The following is extracted from the manuscript by Major Harry Alexander
Davis, US Army, Retired, entitled " The Norris Family of Maryland and
Virginia". The only copy of this book is located in the Library of
Congress in Washington, D.C. and on microfilm in the Latter Day Saints
Library in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Film # 1759098)
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Preface
In 1930 this manuscript was completed and letters sent to some 3000 living
members asking for subscriptions to help defray the cost of printing, etc.
The responses were not sufficient to warrant publication of the work.
Several efforts were made in 1934-1935 to secure a few individuals
financially able to underwrite the cost, these too were unsuccessful.
It then became our plan to place a copy of this manuscript in the Library
of Congress but as it was prepared for the printer it was found almost
impossible to make an index. The original of this copy was written in
1940-1941 in form so that index could be made.
This copy has been made under very adverse circumstances owing to war
conditions and has been made by several typists, none of which had previous
experience with this class of work, and also a variation of typewriters.
By placing this record with the Library of Congress we feel that our labor
has not been in vain as it will be available to those who would be
interested in its contents.
Washington, D. C. Harry A. Davis
1943
Introduction
This work represents the results of a great many years of research. The
pleasure of historical research and the wish to preserve historical facts
have been the moving causes for the production of this book. In examining
various records everything of the name was abstracted regardless of whether
a direct bearing was apparent or not and all related families were
carefully examined for indirect evidence.
We have accepted no traditional records at face value and where any such
are used herein it is clearly so stated and their use is for the sole
purpose of aiding any one who may be interested at some future time.
We have traced down the various families of Norris found in the early
records of the colonies of Virginia and Maryland to the date where they
could be eliminated. Unfortunately there does not exist any record showing
exact date of arrival of Thomas Norris, the progenitor of this tribe,
however, his associations show him in Virginia about 1630-1631 and he was
in what later became Maryland prior to 1634. The first record in Maryland
is 1637 when Thomas transports his wife, Ann; he is next mentioned in court
records 1639-40, etc. The next mention of Norris in Maryland is when
Thomas Norris and his brother-in-law were "transported" to Talbot County
from St. Mary's County in 1662-63 disposing of their rights to John Morgan
who recorded his papers in 1665. There follows record 3 Mar. 1674 of
Thomas Norris on a list produced by Joseph Tilley, and in Dec. 1674 Thomas
Norris is on a list of James Connoway, see Thomas Norris, No. 1. In an
account of servants brought into the Province of Maryland by Francis Porter
(25) "certified that 10 of these were imported by him in the ship
Presperous of London in 1675 and the other 15 in the ship Merchants Consent
of London in 1676 and the year 1677 and that he had never disposed of the
rights for land nor had he made use of it directly or indirectly, " this
dated 9 Feb. 1677-78. This list contains the name " John Norres. " This
John Norres lived the rest of his life in Ann Arundell county, Maryland and
died after 1711 leaving two sons, Thomas and Joseph; his son, Thomas,
married Sarah, daughter of Edward Parrish and his will was probated 3 May
1711, Ann Arundell County, Maryland, names his fathers, John Norris and
Edward Parrish, and his brother Joseph. This family had no connection with
Thomas Norris, the Immigrant.
In Oct. 1677 Thomas Taylor, of Dorcester Co., Maryland claims rights for
27 persons among them is Ann Norris, her identity is unknown and this list
of persons are shown as from London. The next record is " Transported " by
Capt. John Harris on ship "Dover" of London, Willi. Norris, anno 1678. He
was clerk of the vestry of All Faith's Parish, St. Mary's County, Maryland
and appears frequently in the records to 1700. He moved to Baltimore
County, Maryland about 1705, his wife was named Sarah; St Georges Parish
records show he died 2 May 1720. His will was dated 2 May 1720 and
probated 20 May 1720, left two daughters, Mary born 1704 married Henry
Million, and Elce, born 1713 married John Lee. No connection with Thomas
Norris, the Immigrant.
In the Assembly proceedings occur the names of " Henry Norrice, Stephen
Norrice and Richard Norrice. " Henry Norrice or Norris lived and died in
Charles County, Maryland. His will dated 5 Jan. 1712 was probated 25 Jan
1713, left one child, a daughter, who was married prior to 1712 John
Fairfax. No trace of Stephen Norrice has ever been found. Richard Norrice
moved to Virginia as appears below. None of these are connected to Thomas
Norris, the Immigrant, as far as known.
In Virginia the earliest record of Norris extant in 1639 when " Elizabeth
Norris came to James City Co., Virginia, " nothing to show from whence she
came nor does she appear in subsequent records. In 1643 there is record of
Richard Norrice or Norris coming to James City Co., and this is the Richard
Norris of St. Mary's Co., Maryland moving to Virginia. This Richard left
descendants, there is record of one son, John, who had a grant of land in
Nansemond Co., Virginia in 1681, some of John's descendants moved to
Stafford Co., Virginia and some to North Carolina and subsequently to
Georgia.
