Grandfather Norton came to Mason county, Va., from Ohio, and from there came to Malden, Kanawha county, when his son Moses, was a child, the birth of the latter taking place January 25, 1816, in Mason county. He spent his life in Malden District and was interested in the coal and salt industries. He was married first in 1849, to Frances Putney, who died in 1862. They had three children; Mary Ellis, James Henry, and Mary Frances. He was married secondly on August 29, 1863, to Emily M. Reed, who died May 13, 1863, survived by their one child, Wilbur Springs Norton. Moses Norton survived his second wife for many years, his death occurring January 13, 1896.

Wilbur S. Norton was educated in the public schools and a business college in Cincinnati. He has been identified with the Campbells Creek Coal Company since 1880, being employed first as a clerk in the company's store and later becoming bookkeeper, having charge of this part of the business since 1904.

Mr. Norton casts his vote with the Democratic party, but takes no active interest in politics, being no seeker for office. He belongs to several fraternal organizations including the Knights of Pythias and the Red Men, both at Malden. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, in which he is a deacon.