Obituary for Francis Marion Norman August 1897 CAPT. F. M. NORMAN Last Saturday, July 31, 1897, at about 5 o'clock, p.m., Captain F. M. Norman died at his residence three miles east of the city. within one mile of the place of his birth, the date of which was November 20, 1826. Aged 70 years, 8 months and eight days. There are very few men ever lived in Williamson County who were so well known or did more than Capt. Norman. From his youth to early manhood, it is said that he was most prominent in all enterprises, and his word went in all things of interest. He was a man of strong convictions, earnest in all issues in which he had interest. Politically, he was a democrat up to the breaking out of the war, and in this line his ambition placed him among the leaders, and in 1860 made the race for sheriff with R.R. Hendrickson, John A. Ensminger and Ben Walker, being defeated by Mr. Hendrickson by a small majority. All these survive him. August 15, 1862, he enlisted in the army, Captain of Company C, 110th Illinois, where he remained until forced to resign on account of ill health. For years after he was a great sufferer, losing an eye, caused him almost unbearable pain. In 1864 he was one of the recognized leaders of the Republican party in this county, and made the race for Sheriff on the republican ticket, against Robert Allen, democrat, who was declared elected. Be it said that under all circumstances, he was true to his party, whether leader or not, feeling that the party was greater than any man. As a business man, Mr. Norman met with success and disasteer. At one time he handled vast quantities of tobacco, merchandise, etc., and was worth probably $30,000.00. As a neighbor, he allowed none to be more accommidating than himself. A wife, seven sons and three daughters survive him and attended the funeral at Bethlehem Cemetery, near his late home last Sunday. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. Estus, pastor of the First Baptist Church, and also a comrade of the deceased in the 110th Illinois. -- Jerry Mullins PO Box 733 Colfax, CA 95713 ------------------------------------------------------------- UGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organiza- tions or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contri- butor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. ------------------------------------------------------------- File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Jerry Mullins