There is record of Thomas Norris coming to Nansemond Co. in 1643, and
again in 1647, this Thomas is Thomas Norris of Maryland who made these
trips to the home of his father-in-law, Thomas Hynson, etc. in 1659 there
is record of Thomas Norris in Lancaster County, Virginia who is accounted
for in Thomas Norris No. 1. There is no further mention of Norris in
Virginia till John Norris in 1681 who has a grant of land above mentioned.
Those who follow are fully accounted for in this body of work.
The study of Thomas Norris of this record was not an individual study but
of all of those with whom he was associated in any manner and were
investigated as a group. This study revealed that Thomas Hynson, later his
father-in-law, and Samuel Glover were residents of Nansemond County,
Virginia and were natives of Norfolk County, England. Thomas Hynson and
his son, John, Samuel Glover and his son, Daniel, and Thomas Norris were
associated with William Claiborne and his trading post colony established
on Kent Island prior to 1634. Thomas Hynson returned to Virginia at the
time of the Baltimore-Claiborne controversy and remained there to 1662 when
he moved to Talbot Co., Maryland and was followed by his sons-in-law from
St. Mary's Co., Maryland, i.e. Thomas Norris and Daniel Glover.
In the various branches of this family of Norris which we have encountered
in this country in which any attempt to form a family tree has been made
they have invariably " hooked " on to Sir Henry Norris, who, with his six
sons is buried in Westminster Abbey. Records clearly and definitely show
the futility of making any claim of descent from this man unless through a
FEMALE line.
In the county of Norfolk, England there occur several families of Norris
at an early date. The celebrated antiquarian, Anthony Norris, who lived in
this county spent the greater part of his life trying to connect these
families without any success.
In the case of Thomas Norris there occurred the fact of his associates
being from Norfolk County, England; there also appeared in the names of his
children two unusual ones that continued to appear in at least one line of
his descendants with considerable regularity, i.e. Geoffrey and Cuthbert.
The occurrence of these names lead to the investigation of the English
records for families having these names and there was found but one family
in which these names ever occurred and they occurred with regularity
therein; later we discovered two family records in a branch of the family
No. 15, 45, 134, and 366, which gave conclusive evidence that Thomas
belonged to this particular family. One of these families resided in
Kentucky and the other in Ohio; the living members having no knowledge of
each other at the present time , and apparently the last knowledge the Ohio
family had of the Kentucky family was more than eighty years ago.
We have found the name quite common in every section of the country. Many
of the name show in the 1850 census as arriving in America after 1840.
Even in Virginia where the impression exists in many families that ALL
Virginia Norris families are descendants of the Lancaster County family,
there appear after 1850 quite a number of families who are foreign to this
state, some coming from Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and New
York, and several families show their children born in Ireland. Even in
Lancaster County, it is found that after 1750 at least two branches of this
particular family were resident therein, i.e. , No. 10 and No. 17, and in
an adjoining counties No. 58.
We have endeavored to record facts accurately and impartially, many
persons have been located who refused any information whatever either by
letter or personal interview.
It is possible some errors have crept in as we have had to rely on
indirect sources in some of these cases of the living members.
Those who have furnished information and records of themselves and others
have our sincere thanks. Those who from any cause neglected to impart the
desired information, often repeatedly requested, may, when too late, regret
their indifference.
Historical
The early patronymic of this family was Norey, or Norreys. The family is
an ancient one in England and there is claim they came from Normandy about
the time of William the Conquerer.
The earliest record appears to be that of Alane Norreys who was in Sutton
long before the time of Henry III (1206) This line is shown in Burke's
Peerage and is the line of Sir Henry Norris who is buried in Westminster
Abbey.
There appears in Burke's General Armory some twenty six other families of
the name of Norreys, Norres, and Norris who have been granted arms at some
period and all different, so far as is known these families are not
related. Whether all of them originally started from Alane Norreys of
Sutton is not definitely known.
Of the known American families, Nicholas Norris, born ca 1640, appears to
be the eighth generation of one Thomas Norris of Speke, came to New
Hampshire about 1664-65, left descendants. Reverend Edward Norris,
non-conformist, came to Salem, Massachusetts about 1639, left descendants.
Isaac Norris, who came to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 1684-85, was the only
surviving member of the family of Thomas Norris who died in Barbados, and
appears to have been from Essex County, England, left descendants. Isaac
Norris, born ca 1795, England was a sea captain came to Baltimore, Maryland
in 1830's and left descendants.
None of these are known to be related to each other or to Thomas Norris of
this record.
The various families of this name who resided in Norfolk County, England
prior to 1700 are not proven to be related nor is it known from whence
Geoffrey Noreys came when he first appears in this county.
There is a similarity of arms of Geoffrey's descendant, John Norris, of
Congham, and that of Thomas Norris, of Glamorgan, Wales though the College
of Heralds, London, states there is no known record of relationship.
This history begins with Geoffrey Noreys:
(1) Geoffrey Noreys: Party to a fine in Lynn in 1361: Bought land in
Tilney in 1382. Married ......?......
Issue
(2) Geoffrey Noreys: Born ca 1370; died .......... Married ............
Issue
i. Geoffrey (3) b. 1...
ii. John b. 1... married .......... Recorded as Sir John Norys, Vicar
of South Lynn in 1444. Executor to will of his brother, Geoffrey.
