NEWS: William H. ORR, Republican County Committee, June 3, 1918, Blair County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Jessica Orr 

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SHERIFF W. H. ORR COUNTY CHAIRMAN

Republicans Give Him Handsome Vote for Office at Organization Saturday
Applause Greets his Arrival

  William H. Orr, high sheriff of Blair county, was on Saturday elected 
chairman of the Republican county committee for a term of two years. His 
opponent for a term of two years. His opponent for the honor was Harry E. 
Deshong, of Second ward. Altoona, who received 26 votes to 80 cast for Mr. Orr.  
Mr. Deshong was subsequently elected secretary, along with Elmer Shiffler, 
Harry C. Burger and W. Lloyd Hayes. Messrs. Deshong and Shiffler represent the 
First legislative district and Messrs. Burger and Hayes the second.
  The meeting of the newly elected committee was called to order at 2:30 
o'clock by the retiring chairman, the Hon. J. D. Hicks.  In opening, Mr. Hicks 
sang the praises of the G. O. P., portraying in his inimitable style the many 
accomplishments of the greatest party in the greatest nation the world has ever 
known, as he put it. Mr. Hicks only briefly at this time referred to his 
official leadership.
  The roll call was then taken up. The majority of the committeemen were in 
their places. In a number of districts where there were tie votes, no person 
answered and the new chairman will later draw lots or decide in some other 
manner satisfactory to the parties concerned, who shall be the representative. 
George W. Beegle, of Allegheny township, moved that where but one man was 
present from a district. The motion prevailed.
  Mr. Hicks then declared the meeting open for nominations for the office of 
chairman. E. E. McClintock of Tyrone, in a neat speech, in which he lauded the 
candidates, placed in nomination William H. Orr, of Altoona. Committeeman 
Samuel M. Baumgardner, of Altoona, then nominated Harry E. Deshong. James C. 
Gorsuch, in seconding the nomination of Mr. Deshong, declared it his belief 
that the chairman should come from the membership of the committee. The roll 
was called and the vote was: Orr, 80; Deshong, 26.
  Committeeman John H. Root, of the Second ward, Altoona, then moved to make 
the election unanimous, and this vote was taken with a cheer. The retiring 
chairman then named Messrs. Deshong, McClintock, Alex. Weir and David G. Mock as 
a committee to find the new chairman and escort him into the court room at 
Hollidaysburg, where the meeting was held.
  While the committee was hunting Sheriff Orr, Mr. Hicks said: "Some one has 
suggested that I sing my swan song. I don't sing, but presume this would be a 
good time to say a few words."
  Mr. Hicks then reviewed his work as chairman for the past two years, speaking 
especially of the success that attended his efforts, along with those of the 
willing and hard working (ends here then starts here) committeemen. He warned 
the committeemen against "guerilla warfare," as he termed the efforts of 
outsiders to get a place on the Republican ticket, or disgruntled Republicans 
getting on the Democratic ticket.
  By this time Mr. Orr appeared on the scene. He was greeted with hand-clapping 
and cheers when he appeared. He heartily tanked the committeemen for the honor, 
declaring it was doubly pleasing to him because it came entirely unsolicited. 
He said the voters of the county had acted wisely in the selection of a 
committee; that a good ticket had been selected and that he wanted the hearty 
co-operation of all. The enthusiasm with which these remarks were received 
indicated that he will get it.
  The election of four secretaries was next in order. From Altoona Messrs. 
Elmer Shiffler, H. E. Deshong, W. E. Crampsey and Andrew Fleisher were placed 
in nomination and from the Second district, Messrs. W. L. Hayes, Harry C. 
Burger and F. C. Wright. Messrs. Shiffler, Deshong, Hayes and Burger were 
declared elected after the roll call.
  The organization now being complete, Sheriff Orr called upon a number of the 
party's nominees who were present and short addresses were made. The meeting 
was full of harmony and enthusiasm and predictions were freely made that the 
fight in November will end in success of the ticket.

Altoona Tribune, Monday, June 3, 1918, page 10