Dickinson Co., KS AHGP-Portrait and
Biographical Album of Dickinson, Saline, McPherson and
Marion Counties-John Norman
Portrait and Biographical
Album of Dickinson, Saline, McPherson and Marion
Counties
Chapman Brothers, Chicago, 1893
JOHN NORMAN, one of the popular and
esteemed farmers of Dickinson County, residing
on section 3, Noble Township, was
born on the 8th of March, 1819, in Coshocton
County, Ohio. The family was originally
from Normandy, France, but at an early day in
the history of England was established in that
country. Members of the family came to the United
States during Colonial days and furnished
distinguished men to Pennsylvania and Ohio.
The parents of our subject, Jabez and Nancy
(Reed) Norman, were early settlers in the Buckeye
State.
Our subject was reared under the parental roof
and aided in the operation of the home farm until
twenty-two years of age. He worked on the Ohio
Canal at different times, and for ten years operated
a sawmill in Coshocton County. He was also engaged
in merchandising for three years during his
residence in the Buckeye Stale. Disposing of his
business interests in Ohio in 1867, he removed to
Bureau County, Ill., where he engaged in farming
for about six years. In the year 1872, he came
to Kansas and purchased a half-section of land
at $6.50 per acre. He then returned to Illinois
and brought the family to the new home. Since
that time he has resided on section 3, Noble
Township, and has a nice farm, pleasantly and conveniently
located six miles northeast of Chapman.
Mr. Norman has been twice married. He first
wedded Mary Davidson, who died eight and a-half
years later. Four children were born of their
union: John Wesley, now at Junction City, Kan.;
Jemima Ann, wife of James Buchan, of Bureau
County, Ill.; Jabez, who died in Illinois at the age
of twenty-five years; and Jane, who died in infancy,
Mr. Norman was again married, in Orange,
Coshocton County, Ohio, April 26, 1850, Miss Lucinda
Deeds becoming his wife. She was born in
Washington County, Pa., on the 15th of January,
1826, and died August 20, 1892. Five children
were born of this union: Elmarinda, wife of John
Acker, of Geary County, Kan.; Mary Catherine,
wife of Elmer Clemons, of Chapman; Harriet Elizabeth,
wife of Edwin Wilkins, of Wesley, Kan.;
Wellington, Postmaster, grocer and farmer of
Wesley; and Orlando Warren, also a resident of
Wesley engaged in farming. Out of the kindness
of their hearts, Mr. and Mrs. Norman have given
a home to George Sherman, who has lived in the
family for eleven years, and for three years their
niece, Laura Norman, has been a resident of the
household.
Mr. Norman cast his first Presidential vote for
William Henry Harrison and afterward voted for
James G. Birney, the Abolitionist candidate. Since
the organization of the Republican party, he has
been one of its stanch supporters, and for many
years has filled the office of Justice of the Peace
with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of
his constituents. He was formerly a member of the
United Brethren Church, but for the past eight
years has had membership with the Wesleyan Methodist
Church. The cause of education finds in him
a warm friend and he gives his support to all social
and moral interests. He is a pleasant, agreeable
gentleman, very popular in the community,
and his hospitable home is a favorite resort with
his many friends.
(c) 2009 Sheryl McClure for
Dickinson County KS AHGP