Died in 1504. They had:
1. John Norys
(3) Geoffrey Noreys b. 1... Recorded as Lord of Monpinzoun Manor, West
Bilney, Norfolk.
Married 1... Margery _____ b. _____ His will dated 12 Aug. 1464,
his brother John the executor.
Margery was living in 1464.
Issue
(4) John Noreys b. 1... Married ______ Recorded as of West Bilney.
Issue
(5) Robert Noreys b. circa 1460 died _____ Married _____
Issue
(6) Geoffrey Noreys b. 14__ Married _____ Recorded as underage in 1504.
Issue
(7) John Norris b. 15__ Married, prior to 1566, Alice Might, daughter of
_____
Might, of Gunthorpe. He died in 1572.
Issue
i. Thomas Norris (8) b. 1549 Patron of the living of Anmere. Married
Elizabeth Guybon
His will dated 22 Jul. 1604, probated in 1608. They had:
1. Thomas Norris b. 1... married daughter of Christopher Hyrne He was
living
in 1635 in Anmere. They had:
a. Thomas
b. Ann
c. Susan
2. Alice Norris b. 1...
3. Robert Norris (9) b. 1... married (1) Lora Woodhouse (2) Jane Colfer
His will was probated 18 Feb. 1638-9.
Issue
a. John Norris b. 1... died unmarried. Will dated 1654
b. Osbert Norris (10) b. 1... married Mary Brogen. They had:
1. James Norris b. 1667
c. Robert Norris
d. Mary Norris
e. Alice Norris married Mr. Rope
f. Helen Norris married Mr. Havers
ii. Cuthbert Norris b. 15__ Was Doctor of Divinity and Arch Deacon of
Sudbury. He
He died in 1621.
iii. Daughter Norris b. 15__ married Mr. Hopes
iv. Daughter Norris b. 15__ married Mr. Chosse
v. Edmund Norris b. 15__ Married Margery _____. His will dated 19 Aug
1599, codicil
in 1607, probated in 1609. Margery living in 1609. No issue
vi. Geoffrey Norris (8) b. 15__
(8) Geoffrey Norris b. 15__ married _____. He was living in 1609 and
executor of his brother,
Edmund.
Issue
i. Alice Norris
ii. Elizabeth Norris
iii. Edmund Norris
iv. Thomas Norris (9) b. circa 1608 (The Immigrant)
Extract
COLLEGE OF ARMS
QUEEN VICTORIA STREET
LONDON, B. C. 4
" The first entry of the pedigree of Congham was made in 1664, this entry
being signed by Osbert Norris, and connects with his father Robert. From
other sources, however, we have been able to put together a pedigree back
to John Norris of Congham (grandfather of the above Robert) who died in
1572. The arms and crest as set out in the " Landed Gentry " were
officially recognized with this entry in 1664. "
Signed: H. F. Burke,
Garter
ARMS: Sa., a cross patee fitchee fleury, between ten billets arg.
CREST: On a mount vert., a talbot sejant gu., collared or.
Thomas Norris, the Immigrant
The first of the name of Norris in the Province of Virginia was born in
Congham, County Norfolk, England circa 1608. He ran away from home when a
lad of about 11 years of age and went to sea which he followed until the
time of his arrival in the Providence of Virginia in 1630-31.
>From his associates, he evidently settled in Nansemond County, and being of
an adventurous and roving nature he became a follower of William Claiborne
and his trading adventures.
It is historically well known that the earliest settlers in what became the
Providence of Maryland were the members of the trading posts established by
Captain William Claiborne on what was called "Kent Island", practically the
most of the upper Eastern Shore, in 1627. By 1633 this was quite a sizable
colony, all being Church of England followers and from the Providence of
Virginia.
In 1634, Lord Baltimore settled in St. Mary's, Maryland and there ensued
quite a controversy between Claiborne and Baltimore which can be found in
other sources and need not be recapitulated here.
Kent Island, for all intents and purposes, was considered as a part of St.
Mary's County with no definite separate records until October, 1640. (Md.
arch. i, 39, 55, 87, 361; iii, 62, 105)
It is known that many of Claiborne's followers actually moved to St. Mary's
County during the time of the Claiborne-Baltimore controversy while some
returned to Virginia.
There is record evidence that Thomas Norris was actually in St. Mary's
County during the year 1637, i.e.
1. Thomas was married, during the year 1637, to Ann Hynson, daughter of
Thomas Hynson, of Nansemond County, Virginia and Kent Island, Maryland, and
transported her to St. Mary's County, Maryland in that year. (Records
Annapolis 1637)
2. One Michael Lums died in St. Mary's County, Maryland some time during
the year 1638, his will probated Jan 4, 1639, and his estate was
administered in May 1640 when the Provincial Court ordered the payment of
his debts and among those to whom he was indebted was "Thos. Norris".
(Prov. Ct. Rec. Annapolis, also Md. Archive iv, 59-60, 89, 90)
There are no deed records in St. Mary's County, Maryland prior to 1831,
those prior to that date having been destroyed by fire. There are a few
abstracts taken from Annapolis records but they do not cover the early
period. There is also a lapse in the Land Records of Annapolis from 1634
to 1658, hence the name of Thomas and his associates do not show.
