Norris, J. D. 1814-1899

NORRIS, WINEGAR, WOODARD, LAMB

Posted By: Barbara Hug
Date: 3/18/2005 at 18:34:58

A Pioneer Passes Away

J. D. Norris, one of the early settlers of central Iowa, died last Tuesday morning at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Frank L. Woodard in Prairie City. Mr. Norris was familiarly known as “Uncle Jimmy,” and had been a resident of Jasper County for over fifty-two years ­ his home being in Prairie City or its vicinity all that time. He was born near Georgetown, Ohio, Nov. 14, 1814, having passed his eighty-fourth year when called to his sweet reward. In his boyhood days he was a schoolmate of Gen. U. S. Grant. In 1847 he came to Iowa and with the early pioneers suffered the privations of the new country. He live to enjoy the fruits of his sacrifice and toil, and in the sunset of life was bless with plenty and surrounded by loved ones and friends to minister lovingly to his every want. As a citizen he was unassuming but sociable and friendly to all, generous to a fault and ever true to his convictions of right. In his home life he was kind and lovable, ever ready to sacrifice his own pleasures to enhance those of others. An honored and estimable citizen and devoted parent has been summoned, and the entire community mourns his demise as a personal loss. The funeral services were held from the Christian Church in Prairie City at 2 o’clock this afternoon. ~ The Newton Record Thursday, February 2, 1899
==============================
After several weeks of general failing of life’s forces, Mr. J. D. Norris passes away Feb. 3, 1899.

Deceased was born Nov. 14, 1814, in Georgetown, Ohio.

He was married to Mary Lamb in 1834.

Three children survived this faithful mother who was removed by death in 1861.

Over fifty-two years ago Mr. Norris came to Jasper County where he has ever since made his home. These fine farms were unbroken prairies when in the vigor of life he again erected a home choosing as his companion Miss Susie Winegar.

Outside the home circle few are remembered long, only by their works. He will life in the memory of his neighbors as ever ready to assist any in distress or need, helping along any enterprise for the up building of his home and community. His companion preceded him to the better land in 1893, leaving one daughter who has ever kept up the home and blessed and brightened it by her sweet loving disposition since. Seldom have we ever seen such devotion of parent to child or such tender solicitude and love of child for parent.

In this death the community looses a kind benefactor, his home city a warm-hearted neighbor. The home circle sustains a loss so great that no pen can describe, a sorrow too sacred to intrude upon with empty words. Thus in history’s annals is recorded the life work and the death of another pioneer.

The impressive funeral obsequies were held in the Christian Church Thursday afternoon conducted by Rev. C. A. Gray assisted by pastors of the city. A corp of his associates of the early day and on until his death followed the remains to their last resting place in the beautiful Waveland Cemetery. ~ The Newton (IA) Record, Thursday, February 9, 1899. Page 5, Column 2 ­ Prairie City Press.
=================================
Prairie City (IA) News, 1899

Mr. J. D. Norris died January 31, 1899, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Frank L. Woodard, in Prairie City. He was born November 14, 1814 near Georgetown Ohio. U. S. Grant was one of his boyhood companions.

In 1834, he was married to Mary Lamb who died in 1861. Three children survive this union. He came to Iowa in 1847. In December, 1868, he was married to Susie L. Winegar. She died in December, 1893. They had one daughter.