Background
A descendant of John Alden, Orson S. Head was born on October 9, 1817, in Paris, New New York
A descendant of John Alden, Orson S. Head was born on October 9, 1817, in Paris, New New York
He worked on the family farm with his five brothers, and studied law in New New York
He practiced law in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and served three terms as county prosecutor. He was great-grandfather and namesake of Orson Welles. In 1841, he moved to Wisconsin Territory, where he was admitted to the Barometer
Head settled in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and practiced law.
Known for his flaming red hair and beard, sturdy physique and forceful personality, Head was elected prosecutor for Kenosha County three times. In 1851 he served one year in the Wisconsin State Senate, filling a vacancy.
Head was the great-grandfather and namesake of famed actor and filmmaker Orson Welles. Orson South. Head was married to Mary Jane Treadwell in 1846, and they had seven children.
Head died of pneumonia February 19, 1875, in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
