IR Sept. 10, 1908 – Capt. John Norton Answers Final Summons.
Death closed the career of Capt. John M. Norton, one of this city’s best-known and most esteemed businesses men Sunday night at 11:30 o’clock.
Mr. Norton was predominantly concerned with the other members of the Norton family in the iron business in this city and Ashland, Ky., for a number of years and was also connected for many years with the iron interests in the Hocking Valley, Steubenville, Birmingham, Ala., Cairo, Ill., and other places.
He was one of the principal promoters of the Bird Iron Co.’s furnace at Culbertson, Ohio, of which Company he served as secretary and treasurer for some time after its construction.
Mr. Norton was the son of Geo. Norton was born in Brownsville, Pa., something over 64 years ago. He came to this county with his father while a very young man and served as a clerk in the old Iron Bank for a time, but soon left this position to fill a place in the office of the old Star Mill. He later became superintendent of that institution and greatly improved and enlarged the plant.
During his earlier days, he became much of a mechanic and, in making some investigations about a railroad engine in Wheeling, W. Va., lost his balance and fell under the wheels. His left leg was so badly crushed that amputation was necessary. However, this did not end his mechanical tendencies. He later became one of the most noted furnace builders in America, having built several furnaces in Alabama and a number in this section.
He was also engaged in the steamboat business between Marietta and Parkersburg. He was also the promoter of the proposed interurban automobile line from this city to various points in the county. He was in Columbus on business in connection with this new enterprise when his fatal illness was contracted.
Up to a few days ago, he was in his usual good health but came home from Columbus feeling slightly indisposed. Dr. Moore, his family physician, was summoned. Still, nothing serious was suspected, and he was getting along as nicely as expected until 11 p.m. Sunday when he became very restless. His medicine was given to him, and he was noticed to be considerably worse. His physician was hastily summoned, but before he could arrive, his spirit had taken its flight into eternity.
Mr. Norton is survived by his loving wife and one son: Hugh, a cashier in the D. T. & I. office in this city, and one daughter, Miss Caroline, at home.
He is also survived by several brothers located in the west. [see George Norton, Howard Norton, and F.D. Norton]
The funeral will take place Wednesday morning at 9 o’clock and under the auspices of the Elks. Rev. Herbert Scott will conduct the services.
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