It appears that after his marriage, Thomas settled down and became a
planter and was associated with his brother-in-law, Daniel Glover, in St.
Mary's County, and was possibly associated with his father-in-law in
Nansemond County, Virginia.
In 1643, Thomas Norris made a trip to Nansemond County, Virginia to the
home of his father-in-law. He was reported by one John Carter who secured
head rights. In 1647, he made another trip to "Nansemum" County, Virginia
and was reported by one L. Peeters, who also secured head rights. It can
be learned by following up many of these cases that some supposed
immigrants in both Virginia and Maryland are really persons engaged in
business and whoever transported them from colony to colony claimed land
for bringing them into the providence.
Thomas Norris and Daniel Glover, his brother-in-law, whose wife was a
sister to Ann Hynson Norris, were transported to Talbot County, Maryland in
1663, at which time they assigned their rights for land to one John Morgan,
of Talbot County; Morgan did not make use of these rights until the year
1665. (Land Records Lib 9, fol. 313) We investigated the actions of this
John Morgan and the records disclose he specialized in "Transporting"
persons to and from Virginia to St. Mary's County, Maryland, and from St.
Mary's County to Talbot County, Maryland, thus securing head rights to land
which he disposed of for a "consideration".
There does not appear any definite and distinct record of the date when
Talbot was lined off from Kent as a separate jurisdiction. It is first
mentioned in the Council in 1660-61, and no original boundaries defined
clearly. It, however, appears that from 1661 to 1665 Talbot embraced all
territory from Kent Narrows and south of Kent Island to the Delaware line
and Choptank river. In 1665 definite boundary was established between Kent
and Talbot.
The first court of Talbot County was held at the house of William Coursey
on April 25, 1662. Seven Justices are named and among them is Thomas
Hynson. At a court held at the house of William Coursey in November 1663,
Edward Lloyd takes his seat as a Justice. It appears that Thomas Hyson had
resigned or failed of reappointment as we find him foreman of a jury of
inquest and among the jury we find the following names of interest: Thomas
Hynson, Jr.; John Hynson; Daniel Glover; and Thomas Norris, sons and
son-in-law of said Thomas Hynson, Sr. (Ct. rec. Talbot County, also Hist.
of Talbot County, Tilghman, pp. 203-205)
In 1665, Thomas Norris and Daniel Glover bought 400 acres of land jointly
from Cornelius Comegys. Thomas Norris deeded his share of this land to
William Lads on July 26, 1668, his wife does not appear in this deed.
(Deeds Lib. 1, fol. 43)
In a Power of Attorney dated June 20, 1670, from Ann Hynson, wife of Thomas
Hynson, Jr. to Thomas Norris, she empowers said Norris to represent her in
the sale of a parcel of land called "Grayson's Rectified", granted to
Thomas Hynson, Sr, deceased. (Deeds Lib. 1, fol. 110) The sale of this
land is recorded on June 20, 1670, Thomas Hynson, Jr. to John Hynson, land
on the east fork of Wickliffe being one half of 800 acres formerly owned by
Thomas Hynson, deceased, father of said Thomas and John, etc. (Deeds Lib.
1, fol.109)
In 1673, Thomas Norris, of Talbot County, Maryland had a grant 200 acres of
land called "Norrisdery", on Chester River. (Lib 17, fol. 315)
On November 6, 1675, Thomas Norris, of Talbot County, Maryland, bricklayer
(son of Thomas Norris, Sr.) deeded to John Power 200 acres of land on
Chester River for 13,000 pounds of tobacco. In this deed the land is
called "Marklinborough" and it appears identical with the land granted
above in 1673.
>From the above record, Thomas Norris, Sr. died just prior to November, 1675
and intestate. He was evidently negotiating the sale of the 200 acres of
land at the time of his demise and it was concluded by Thomas Norris, Jr.,
eldest son and heir at law.
Ann Norris, his wife, was evidently deceased prior to July, 1668 as she
does not appear in the deed of that date as waiving dower, etc. Their
children were:
1. i. Thomas b. 1638 m. 1-Martha Ironmonger 2-Elizabeth Hosier
2. ii. Edward b. Oct 1639 m. 1-Mary Freeman 2- Sarah Wichell
iii. Geoffrey b. 164- d. abt 2 or 3 years
3. iv. Daniel b. Apr 1643 m. Elizabeth ______
4. v. Alice b. Jun 1644 m. William Evans
vi. Cuthbert b. Aug 1645 d. abt 23 years - drowned at sea
5. vii. Robert b. Dec 1647 m. Tabitha Ostley
6. viii Ann b. Abt 1650 m. Francis Shepherd
7. ix. John b. 1652 m. Susannah Heard
============================================================
Generation 2
Thomas, the immigrant
(2) Edward Norris was born in October 1639 in St. Mary's County, Maryland,
the son of Thomas Norris and Ann Hynson. He moved to Anne Arundell
County, Maryland where he married his first wife, Mary Freeman, prior to
1661. Mary died about 1678 and soon after, Edward moved to Baltimore
County, Maryland.
