NORRIS, William - 1908
Source: Kingman Star Friday, May 1 1908 Edition
WILLIAM, son of GEORGE AND SARAH NORRIS, was born Dec. 11 1821 in Union County this state and came with his parents to Fountain county when 13 years old. His boyhood opportunities were very meager. He grew up in the days of the little log school house with its expansive fireplace in one end, it long, narrow greased paper windows in the other, and its uncomfortable puncheon seats ranged around the walls. The branches taught were usually confined to spelling, reading, writing and arithmetic. But like most boys in those days, he only had limited opportunities to avail himself of those privileges, for the land was heavily timbered and people had nothing to depend upon for a living but their own industry, and he, like other boys at that time, had to contribute their mite of labor to the work of clearing the ground, rolling logs, and opening the way to better things. At his father’s death he took charge of the home farm. He was married December 2 1844 to Orlena McClain. For 64 years they have walked life’s pathway together, and 10 children were intrusted to their care, two died in infancy and two died in later years, two sons, and four daughters survive him, Mrs. Lib Bowsher and Mrs. Elbert Heath of Parke county, Mrs. Perry Glasscock of Veedersburg, Mrs. W. A. Pavey of Springfield, Ill., George Norris and C. T. Norris of Yeddo, and his dear old wife, 82 years of age, all of whom had the privilege of caring for him during his final illness. For 54 years he has affiliated with the Masonic order, and held the association of the brotherhood in high esteem. As a friend he was always to be relied upon. As a husband beloved, as a father indulgent, kind and revered, and was loved most by those who knew him best. He died April 20 1908. As he neared the end he bid his loved ones good bye one by one and told them all that he was happy. 87 years: Could they rise up before us, they could tell us much. They could tell of hard labor and privations, of bereavement and sorrow, tears, heartaches and disappointments as well as joys. But grief must come, and loss constrains to sorrow with our fellow beings, and the troubled pain-wet clouds will at times hang low for us all. He has served his day and generation and his spirit has returned to God who gave it. - thanks sooo sooo much to "S" for ALL her work on obits for this site