SAMUEL THOMAS NORTON

NORTON

Posted By: Tracie
Date: 4/14/2024 at 00:04:40

Samuel Thomas Norton was born in St. Trancisville [note this should be St. Francisville], Missouri Nov. 20, 1848. When but when a small boy his parents moved to a farm near Leon in Decatur Co., Ia. Here he lived until attaining his majority he went to Lee Co., Iowa and worked near Keokuk. He was married to Olive Freeman of Keokuk May 15th, 1870. To this union was born four children, all of whom are living. S.O. Norton of Montgomery, W. Va.; Grace and Earl of Garden Grove, Iowa; and Guy of Malta, Montana. In the spring of 1881, the deceased moved from Lee Co. to Decatur Co. spending his last three years of life at Garden Grove, where he passed away Thursday morning July 17th at two o'clock aged 70 years, 7 mo., and 27 days. For the past 5 years Mr. Norton had been ailing with heart disease and at times suffered severely. He was unable to do any work but was up and around and often came downtown. His death was not unexpected as the nature of his malady made each day uncertain and precarious.

He was a good citizen and took an interest in the welfare of the town. A great reader and kept thoroughly posted on current events of the times. He was a worthy man and had respect and esteem, of all who knew him. Being of a retiring nature he did not talk much, yet he loved to have friends gather in and visit with him. He was a kind and indulgent father and love the home life and children. He was upright generous and sincere and often spoke quaint and original ideas about the philosophy of life. Six years ago, his wife departed this life and since then he has made his home with his daughter Grace. Her love and care for him during these years of his life especially when he suffered so greatly at times helped to smooth and comfort him to the end. All of the children were present at the funeral with the exception of his son Guy living in Montana. He leaves to mourn him 1 sister, 4 brothers, 1 grandchild, his 3 sons and daughter Grace, besides a host of friends. Funeral services were held at the home Sat. afternoon July 19th at 3 o'clock conducted by Rev. Guy J. Winslow, pastor of the M.E. church. The body was laid to rest by the side of his wife in the Garden Grove Cemetery.

~ Garden Grove Express, Garden Grove, Iowa, Thursday, July 24, 1919; front page. Transcribed by Tracie 4/13/2024 from original newspaper saved by Lena (Buchanan) Curry and her daughter, Zana (Curry) McKibben. ~