Norris, Moses Leavitt 1837-1924

NORRIS, JOY, BRIGGS

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 5/24/2010 at 06:36:06

The Grinnell Herald (Grinnell, Iowa) July 18, 1924

USEFUL LIFE OF MOSES L. NORRIS

Funeral of One of Grinnell's Former Residents Held in La Salle, Colorado.

HAD ACTIVE AND USEFUL CAREER IN GRINNELL

Was Prominent In Church Circles And Took Active Interest in Good Things.

Moses Leavitt Norris was born in Pittsfield, N.H., April 19, 1837 and died at La Salle, Colorado, July 10, 1924. He was married to Lydia Ann Joy September 21, 1861, and to this union were born six children. In 1870 he removed to Grinnell, and until 1898 was engaged in farming and mercantile pursuits. In 1902 he went to Colorado and purchased a small farm near La Salle, where he resided until his death. He is survived by his wife, six children, Harry W. of Grinnell, Charles B. of Claremont, Calif., Arthur C. of Greeley, M.L. Jr. and Mrs. Walter Briggs of Ft. Collins, and Ernest C. of La Salle--nineteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. An only brohter still resides on the old homestead in New Hampshire.

On coming to Grinnell Mr. Norris joined the Baptist church and retained his membership therein until his death. For many years he was deacon and trustee of the church and always prominent in religious activity. In politics he was an ardent partisan Democrat, only once wavering in his party allegiance, at the time of its defection to Greenbackism. In his early manhood he was an active politician, on one occasion missing election to the New Hampshire legislature by one vote. Throughout his long life the great game of politics held for him a peculiar fascination. To his family, his friends and the general public he was always the same quiet, dignified, courteous Christian gentleman.

He was laid to rest in Linn Grove Cemetery, Greeley, six grandsons acting as pall bearers.