Alvin Norris

From The Portrait and Biographical Album of Rock County, Wis., publ, 1889 - page 918, 919

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.

Submitted By Carol