Mary Freeman was born 16__, the daughter of William and Mary Freeman, and a
sister of Elizabeth Freeman who married Thomas Meares. They were Quakers
and it was discovered through the records of Thomas Meares and his family,
the identity of Mary. Edward and Mary lived in close proximity to said
Thomas Meares and Edward Norris was a witness to the will of Thomas Meares
in 1674.
On Dec 1, 1686-7, Edward witnessed a will of John Kemp and said will was
probated March 15, 1686-7. Edward married the widow of this John Kemp
about 1689. Her name was Sarah (nee Wichell) Kemp.
Edward died early in the year 1695-6 intestate. On February 10, 1695-6
came John Thomas, on behalf of Sarah Norris of Baltimore County, and shewed
that Edward Norris, late of Baltimore County, deceased, died intestate and
proposed letters of administration of her said deceased husband of late,
the which was granted and a commission out of this office to Mr. George
Ashman to swear the said Sarah, administratrix, with blanke bond to take
security according to law, etc. (Admns. xvi, vol 129)
The inventory of his estate was as follows:
A true and perfect Inventory of all and Singular the goods and Chattels of
Edwd Norris, of Baltimore County, deceased, appraised in money this 15th
day of February 1696:
Imps to 2 old feather beds and Furniture 3-10-0
Parcel of old pewter, 6 old Tin pans,
an old skillet, skimmer, and ladle 1-0-0
2 Old Iron pots, and Iron Kettle and
frying pan, and old Iron spit, Box Irons
and Tongs and Gridiron 0-12-0
2 chairs 0-0-0
2 guns 1-0-0
one hand mill 1-0-0
An old set Coopers tools 1-10-0
An old crosscut saw and tenant saw and
4 wedges, one pair small steelyards, one
old hatchet 1-0-0
A Table and Form, an old Trunk Chest
and 2 chairs 1-15-0
An old set Cooper Tools 0-0-0
Eleven sheep and six lambs 5-16-0
5 cows and a two year old Bull 11-0-0
Three yearlings 0-18-0
An old Iron postill, grindstone and
looking glass 0-6-0
A dutch Case and 6 Bottles 0-3-0
a parcel of Hogs 0-15-0
John Mainfell Seal
his
John O Bower Seal
mark
(Inv. Lib. Al, fols. 18-54, Balto., Md)
On the 12th of April, 1698 came John Thomas that married the widow and
relict of Edward Norris, late of Baltimore County, deceased, who being
cited to render an account of the estate of said Edward Norris which his
wife administered upon and declares he has nothing to pay and that the
whole inventory of the estate according to appraisement belonged to the two
orphans of one Kemp, and ordered that ye same be transmitted to ye County
Court to take security and further ye said John Thomas desired that he be
no more cited. (Lib xvii fol. 82)
The death of said Sarah is not known. The above record covered everything
so far discovered pertaining to Edward Norris. He apparently never owned
any real estate, and there were indications he was more or less
improvident. During the years this record was being constructed we
naturally formed some mental picture of a man who was a "good mixer" and
used this characteristic to it's full extent. About 1923 we met and
elderly kinsman in Harford County, Maryland who was near ninety years of
age, physically infirm but whose mind was very clear, she had lived all her
life in Harford County and knew personally a great number of the Norris men
who lived there from 1835 to 1920; we had her describe the personality
characteristics of many of them, one she described stating, " Norris was a
well built man, loved horses, and was a good talker, spent much of his time
visiting friends and relatives, but he would not work." This man was a
direct descendant of Edward Norris and his description shows undoubtedly
many characteristics of the prototype Edward Norris.
10. i. William b. 1661 m. Martha Husband
11. ii. John b. 1663 m. 1-Elizabeth Parsons 2- Mary Newman
iii. Mary b. 166_
12. iv. Thomas b. 1668 m. Elizabeth Taney
v. Elizabeth b. 167_
vi. Geoffrey b. 167_ d. abt 10 years
vii. Ann b. 1678
viii. Richard Kemp b. 16__ Stepson (minor in 1686)
ix. Mary Kemp b. 16__ Stepdaughter (minor in 1686)
x. Sarah b. 169_ d. in infancy
===============================================================
Generation 3
Thomas 1, Edward 2
(11) John Norris was born in Anne Arundell County, Maryland in 1663. He
married, prior to August 1685, Elizabeth Parsons, daughter of Thomas and
Isabell Parsons. Elizabeth was born in Maryland about 1666-67. He was
deeded land as early as 1688 on Herring Creek. On August 10, 1691, he was
deeded land on Herring Creek by Benjamin Hooker called " Hookers Addition
", for 5500 pounds of tobacco. On June 24, 1726-27 he patented 32 acres of
land on Herring Creek swamp called "Norris Addition" and left it to his
grandson, Thomas Norris (of John) by will.
He made extensive purchases of land in Baltimore County. On November 6,
1716 he was deeded land called " Prospect ", 243 acres by Peter Bond and
William Hamilton for 30 pounds sterling. On March 4, 1718 he was deeded by
Thomas Preston " Everly Hills ", 365 acres in Baltimore County above head
of Bush River. On September 20, 1726 he was deeded by William Parish and
wife, Susan, " Spring Garden ", 150 acres lying in Patapsco in Baltimore
County for 30 pounds. On November 9, 1724 he conveyed a part of " Prospect
" to son Edward, and on same date a part of " Everly Hills " to son
Benjamin, in each case "for natural love and affection which I have and do
bear for my son ...."
