My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in History of Shawnee County, Kansas and Representative Citizens by James L. King, published by Richmond & Arnold, 1905.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

* * * *

WILLIS NORTON.
During the last decade, Death has many times entered the ranks of Topeka’s business men, removing from the city’s busy activities those who had been instrumental in promoting her prosperity, and in no case was the loss more deeply felt than in the passing of Willis Norton, late president of the Bank of North Topeka, sole proprietor of the Inter-Ocean flour mills, and an able, forceful factor in almost every circle. Willis Norton was born July 22, 1845 at London, Ohio, and died at Topeka on April 10, 1895. He was a son of Thomas R. Norton, being one of a family of 11 children born to his parents, six of whom still survive, namely: John F., of Topeka; Charles F., of Canton, Ohio; Mrs. Fassler, of Topeka; Mrs. Kauffman, of Columbus, Ohio; Percy; and Mrs. Burnett, of Springfield, Ohio.

Mr. Norton entered into business life upon the conclusion of his schooling becoming connected with the dry goods house of his uncle, John Foss, at Springfield, Ohio. In 1871 he came to Topeka, where his energies were given until his death to founding and fostering her greatest business enterprises. In 1871 the Capital Bank, one of the early financial institutions of Topeka, was organized by Mr. Norton, John D. Knox and Mrs. E. Chrisman. At a later date, Mr. Norton became connected with the Central National Bank, and in 1883 he bought a half interest in the Bank of North Topeka, and continued as its president until the close of his life.

Mr. Norton was interested in many business undertakings and identified with the founding of charitable institutions and the promotion of civic improvements. In the industrial world he is most prominently recalled as the head of the great Inter-Ocean flour mills, the largest plant in Topeka. This business was established in 1879 by Mr. Norton, Thomas Page and Messrs. Shellabarger and Griswold. In 1882 Mr. Norton became the sole owner. In this great enterprise as in every other, his ability was a recognized factor and his business integrity stood unquestioned.

Mr. Noron was twice married. His first wife, Lillian Coats, died in October, 1890, leaving one daughter,—Josephine. On December 5, 1894, Mr. Norton married Lizzie Thompson, a daughter of Thomas Thompson. Mrs. Norton with one child, survives. They occupy one of Topeka’s beautiful homes at No. 908 Topeka avenue and move in the best circles of the city’s society.

Politically, Mr. Norton was identified with the Republican party. In religious views he was a Methodist. His fraternal and social-connections in Topeka were quite extensive.

* * * *

This family biography is one of 206 biographies included in History of Shawnee County, Kansas and Representative Citizens by James L. King, published by Richmond & Arnold, 1905.  For the complete description, click here: Shawnee County, Kansas History, Genealogy, and Maps

View additional Shawnee County, Kansas family biographies here: Shawnee County, Kansas

Use the links at the top right of this page to search or browse thousands of other family biographies.