Son of George and Sarah (Shull) Orris. Married to Mary Jane Hulick and Emiline Mills.

"Portrait and Biographical Album" of Washington County, Iowa - 1887" - - pages 354-355

J. B. ORRIS resides upon section 25, Oregon Township, where he owns 156 acres of land, and is engaged in general farming and stock-raising. He was born in Perry County, Pa., June 23, 1830, and is the son of George and Sarah (Shull) Orris, who were also natives of Pennsylvania. He was reared on a farm and educated in the public schools of his native State. On reaching his majority, in 1851, he turned his face westward, crossed the Father of Waters, and settled in Louisa County, Iowa, where he remained until 1865, and then removed to his present place of residence.

Mr. Orris was married, in Washington County, this State, in 1856, to Mary J. Hulick, a native of this county, born in 1838. Ten children have blessed this union, of whom eight are now living: John D.; Henry T., who married Nellie Willey; Sarah, the wife of William Pearce; William, a
prominent school teacher; Samuel K.; Jeremiah H., Cyrus and Alden B. Mrs. Orris died in 1871. He was the second time married, in 1875, to Emily Mills, who was born in Fulton County, Ill. By this marriage there is one child, Lucy. On coming to Iowa Mr. Orris was in very limited circumstances, and that which he now owns has been accumulated by hard work and close attention to business. He and his wife are prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he has been a Class-Leader ever since coming to Washington County. As a citizen he is ever ready to do his duty, and has given much of his time to advance the interests of his township, serving in various township offices. By his friends and neighbors he is held in high esteem. He is a kind and indulgent husband and father.