Elizabeth died in November 1714. On April 3, 1715 the petition of John
Norris of Anne Arundell County setting forth that he is fined 500 pounds of
tobacco for not attending as a juror at a court held in November last for
the said county during the sitting of which said court the petitioners wife
lay very sick and died, that he did not neglect his duty out of any
contempt but was purely induced by his affection to and care of his
wife..... The truth of the said petition being certified by two of the
Commissioners of the aforesaid County Court is though reasonable and
granted, wherefore ordered that the said fine be remitted and not levied.
(Maryland Archive)
On April 3, 1716, John married Mary Newman. He dated his will November 1,
1737 and died about November 1740 and this will was admitted to probate
December 6, 1740. He devises " Norris Addition " in the Swamp of Herring
Creek to grandson Thomas Norris. (Subsequent records disclose definitely
that this is a son of JOHN NORRIS of Anne Arundell County, Md.) Leaves all
other lands in Anne Arundell County to son John and HIS son John, etc. To
daughter, Mary Metcalf, is devised " Spring Garden " in Baltimore County.
To son, Thomas, remainder of " Everly Hills " Baltimore County, except that
part deeded to son, Benjamin. To son, Joseph, remainder of " Prospect "
except that part deeded to son Edward. Wife, Mary, interest in his lands
during her life or widowhood, she to be sole executor. This will was
executed by Thomas Norris, his son who personally appeared before the court
on December 6, 1740, etc.
WILL
I, John Norris of Anne Arundell County, alltho but sickly and weak in Body
yet in perfect mind and memory and Sound as att other times in my Judgement
but Calling to mind the uncertainty of time in this World do make
Constitute and Ordain this my Last Will and Testament. Revoking and making
Void former Wills and Testaments whatsoever and this only to Stand and
abide Good in Law being in manner and form as followeth.
Item - I give unto my Grandson Thomas Norris a parcel of Land in the Swamp,
called Norrises Addition, Adjoyning to my Other Lands and after my wife's
Decease to him, his Heirs forever all my other lands in said Swamp. I give
after my Wife's Death or Marriage to son Joseph Norris and his son John
Norris to be Equally Divided between Them and Their Heirs forever. I give
to my Son Thomas Norris all the Remaining part of a Tract of Land in
Baltimore County Called Everly Hills all that part of the Said tract that
is not made Over to my Son Benjamin to him and his heirs forever. I also
give to my Daughter Mary Metcalf a parcel of Land in Baltimore County one
hundred and fifty acres and Called Spring Garden to her and her heirs
forever. I give to my Son Joseph all the Remainder of a Tract of Land in
Baltimore County called Prospect, all said Remainder of the aforesaid tract
that is not made over to my Son Edward to him and his Heirs forEver - as to
my Personal Estate I give to my Son Thomas Norris one Negro boy named
Abraham; one feather Bed and furniture - 2 Cows and Calves - 2 Sows and
Piggs - I also give to my Daughter Mary Metcalf- one negro boy called
Daniel - 2 Cows and Calves - & 2 Sows and Piggs - Lastly I give unto my
Dear and Loving Wife Mary Norris during her natural Life or Widowhood the
full Injoyment and Right of all my Lands in the Swamp as also the use and
profits of all my Personal Estate during her Life or Widowhood - Excepting
these Legacies before mentioned - Lastly - after my Wife's Death or
Marriage my whole Estate both Real and Personal - said Real to be aforesaid
and the Personal to Equally divided among my Children - to say - John,
Benjamin, Edward, Joseph, Thomas, Susannah, and Mary. I do likewise ordain
my Loving Wife Mary Norris to be in full said executor and Administrator of
this Last Will and Testament - In Witness whereof I do hereunto Sott my
hand and affix my Seal this first day of November An. Do 1731
In presence of
John Norris
William Foard
his
Jacob Holland
mark
Thos Esdell
Ambros Nespry
On the back of foregoing will is:
December 5, 1740. Then came William Foard, Thomas Esdell and William (sic)
Nespry, three of the subscribing witnesses - ****** Whose oath was taken in
the presence of Thomas Norris, heir at Law to the Deceased and who did not
object to the probate of Said Will. (Wills Land Commissioners of
Annapolis)
Children:
(first wife)
i. Elizabeth b. May 06, 1686
ii. Susannah b. Feb 02, 1691 m. Richard Atherton
34. iii. John b. Feb 28, 1691 Anne Arundell Co, Md m. Clare Wells
iv. Hannah b. Aug 20, 1698 Anne Arundell, Co, Md. m. William Jones
35. v. Benjamin b. Aug 20, 1698 Anne Arundell Co, Md m. Sarah Whitaker
36. vi. Edward b. Feb 04, 1701 Anne Arundell Co, Md m. Elizabeth Scott
37. vii. Joseph b. Feb 20, 1705 Anne Arundell Co, Md m. Mary _____
(Second wife)
38. viii. Thomas b. Dec 26, 1716 Anne Arundell Co, Md m. Averilla Scott
ix. Mary b. Feb 16, 1718 Anne Arundell Co, Md m. John Metcalf
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Generation 4
Thomas 1, Edward 2, John 3
(38) Thomas Norris was born in Anne Arundell County, Maryland on Dec 26,
1716. He moved to Baltimore County prior to 1738 and married there on Oct
10, 1738 Averilla Scott. He inherited a part of "Everly Hills" from his
father in 1740. He executed his fathers will and personally appeared
before the Anne Arundell County Court on December 6, 1740. On Feb. 24,
1742 he deeded 178 acres of "Everly Hills" to his brother Benjamin Norris.
