buy and sell land.
In 1882, President Chester A. Arthur chose him to be one of three special helpers. Their job was to work on an agreement between the United States and the Ute tribe. In 1884, he tried to get the Republican nomination to represent all of Colorado in Congress, but he was not chosen. From 1893 to 1894, he was the president of the Denver Fire and Police Board, which helped manage the city's fire and police departments.
Jackson Orr passed away in Denver on March 15, 1926. He was buried in Fairmount Cemetery in Denver.
