Duval County FlArchives Biographies.....Norton, John Henry 1840 - ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/fl/flfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00001.html#0000031 July 12, 2010, 3:18 am Source: See below Author: See below John Henry Norton It is frequently noted in the life history of unusually successful men that the most carefully laid plans for a career along certain lines are ruthlessly rent by the circumstances of fate, and they unwontedly take up a work in which they never had contemplated engaging. The fact that they are successful is rarely considered as compensation for the abandoning of the long cheerished ambitions and plans of youth. It is so in the case of John H. Norton, of Jacksonville, who selected the law as his profession and engaged in the practice for several years. There was, however, a pressing need for a man of his standing and ability in the insurance business, which was then in its pioneer stage in the city, and to use Mr. Norton's expression, he "developed into an insurance agent." He was a good one, however, and while he has always regretted that he did not stick to his profession, there could have been no more material compensation in the practice of law than he has found in the insurance business. His success has been complete. He occupies a prominent position both in a business way and socially, and has many places of trust and honor conferred upon him, though there is no political office that he could be induced to accept. The Norton family has always been a proud one and traces its history back beyond the time of William the Conqueror. The family descended from the DeNorvelle stock; LaSuer DeNovvelle went to England with William the Conqueror and was made Iris sheriff. The name gradually became Norvell and then Norton. The first American ancestor of the name was Capt. George Norton, who came over about 1620, and settled in Guilford, Conn., was prominent in Colonial affairs and was a member of the general court at Boston. At Guilford he built the first church of the community which is still standing. Elisha Norton, one of his descendants and the great grandfather of John H. Norton, was a Revolutionary soldier and was with the Connecticut men when the British regulars were defeated at Providence, R. I., he being personally complimented by Gen. LaFayette for gallantry. John H. Norton was born in Wayne county, Pa., Jan. 8, 1840. His father was Elijah Amanda Norton, a native of Massachusetts. His mother was Sarah White, a daughter of Ezekiel White, also of Werthhampton, Mass. He first attended a district school in Pennsylvania, and as a youth was in the public school at Battle Creek, Mich., in 1856, when he was compelled to leave school and go to work on account of a reverse in his father's fortune, due to his having endorsed notes for friends who failed to protect him. His first employment was as a grocery clerk, but he later took up the study of law in the office of Robinson and Brooks, of Detroit. When the Civil war broke out he was the first man at Battle Creek to volunteer. He failed to pass muster, however, on account of lameness which resulted from a childhood injury. He was anxious to join his friends at the front, however, and on two later occasions attempted to pass the examination, but was each time disqualified by reason of his infirmity. Finally he familiarized himself with the duties of the Quarter Master's department, and receiving an appointment as Quartermaster's clerk, was ordered to Chattanooga where he witnessed the Battle of Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge. He then accompanied the army South and to the coast and was present at the surrender of Gen. Johnston. He was promoted twice for knowing his business and not being afraid of army officers who did not know theirs. He was dubbed Colonel for calling down a staff officer who exceeded his authority and was making a short cut of routine. After the war he tried merchandising in Iowa for a while, but returned to Detroit, Mich., and resumed his law studies, being admitted to the bar in 1868. In January, 1869, he moved to Jacksonville, where he has since made his home. He first engaged in the real estate business, and with success too, but at that time writing insurance was not an exclusive business, professional men in other lines engaging in the work. He became interested in insurance in this way and as the business increased rapidly and became more and more important, yielding large returns, he gave more of his time and attention to it until he awoke to the realization that he had given up he law and real estate business and was very largely engaged in the insurance business. He has continued at the work through all these years, and is one of the most prominent insurance men not only in Jacksonville, but in the State. He is general agent for several of the leading fire insurance companies, and not only has a large income, but has accumulated a substantial fortune. He has been an active member of the Board of Trade since its organization and is one of the influential factors that has helped to make Jacksonville great and prosperous. He is prominent in the city's social life, being a member of the Seminole Club, the Florida Yacht Club, and of the Capital City Club, of Atlanta, Ga. He is a member of the patriotic society of the sons of the American Revolution. In Masonry, he holds high rank, having taken the thirty-second degree. He is past master of his lodge, Past High Priest of his Chapter, and Past Eminent Commander of his Commandery. He is also a member of the Shrine. He has made a special study of Masonic jurisprudence and is authority on all matters pertaining to the order. As to his politics, he says: "If I lived North, I would be a republican. In Florida I stand with the whites." He does not hold to a strict regard of party policies. He is opposed to prohibition. He advocates a more flexible currency with protection for the masses that will prevent money manipulation and has written a book on "money" that is a valuable contribution to financial literature. "Let us be true to ourselves as Americans" he says, stand solid for right and justice, and not be led by party. Put down strikes and permit every man to work, without being clubbed by "union" men. His own motto is and has always been, "Do right, speak the truth, and deal squarely. Never indulge in anger or wrong and face the music like a man." His advice to those who would succeed is to "be honest with yourself and with your fellow man. Contract no obligation that cannot be fulfilled promptly." Mr. Norton was married first on Nov. 2, 1869 to Josephine Louisa Packer, a daughter of Edward and Philena (Palmer) Packer, of Battle Creek, Mich. They had two children, both of whom are now living, viz: Mrs. Blanch I. Baya and Mrs. Ruth A. Christie. June 8, 1892, Mr. Norton was married to Maud DeLong, a daughter of Artemus Ward and Helen M. DeLong, of Chicago, and they had one daughter, Jeanne Helen Norton, who died in 1901. Mr. Norton is an active member of the Episcopal Church, and has been one of the strong men in the building of the splendid St. John's Church in Jacksonville. Additional Comments: Extracted from: FLORIDA EDITION MAKERS OF AMERICA AN HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL WORK BY AN ABLE CORPS OF WRITERS VOL. II. Published under the patronage of The Florida Historical Society, Jacksonville, Florida ADVISORY BOARD: HON. W. D. BLOXHAM COL. FRANK HARRIS HON. R. W. DAVIS SEN. H. H. MCCREARY HON. F. P. FLEMING W. F. STOVALL C. A. CHOATE, SECRETARY 1909 A. B. CALDWELL ATLANTA, GA. Photo: http://www.usgwarchives.net/fl/duval/photos/bios/norton133gbs.jpg File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/fl/duval/bios/norton133gbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/flfiles/ File size: 8.1 Kb