Annals of Platte County, Missouri - Paxton
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1873, MAY. 544 THE NORTONS. in Gloucester Co., Va. He was small of stature. made two visits to Europe, and was well read in historv. science. and general literature. 1. WILLIAM FREDERICK NORTON (ii), d. Oct. 20. 1886; m'd Dec. 11. 1846. Ann Eliza Morton. dr. of Gabriel J. and Win- fred B. Morton. of Simpson Co., Mo. His widow survives, with an only son. W. F. Norton (iii). He was a zealous Baptist. and a liberal supporter of the church. V. ELIJAH HISE NORTON. b. in Russellville. Ky.. Nov. :31. 1821: m'd 1st. May 28. 1850. Malinda Wilson. dr. of John Wilson. a pioneer statesman -and jurist. She was b. Feb. 8. 1831. and d. May 15. 1873. Judge Norton m'd 2d. Sept. 17. 1877. Mrs. Missouri A. Marshall, dr. of Elisha Green (see). and widow of Dr. F. Marshall. (See) They live a half-mile east of Platte City. and cultivate a large farm. Judge Norton set foot for tl1e first time in Platte City January 8. 1845. He and his partner. S. P. S. McCurdy. were enrolled as attorneys of our court April 15. 1845. October 10. 1850, he was appointed county attorney. with a salary of $100. In August. 1857. he was elected circuit judge. In August. 1860. he was elected to Congress. as a Democrat. and in that body distinguished himself by fear- lessly advocating the rights of the South. When the dark clouds of war appeared on the political horizon. in the spring of 1861. he was with great unanimity chosen a dele- gate to the State Constitutional Convention. with Gen. A. Y. Doniphan and Col. James H. Moss as his associates. and gave his counsel against secession. In January 1875, he was elected to a second Constitutional Convention. In October. 1876. he was appointed to the supreme bench of Missouri. to fill the vacancy occasioned by Judge Vories resignation. In November 1878, he was elected to the same elevated position. But the greatest honor ever con- ferred on a citizen of Platte was yet to be bestowed. June 14. 1882, William Jewell college conferred on him the degree of LL.D. In the midst of his distinguished career. when friends were pointing to him for governor. or United States senator, ill health required his retirement from pub- lic life. But it is believed that he is now restored and will add to the laurels he has placed on the brow of our beloved county. His second wife has presented to Judge Norton no child. but we name those by his first wife: 1. Presley M. Norton b. Dec. 13, 1853; m'd Dec 27, 1882, Lela Darnall b. Oct 21, 1861 the lovely daughter of R. T. Darnell (see), of Kansas City. Mr. Norton has a large stock farm, three miles east of Platte City, and possesses the qualities necessary for success. Mrs. Norton died June 14, 1896 Ch. [a] Sue Norton,