EARLY MILITARY SERVICE IN THE ORNDORFF FAMILY
This is a rough accounting of ancestors serving in the eras of the Revolution, the War of 1812 and the Civil War, listed in Roy Orndorff’s compilation “An Orndorff Family”. This is by no means a complete accounting of Orndorff early service members and does not account for other branches of our Orndorff family that undoubtedly served in those times.
Cartographer Jedidiah Hotchkiss of New York rendered his service to the Confederate cause. He was charged with making a detailed map of the Shenandoah Valley and did so with great precision. The map provided a distinct advantage to the Confederates and was instrumental in the success of Stonewall Jackson’s Valley Campaign. Our family name (homesteads) is referenced in several places on his map. Here is a portion of his map depicting the area around Van Buren Furnace with our name referenced:
JOIN US! AUGUST 9, 2025 FAMILY REUNION
It is so exciting to have an Orndorff Reunion this year at one of the most beautiful locations in the state of Virginia! There is something for every age: young or old, little ones and teenagers!
The gardens at Lewis Ginter Park Botanical Gardens are breathtaking. There is a “playground” area for younger children to enjoy, art exhibitions and extensive perennial gardens.
It is also a beautiful location for family members to share stories, and perhaps meet each other for the first time. Bring your photos, family memorabilia and papers, and ancestry information to share.
Finally, we will be gathering and dining in the Lewis Ginter Park Tea Room for a delicious meal. The Tea Room is an experience! It will remind some of dining in a real Japanese Tea Room!
Please reach out to your family and encourage them to come to the reunion. It is important to many of us that the current and future generations carry on the Orndorff traditions, sharing stories, remembering those who have passed and the joy of being part of its very long generational history.
- RSVP to Marsha Orndorff: marsha.orndorff@gmail.com / (518) 527-1118
- We need an estimate of the number of people who will be attending by JULY 21st.
- The actual number of attendees must be given by August 1.
