The full biographical sketch as printed in 1922, transcribed from the public-domain book. Spelling and wording are the original author’s; a few scanning errors may remain.
SAMUEL L. ORVIS.
Samuel L. Orvis, now living retired at Spring Grove, is one of the veterans of the Civil War, and a man whose usefulness to his country in both war and peace has been clearly proven. He was born at Battle- boro, Vt,, January 1, 1840, a son of Simeon V. and Derexey (Campbell) Orvis, and grandson of David C. Orvis, who was a Revolutionary
768 HISTORY OF McllENRY COUNTY
soldier and officer. In 1840 the family moved to New York, and in 1853, to Illinois, and after three years in this state, went to Wilmot, Wis. Still later, Simeon V. Orvis went to Iowa, but he and his wife spent their last days with their children, of whom there were four grow- ing to maturity and marrying.
Samuel L. Orvis enlisted for service during the Civil War, in Novem- ber, 1861, in the First Wisconsin Cavalry, and re-enlisted in the same regiment in 1864, continuing with it until after peace was declared. During the last year he was commanding sergeant, and was detailed to capture Jefferson Davis. Succeeding in the undertaking, he with his comrades shared the reward. During his long and dangerous service he was not wounded or captured. Mr. Orvis received his honorable discharge in July, 1865, after three and one-half years of service.
Mr. Orvis was married (first) to Miss Lavina Sanborn, at Wilmot, Wis., November 4, 1866. A sketch of the Sanborn family is given elsewhere* in this work. Mr. Orvis was a farmer of Richmond Township until 1888, but in that year moved on the old Sanborn homestead that originally belonged to Grandmother Sanborn. During recent years he has lived retired at Spring Grove. He and his wife had the follow- ing children born to them: Clarence C, who is an attorney of Oskaloosa, Iowa; Rose, who married James Madden, has six children and is now housekeeper for her father, her children being, Mary, James, Catherine, Samuel and Margaret P.; Bryon, who lives at Waukegan, 111., is a city employe; Elmer, who is city attorney of Waukegan; and Frank, who was killed in 1909 on the railroad at Shernierville, 111., was a railroad employe; and Everett, who is a farmer of Lake County, 111. Mr. Orvis is one of the most highly respected men of the county, and deserves the leisure he is now enjoying for he has worked hard in previous years.
Source: History of McHenry County, Illinois (1922. See the original pages at the Internet Archive.
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