JOHNSON COUNTY, GA - BIOS  John F. Norris

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Memoirs of Georgia, Vol. II, Atlanta, Georgia, Page 442-443
Published by the Atlanta Historical Association in 1895


John F. Norris, tax collector, Wrightsville, Johnson
Co., Ga., son of William and Behlison (Powell) Norris,
was born in Emanuel (now Johnson) County, Ga., in 1836.
His father, of Scotch descent, was born in South
Carolina, came to Georgia when eighteen years of age
and settled in Emanuel County when he married.  Fifteen
children were born to him, of whom thirteen reached
maturity.  He had five sons in the Confederate service:
Isaac, Benjamin, Jordan, William and James.  Of the two
survivors Jordan is a Primitive Baptist minister.  His
wife was a daughter of Benjamin Powell, a member of an
old and well-known family, and was born in Georgia.
Mr. Norris’ mother died in 1856, and his father died in
January, 1874.  Mr. Norris grew to manhood on the farm
and received a very meager education.  At the age of
eighteen he engaged as a clerk with Mr. W.F. McVeigh,
and remained with him three years, when he was elected
tax-collector, which office he was re-elected to and
held a number of terms.  He then formed a partnership
under the firm-name of (John B.) Wright & Norris, and
engaged in a general merchandise business, which
continued until the death of his partner, when he
closed its affairs.  Subsequently he was again elected
tax collector, which office he now holds, and which he
has held, altogether, twenty-four years.  No better
evidence could be given in proof of his business
capacity, his efficiency and faithfulness, and his
popularity than this fact supplies.  In addition to
merchandising and holding the office he does, he has
continued farming, and now owns and conducts a fine
farm, running eight to ten plows.  He is a good farmer,
as well as a good public officer, prosperous and
popular.  Mr. Norris was married in December, 1875, to
Miss Etta, daughter of Etta Moye, of Washington County,
Ga.  Her father died during the civil war while in the
service.  To them five children have been born: John
B.W., Lizzie D., deceased; William, Luella Mable.
Himself and wife are members of the Christian church.