(Deeds Lib. TB C, fol. 190) On October 30, 1742 Thomas was deeded, by
William and Ruth Lewis, 100 acres of land, part of a grant to Lloyd Harris
on July 3, 1734, assigned by Harris July 7, 1735 to William Rogers and
assigned by Rogers to Augustine Choat and called "Choat's Contrivance".
(Deeds Lib. TB C, fol. 93)
On Apr. 6, 1744 Thomas and Abrilla deeded to Anthony Asker, "Chadwell's
Ridge", 80 acres, no record of how Thomas acquired this land. (Deeds Lib.
TB C, fol. 469) Thomas was given a mortgage by John Metcalf on "Murray's
Meadows", 100 acres. (Deeds Lib. TBC, fol. 414) On May 7, 1735 Thomas and
Averilla Norris deeded to Joh Stevenson, doctor of physick, said county,
100 acres of land called "Choat's Contrivance" for 90 pounds. (Deeds Lib.
TR D, fol. 550)
On May 21, 1753 Thomas was a party to a deed involving John Metcalf and the
mortgage on "Murray's Meadows", etc. (Deeds Lib. TR D, fol. 551) This is
the last record of Thomas in Baltimore County. He moved to Frederick
County, Maryland about 1754. The first record of him in this county is
found on a Muster Roll, French and Indian War, 1757-58 for quartering men,
etc. "Captain Norris Company to Captain Thomas Norris for 30 days
attendance." (Maryland Hist. Mag. vol. ix, 349)
On May 25, 1758 he made a Bill of Sale to Samuel Beale, 3 horses, 4 cows,
and 20 hogs for 3250 1/4 pounds of tobacco. (Deed Lib. F, fol. 422.) In
1760 he patented "Norris Scheme", Frederick County. (BC-GS, 12 - 470) and
"The Trap", (BC-GS 14, 624) and "Retirement"2100 acres. (BC-GS 14, 624)
In 1761 he had a resurvey on "Retirement" and added 273 acres of vacant
land, laid out for 2369 acres (BE-GS 14, 29) He and his son William, had a
resurvey on "The Trap". (BC-GS 19, 551)
In May 1763 William Norris applied for a patent on land "Resurvey on
Retirement" stating that Thomas Norris, his father, late of Frederick
County, deceased, had patented this and had died before making good his
right and title, by which said rights descended to said William, son and
heir. William was granted the patent and land was called "Retirement
Corrected". Averilla was deceased before 1790.
Children:
112. i. William b. Dec 24, 1739 Baltimore Co, Md. m. Catherine Williams
113. ii. Nathaniel b. Dec 16, 1741 Baltimore Co, Md. m. Catherine Phillips
iii. Mary b. Feb 06, 1743
114. iv. John b. May 06, 1746 Baltimore Co, Md. m. Ruch C. Phillips
v. Averilla b. abt 1748 Baltimore Co, Md. d. infancy
115. vi. Thomas b. Nov. 1750 Baltimore Co, Md. m. Sarah (Dagenhart?)
vii. Averilla b. 175-
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Generation 5
Thomas 1, Edward 2, John 3, Thomas 4
(113) Nathaniel Norris was born in Baltimore County, Maryland Dec 16,
1741. Moved to Frederick County, Maryland with his parents in 1754.
He served as a Private in Captain Thomas Norris Company in the French and
Indian War 1757-58. Listed on Muster Roll for 30 days quartering. (Md.
Hist. Mag. ix, fol. 349)
He married, prior to 1763, Catherine Phillips, daughter of John Phillips,
born in Maryland in 1744. He is named in the will of John Phillips with
his brother, John Norris, to dispose of lands and make divisions of
proceeds to children of said Phillips. (Wills 1769, Frederick County)
Nathaniel appears to have owned considerable real estate but records do not
show how he obtained it. He died in 1813 and his estate was administered
by Upton Norris and Jacob Clabaugh on October 1, 1813. Final settlement of
the estate took place on April 26, 1815. His wife, Catherine, was living
in 1815 and received 361-13-0 pounds while 10 children received 72-6-7 1/4
pounds each as their share of the estate.
Children:
328. i. William b. Nov. 1763 Frederick Co, Md. m. Mary Patrick
329. ii. Thomas b. Feb 10, 1769 Frederick Co, Md. m. Mary Eliz. Dager
iii. Mary b. 1771 Frederick Co, Md. m. Meredith Norris
iv. Eleanor b. 1773 Frederick Co, Md.
