William Richard Norris
William Richard
Norris, was born in Bracken County, Ky.,
June 12, 1832: son of Edward and Catherine ( Brightwell) Norris,
and is of English extraction. His father, born in Bracken County, Ky., February 8, 1805, and died in Shelby County, Ind., in
1877. The mother of Mr. Norris born also in Bracken County, Ky., in 1804, and died in Shelby County, September 6, 1865.
The
paternal grandfather of Mr. Norris, Joseph Norris, born in
Baltimore County, Md., and died in Bracken County, Ky., at a ripe old
age. He erected the first log cabin and built the first mill in
Bracken County. The maternal grandfather of Mr. Norris was
one of the pioneers of Bracken County, Ky., and was the first surveyor of the county.
The Norris family received its introduction
to Shelby County in 1832. Our subject is the eldest of six children only two of whom are now living.
Was raised on the
farm, educated at the early schools. Taught school for a
number of years, hi the fall of 1857, went to Missouri and remained till May,
1860, and then returned to Shelby Coun While
in that State he taught school for some time. In 1860, he was
elected Surveyor of Shelby County, and re-elected in the fall of
1862. Was appointed in 1868, City Engineer of this city, and
served more than one year. In the fall of 1869, he was elected
Real Estate Appraiser of this county. In 1871, appointed School
Examiner of this county, serving two years. In 1873, elected
County Superintendent, making him the last School Examiner and
the first County Superintendent of this county. Since 1873, he has
been engaged in the practice of law to some extent, and engaged
in various other capacities. Married November 22, 1S63, to Mrs.
Maria Roberts of this county. Have two children, James E.,
and Robert Ross. Has a step-daughter, Rose E.
Roberts. In politics, Independent, up to 1882 a strong partisan Democrat.
He is
a Mason, and is a well posted and greatly respected citizen of this
county.
History of Shelby County, Indiana, "Shelbyville
Sketches," page 520, Chicago: Brant & Fuller, 1887.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming
Biography Index
Main Page