WHEN Miss Janet Orr died on February 5, 1871, aged 86, in her last will and testament, she appointed her trustees to "pay over to the Minister, Elders and Kirk Treasurer, for the time being of the Established Church in the parish of Alloa, the sum of 300 pounds sterling".

This was to be kept "invested in first class, heritable security or debentures of incorporated companies or in guaranteed or preference or debentures".

She suggested "stock of railways or other incorporated companies, or in the government funds, or in the purchase of feu duties or ground annuals or if at any time necessary or expedient, the same may be kept in bank in Great Britain at the highest rate of interest".

In making such investments or purchases, no stock or other property was to be chosen unless it was of "a first class description and perfectly safe".

She stated that the annual income produced from this money should be paid to the Assistant Minister of Alloa for his other works as an incentive to him "to be diligent and faithful in visiting and administering to the sick in the parish".

He was to do this along with his preaching and discharging "other pious duties pertaining to his office".

Although she knew there were two other mortifications for the Assistant Minister of the Parish, she felt that by leaving this additional sum, it would bolster the money left by Lady Charlotte Erskine’s Mortification.

Her bequest became known as the Orr Mortification.

Miss Orr was buried at the Greenside cemetery in Alloa four days after her death. Her age was not recorded in the local burial records, instead simply stating she was "old".

On Wednesday, February 22, at her house in Bank Street, by public roup, all her household furniture and effects were sold.

These ranged from her mahogany furniture, including a four-poster bed and dining set, and fine crystal, to fire grates and kitchen accessories.

On Saturday, March 25, the three bedroomed villa complete with attic flat and rear garden, was sold by public auction at the Royal Oak Hotel in Alloa.

In May 1874, in the shop window of watchmaker RB Tosh was displayed a flagon with the inscription "Presented by Miss Janet Orr in connection with the Orr Mortification. Alloa. February 1871".

The flagon was made from solid silver lined with gold and had been made by Tosh for the Parish Church to be used on Sacramental occasions.

The money for the dish had also been part of her Mortification.