Biography of William B Norvell, Independence Co, AR

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SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northeast Arkansas. 
Chicago: The Goodspeed Publishing Co., 1889.
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page 705 

William B. Norvell is a prosperous agriculturist of this region, and
successfully manages his farm of 240 acres, which lies in section 34, Gainsboro
Township, and is an exceedingly fertile tract of land. In addition to this, he
has devoted his attention to the profession of school-teaching, in which
occupation he has met the universal approval of those whom he has served. He
was born in Bedford County, Tenn., on the 23d of July, 1846, and is a son of E.
M. B. and Jerusha (Arnold) Norvell, who were born in Bedford County, Tenn., and
North Carolina, respectively, and were married in the former State in 1837;
nine of their ten children being yet living. The father was a farmer by
occupation, a member of the L O. O. F., and he and wife were consistent members
of the Baptist Church. William B. Norvell first attended the common schools of
Bedford County, Tenn., and then entered as a student the Cedar Grove Academy,
in which well-known institution he remained for some time and received an
education of more than ordinary thoroughness. Miss Sarah A. Rogers became his
wife, she having been born in Independence County, Ark., and their marriage has
resulted in the birth of three sons and five daughters, one daughter being a
deaf mute. Mr. Norvell has held the office of justice of [p.705] the peace for
about two years, and for about six years has been a school director. While in
Tennessee he joined the Masonic and I. O. O. F. lodges, and still holds his
membership in that State. He belongs to the Agricultural Wheel, and he and wife
are members of the Baptist Church, in which he is an ordained deacon. Mr.
Norvell is an exceptionally intelligent man, and is thoroughly posted on all
the current topics of the day, and takes an active interest in all enterprises
tending to benefit the county.