U.S. Army · United States 
James Orr
1918
James Orr served the U.S. Army.
How He Died
Manner
Natural
Cause
Influenza
Mechanism
Pathogen
Influenza Pandemic
What Happened
Reserve Police Officer James Orr contracted Spanish Influenza while guarding the Liberty Bell at Independence Hall at 526 Market Street in Philadelphia. He died from complications at his home in the 1500 block of Wharton Street a week later.
Reserve Police Officer Orr was the oldest police officer in age and length of service in the department at the time. He was very well known to the officers in the police department and often answered questions and briefly talked about the history of the Liberty Bell to its many visitors each year during his assignment.
Reserve Police Officer Orr was a Union Army veteran and had served with the Philadelphia Police Department for 49 years. He had been assigned to guard the Liberty Bell at Independence Hall for 25 years.
Reserve Police Officer Orr was the oldest police officer in age and length of service in the department at the time. He was very well known to the officers in the police department and often answered questions and briefly talked about the history of the Liberty Bell to its many visitors each year during his assignment.
Reserve Police Officer Orr was a Union Army veteran and had served with the Philadelphia Police Department for 49 years. He had been assigned to guard the Liberty Bell at Independence Hall for 25 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
Service Record
U.S. Army
Also Served
Philadelphia Police Department
Reserve Police Officer
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
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Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
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