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Orr Farm, established around 1820 by James Madison Orr and his wife, Anna Capps Orr, has a storied history that reflects the family’s dedication to agriculture and community engagement. James Madison Orr emigrated from South Carolina and laid the foundation for a thriving agricultural operation that provided sustenance for his family and contributed to the local economy.

Key Figures in the Orr Family Tree:

James Madison Orr:  The patriarch who founded Orr Farm, establishing a legacy of hard work and dedication to the land.

Anna Capps Orr: His supportive wife, who played a vital role in managing the household and early operations of the farm.

The Original Orr Brothers (James Orr's sons): 

John Herbert Orr: An influential entrepreneur and engineer who made significant contributions to the agricultural and industrial sectors in Opelika and Auburn. The museum of East Alabama that features an exhibit dedicated to local industrialist and army intelligent officer John Herbert Orr. He also has an exhibit at the Smithsonian Institution.

Robert Homer Orr: Known for his innovations in steel manufacturing while associated with U.S. Steel, shaping the industrial landscape of the region.

Lee Orr: An Auburn University Vet School Graduate that later worked for the food and drug administration and was an accomplished gun shooting champion, dedicating his career to animal health and welfare. 

Willy Orr: An Auburn University graduate that became a career army soldier whose service highlights the family’s involvement in national service. 

Sons Emory Orr and George Washington Orr: Continued the family’s agricultural traditions after their father's death and were involved in community affairs in the area.

Koy Jackson Orr: An Auburn University graduate and Engineer who later became the yard superintendent for the U.S. Steel Birmingham Facility and was the only Orr Brother who had children to continue the Orr Legacy. 

The Next Generation of Orr Brothers:

After the devastation that hurricane Opal brought to the farm two of KJ’s (Koy Jackson’s) grandsons John Michael Orr and David G. Orr decided to take on the responsibility of cleaning up and replanting the old growth timber that had been destroyed. 

After the completion of the cleanup and the replanting Mike (John Michael Orr) decided to stay at the farm and grow organic fruits, vegetables, and flowers to sell to the local area’s farmers markets. He also donated his organic crops to the Chambers County jail facility located in Lafayette as a way to give back to the community that he loved so much. He was featured in the Opelika-Auburn News Paper Wednesday, August 26, 2009 selling his produce at the Opelika Farmer’s market. 

Proceeding his brother Mike’s death in 2011, David Orr took up residency on the 200-year-old family farm. He and his wife Chanoah Orr have worked hard to build a farm animal rescue sanctuary and preserve the beauty of the land and its wildlife to share with future Orr generations and everyone in the community.

The Birth of Orr Farm Rescue & Sanctuary

Orr Farm Rescue & Sanctuary was established to honor the legacy of the Orr family by providing a safe haven for animals in need. Our sanctuary is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals, reflecting the compassionate values instilled by the Orr family throughout their history.

We strive to engage the community through educational programs, volunteer opportunities, and outreach initiatives that promote animal welfare and responsible pet ownership. By fostering a spirit of compassion and involvement, we aim to carry forward the Orr family’s commitment to service and community.

Visit Us!

We invite you to explore Orr Farm Rescue & Sanctuary, connect with our mission, and become part of our community. Together, we can continue the legacy of care and compassion that has defined Orr Farm for generations.