Handbook N-P - Fulton County Public Library

No
Aug. 5, 1895, assumed the duties of the office. Mr. Norris was married Feb. 9, 1887, to Celia M.
Hedges, daughter of Allen Hedges, a native of New York, who came to Indiana before the war,
and settled in Cass county, where Mrs. Norris was born Dec. 19, 1862. Her father died in 1886, at
the age of fifty-four, his wife in 1891, aged fifty-five years. They had two children, the son being
Almon S., of Chicago. Mr. and Mrs. Norris have four children: Elzie, aged eight; Elmer, aged
six; Hugh, three years of age, and Verne, a baby of one year.
[Elia W. Peattie, Fulton County History, National Publishing Co., Chicago 1896, pp. 114-
115]
NORRIS BRICKYARD [Rochester Township]
Brick. Paving and Well Brick . . . I do my own moulding and burning and can sell cheap.
. . One mile South of Rochester, on the Michigan Road. George W. Norris, Rochester, July 18th,
1867.
[Rochester Chronicle, Thursday, July 18, 1867]
TO BUILDERS
I wish it generally known to the public, and especially those who contemplate building,
or making repairs, that I am ready to contract to furnish brick and put them in the walls or for the
finishing of buildings complete. I also do a general jobbing business such as putting in
foundations, building cisterns, flues and all work in that line. Prices are always low and
satisfactory, work guaranteed. Get my prices before you contract. GEORGE W. NORRIS.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, April 16, 1881]
MILLIONS OF BRICK
I wish to announce to the public that the Norris brick yards will be run to their full
capacity during the coming season and that they will be able to supply an excellent quality of brick
in any quantity and at very reasonable prices. I have now a good supply on hand for early spring
trade and will manufacture more by the million as soon as the weather permits, and be able to
meet all demands that may be made for them.
By special contract, I will make an excellent pressed brick for fronts and fine walls.
Before contracting elsewhere for brick, call on L. W. Spach, in Rochester or the undersigned at the
yeards, two miles south of town on the Michigan road. MRS. GEORGE W. NORRIS.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, February 17, 1883]
GEORGE W. NORRIS DEAD
Word has been received here by George BLACK of the death of George W. NORRIS, at
Cincinnati, Jan 10. Norris formerly lived south of the city. He ran away and was lost for years,
finally being located in the city where he died.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, March 3, 1916]
__________
On Nov. 6, 1867, John F. “Brick” Wilson was united in marriage to Rebecca Ann
Hummel. They went to Missouri where they lived for five years. Upon returning to Rochester,
Ind., in 1872, he worked in a brick manufacturing process owned and operated by George Norris.
Here he learned the brickmaking trade. In 1880 Mr. Wilson purchased land at the north edge of
Kewanna, Ind., where the soil was suitable for brickmaking. Here he established a brick “yard”
where he manufactured brick until the early 1900’s, when the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad
purchased right-of-way through the land and laid its tracks dividing the brickyard. The brick for
the original buildings for Kewanna and the surrounding area were made in this brickyard.
[John F. “Brick” Wilson, Margaret Wilson and Darlene Wilson Long, Fulton Co Folks,
Vol. 2, Willard]