OLIVER P. NORRIS, M.D. The medical profession has many representatives in Jefferson County who are men of intelligence in their chosen field of labor and in general topics of interest. One of this class is the subject of this brief sketch, who is a large land owner in Blissville Township, where he owns nearly one thousand acres. His residence, however, is located on section 36, and there he is engaged in a successful practice and at the same time superintends the operations of his estate.

Our subject was born in Bracken County, Ky., August 29, 1843, and is the sou of Joseph and Rebecca R. (West) Norris, the father a native of Maryland. The parental family included nine children, of whom those living besides our subject are, William H., M. F., Joseph D. and Edward J. The mother of these children was born in New Jersey, but was reared and given a good education after her parents' removal to the Blue Grass State. She was a member of the Christian Church and departed this life when in her sixtieth year.

Joseph Norris also received his education in Kentucky, where in later years he was a large land owner. He sold his property in that state, however, in 1851 and started overland with a four-horse team to this state, and on his arrival here located on section 36, Blissville Township, which now is the home of our subject.

His first purchase of land consisted of eighty acres, to which he added as his means would allow, until at one time he was the possessor of two hundred and eighty acres of valuable land. His success was not attained without difficulties, but his life verified the old belief that everything is possible to a man possessing energy and good judgment. Politically, he was a member of the Democratic party and a firm believer in the principles of that organization. He departed this life in 1866, when in his fifty-seventh year.

Oliver P. was born in Kentucky in 1843, but coming to Illinois when quite young was here given a fine education. His schooling was first obtained at Mt. Vernon and later at Bloomington.

When reaching his majority be enlisted in Company K, Thirty-second Illinois Infantry, and participated in the following well known engagements, Savannah, Bentonyille, the march to the sea and numerous skirmishes and minor battles. He served until the close of the war, and when mustered out of service at Ft. Leavenworth, Kan., in September, 1865, returned home and made arrangements to take a course of medicine in the Cincinnati Medical College, from which institution he was graduated in 1871. He has been engaged in practice since that time, and although having had experience as a doctor for over a quarter of a century, constantly endeavors to improve his conception of the needs of the human system and to keep himself acquainted with the latest investigations of an anatomist and chemist.

Dr. Norris, as before stated, is one of the large land owners in the township, and as such is ranked among the wealthy men of the section. He has been Supervisor for a number of years and holds membership with the Odd Fellows' and Masonic fraternities at Mt. Vernon. He is also connected with Stephen A. Place Post No. 581, of which order he is a charter member.

Miss Sarah M. Smith and Dr. Norris were married October 15, 1873, and their union has been blessed by the birth of eight children, two of whom died in infancy. Those who are now living are, Mertie E., Lena F., Vernor S., Richard, Meda A. and Sadie. Mrs. Norris was born, reared and educated in Jefferson County and is a most intelligent and highly respected lady.

The Doctor has just completed the erection of a handsome residence on his place, which compares favorably with any in the county. Following in the footsteps of his father, he is a strong Democrat, and as every loyal citizen should do, he takes considerable interest in local affairs.

Source: "Portrait and Biographical Record Clinton, Washington, Marion and Jefferson Counties, Illinois" Chapman Publishing Co, Chicago, 1894
Page 532-533
Submitted by Sandy Bauer