NORTON, Estrus W. - 1912 Bio (1876-1951)

NORTON, SAMMONS, SHUPPY, SMITHLINE

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 9/25/2007 at 16:13:19

History of Jefferson County, Iowa -- A Record of Settlement, Organization, Progress and Achievement, Vol II, Published 1912, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago
Pages 337-338

Estrus W. NORTON, enjoying an extensive and gratifying patronage as the proprietor of a livery stable at Lockridge, was born in Henry county, Iowa, on the 30th of May, 1876. His parents, Ambrose and Emma (SAMMONS) NORTON, were likewise natives of this state. At an early day Ambrose NORTON was taken by his parents to Henry county, where he acquired his education. He was reared to the work of the farm and as soon as old enough started out as an agriculturist on his own account, purchasing, clearing and improving a tract of land in Henry county. After having devoted his attention to the operation of that place for a few years he sold the property and purchased another farm in the same county, in the cultivation of which he was engaged for several years. Disposing of the property, he purchased a farm in Jefferson county and was busily engaged in its operation until called to his final rest on the 4th of July, 1908. His wife had passed away on the 27th of February, 1889.

Estrus W. NORTON was reared and educated in his native county, pursuing his studies in the district schools. After putting aside his text-books he spent four years working for his grandfather and subsequently found employment as a farm hand for two years. On the expiration of that period he rented his father's farm, devoting his attention to its operation for three years or until he came to Jefferson county. Here, in association with his father, he purchased a farm of one hundred and eleven acres in Lockridge township, the further cultivation and improvement of which claimed his time and energies for eight years. He returned to Henry county and there operated a farm of two hundred acres for one year. At the end of that time he came back to his farm in Jefferson county, being busily engaged in tilling the soil for three more years. He then abandoned agricultural pursuits, leased his farm and took up his abode in Lockridge, where he purchased the livery stable and has since conducted the same. It is the only livery in town and as its proprietor Mr. NORTON has built an extensive and remunerative patronage. He still owns his farm in Lockridge township and is widely recognized as one of the substantial and representative citizens of the community.

On the 23d of March, 1897, Mr. NORTON was united in marriage to Miss Lula SHUPPY, a daughter of Henry and Anna (SMITHLINE) SHUPPY, both of whom were born in Jefferson county, Iowa, the former in Walnut township and the latter in Lockridge township. After attaining his majority Henry SHUPPY began farming on his own account, purchasing a tract of land in Walnut township which he cleared and improved. He operated the place until March, 1910, when he leased the same and has since lived retired, though he still resides on one of his farms. His property holdings embrace two hundred and forty acres of land in Walnut township, this county, and one hundred and seventy-five acres in Texas. Mr. and Mrs. NORTON have one child, Mina Pearl, who is now twelve years of age.

In politics Mr. NORTON is a republican, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the United Brethren church, to which his wife also belongs. Fraternally he is identified with the Woodmen of the World and the Woodmen Circle. Wherever known he is respected for his unfaltering allegiance to the principles of honorable manhood as manifest in business and social relations and in public-spirited citizenship.

*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.