- ALVIN NORRIS, an early settler of Rock County, Wis., was
born in the town of Perry, Wyoming
- Co., N.Y., April 15, 1823, and is a son of Edward and Mercy
A. (WARD) NORRIS, who were natives of East Hardwick, Caledonia
Co., Vt., and were of English descent. Our subject left home
at the early age of seven years and went to Chautauqua, N.Y.
He attended the common schools and remained in that county until
seventeen years of age, when he went to Cattaraugus County of
the same State, and from there came to Wisconsin in 1845, locating
at Geneva Lake, where he worked one year at wool carding and
cloth dressing. The succeeding nine years he spent in selling
goods and was a short time in business. He removed to Janesville
in 1848. In 1855 he began hotel keeping, and continued in that
line on North Main street until 1877, since which time he has
not been in active business.
- On the 13th day of August, 1850, at Janesville, Mr. NORRIS
was united in marriage with Miss
- Ann BATES, who was born in Jefferson County, N.Y., and is
a daughter of Orren BATES. Three children graced their union
- Mark Allen, born Oct. 19, 1851, at Janesville; Ida Adel, born
in 1859, died at the age of three years; and Anna May, born Oct.
11, 1869. Mr. and Mrs. NORRIS are members of the First Methodist
Episcopal Church. He is a Republican in political sentiment and
is a consistent member of Crystal Temple of Honor, having always
been an earnest supporter of temperance principles. He is a worthy
citizen and is highly respected by his many friends.
-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, pp. 918-919.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
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