330. v. John b. May 1775 Frederick Co, Md. m. Mary Raitt
vi. Reuben b. 1777 Frederick Co, Md. m. Catherine Nancy Norris
vii. Elizabeth b. Apr 1779 Frederick Co, Md. m. Jacob Clabaugh
331. viii. Catherine b. Nov 10, 1781 Frederick Co, Md. m. Daniel Delaplane
332. ix. Upton b. 1783 Frederick Co, Md. m. Susannah Clary
333. x. Rachel b. Aug 04, 1787 Frederick Co, Md. m. John Smelser
========================================================================
Generation 6
Thomas 1, Edward 2, John 3, Thomas 4, Nathaniel 5
(329) Thomas Norris was born in Frederick County, Maryland on Feb. 10,
1769. He migrated to Washington County, Maryland prior to 1789 and married
there, prior to 1791, Mary Elizabeth Dager, born Maryland in 1775.
On May 13, 1794 a Warrant was issued to one John Chaplain, of Washington
County, Maryland and by him assigned to Thomas Norris to resurvey a tract
of land in Allegheny County called " Stop Gap ', surveyed for John Norris
for 3 acres, Feb. 24, 1791, and containing 100 acres for which amount over
warrant to John Norris omitted to pay within the time limit.
On May 5, 1792 Rezin Davidge by special warrant for resurvey of this same
land but he also neglected to execute. Thomas Norris, on May 6, 1793 had a
special warrant to resurvey this tract and he neglected to execute. In
1794 as above stated said Joseph Chaplain obtained warrant to resurvey this
tract and add any contiguous vacancies and reduce to one tract, survey was
made and certificate made out for 16209 ACRES and was called " Hazard
Resurvey " and was assignedto Thomas Norris Mar. 25, 1795.
On Apr. 25, 1795 Thomas Norris for valuable consideration assigned all
right and title to said certificate to Josh. Johnson and William Tongue,
witnessed by John Norris, Elizabeth Norris and ____ White. On May 15, 1795
said Josh. Johnson and William Tongue transferred title to John Davidson of
Annapolis. (Land Certificate No. 352, Annapolis)
It is to be noted that in these transactions none of the parties were of
Allegheny County. We have often wondered what the " valuable consideration
" was in the case, also what this tract would be, if intact, at present day
valuation.
Thomas Norris resided in Washington County to about 1808 when he moved to
Allegheny County, Maryland and resided there to 1813 when he moved to
Belmont County, Ohio. He purchased a tract of land in Fairfield County,
Ohio from one J. Rose in 1815 and deeded same to his brother, John Norris,
in 1825 and then moved to Coshocton County, Ohio where he died in 1835.
Mary Elizabeth survived him and died in 1855 at the home of her son,
Thomas.
There are eleven children in this family. (nine known)
i. Elizabeth b. 1791
ii. Mary Jane b. 1793
673. iii. Daniel b. May 08, 1794 Washington Co, Md. m. Susan Beach
674. iv. Thomas b. Oct 1796 Washington Co, Md. m. Sarah Stills
675. v. Nathaniel b. Aug 16, 1798 Washington Co, Md. m. Sarah Todd
vi. Samantha M. b. 1801
676. vii. Charles b. Feb 1803 Washington Co, Md. m. Susannah _____
677. viii. Julian b. 1805
678. ix. Elias b. Mar 07, 1809 Allegheny Co, Md. m. Mary A. Humphrey
===================================================================
Generation 7
Thomas 1, Edward, John 3, Thomas, 4, Nathaniel 5, Thomas 6
(676) Charles Norris was born in Washington County, Maryland in February
of 1803. He moved to Allegheny County, Maryland with his parents and to
Ohio in 1813.
He married prior to 1829 Susannah _____ , born Pennsylvania in 1803, moved
to Bartholomew County, Indiana about 1848 and in 1854 they moved to Mercer
County, Missouri. Both were living in 1880. He was a farmer.
Children:
i. Jonathan b. 1829 Ohio
ii. Sarah Ann b. 1835
iii. George b.1838 m. 1 - Hannah _____
m. 2 - Margaret _____
iv. Richard b. 1840
v. Elias b. 1842 m. Sara A. _____
vi. Susannah b. 1844
vii. Charles b. 1845-46 m. Pamela Freeman
viii. Thomas J. b. 1848 Indiana m. Samantha _____
==============================================================
Generation 8
Thomas 1, Edward 2, John 3, Thomas 4, Nathaniel 5, Thomas 6, George 7
George Norris was born in 1838. He married twice. First, he married
Hannah _____, born Ohio in 1840, moved to Iowa in 1862 and moved to
Missouri in 1871. Hannah died and he married, for his second wife,
Margaret _____, born Missouri 1855. He was a farmer, resided Mercer Ounty,
Missouri.
Children:
(1st wife)
i. Hannah b. 1859
ii. Ann b. 1861 Indiana
iii. Isadora b. 1863 Iowa m. Green H. Williams
iv. George, Jr. b. 1865 Iowa
v. Charles b. 1866
vi. Oscar b. 1868
(2nd Wife)
vii. Norman H. b. 1876
viii. William R. b. 1878
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