Biography of S. B. Norris
From HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY
W. H. Beers [Chicago, 1883]
Page 913
S. B. NORRIS. Principal of the Colored Schools of London, was born at Elizabeth, Allegheny County, Penn., November 17, 1838. His father was Zaccheus Norris, a native of Pennsylvania, and a farmer by occupation. He resided in his native State till his death, in 1838. He married Nancy Batch, also a native of the Keystone State. Our subject was the only child of their union. Mrs. Norris subsequently married George Myles, a widower, with two children. There were three children born to this latter union, all living, but none residents of Madison County. Mrs. Myles departed this life in Pennsylvania, in 1879. S. B. Norris grew to manhood in the old "Keystone State," obtaining a good common school education. At twenty-two years of age, he came to Ohio, and entered Iberia College, located at Morrow, then under the
management of the Free Presbyterian Church (now Jefferson College, of the United Presbyterian faith). Mr. Norris remained there the greater part of three years, taking a scientific course, and graduating in 1867. In September, 1864, he enlisted in Company A, One hundred and Twenty-seventh United States Colored Troops, of Ohio, at Pittsburgh, Penn., and was re-organized at Camp William near Philadelphia. It became a part of the Twenty-fifth Corps, Army of the Potomac. The regiment went out late in the war participating in the battles of Big Bottoms, on the James River, Fort Harrison, Hatcher's Run, witnessed the evacuation of Petersburg, and the pursuit and surrender of Gen. Lee and the Confederate forces at Appomattox Court House. The regiment was then transferred to Brazos Santiago, Texas, arriving there June 1, and being mustered out of service September 12, 1865. Mr. Norris was Quartermaster Sergeant of regiment, and was subsequently detained there as Forage Master under the Post Quartermaster Sergeant. He remained in that position until January 28, 1866, when he was honorably discharged. He then returned to Ohio, and was placed in charge of the colored schools of Delaware for two years. He came to London in the fall of 1871, and in September of that year accepted his present position. The fact of his having been kept in this position ever since shows the high esteem in which his professional services are held by both races of people. Mr. Norris has been an indefatigable worker in the cause of education, and to him is due the praise for the high standing of the London colored schools, and the fine school building in which they are located. Mr. Norris is a member of the Colored M. E. Church of London, and Trustee in that body. He is connected with the Widows' Sons Lodge, No. 4 (colored Masons), of Philadelphia, and a thorough Republican. He was married, March 21,1866, to Elmora Osborn, a native of Delaware, Ohio. Of their five children, the following are living: Mary E., Jesse and William H. Birny O. and James B. are
deceased.
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