Clark, Robert Carlton, Ph.D. "History of the Willamette Valley Oregon." Vol. 2. Chicago: Chapman Publishing Company, 1927. p. 50. GEORGE W. NORRIS George W. Norris is a well known and valued citizen of Eugene, who after many years of active and successful effort is now retired from business affairs and is living in the old home in this city which has been in the possession of the family continuously since 1859. He is a native son of Lane county, having been born on his father's farm in 1865. His parents, Daniel and Nancy J. (Crow) Norris, made the long and tiresome trip across the plains, with ox teams, in 1852, and located near Lorane, where his father took up a donation claim of three hundred and twenty acres, developing a good farm, the products of which he had to sell in Portland, as there was no nearer market. He made a trip to that city once a year with ox team, requiring over two weeks to make the journey. Mr. Norris took an active part in the development of his locality, of which he was one of the most influential citizens. He assisted in building the first schoolhouse and he quarried the stone from which was constructed the first building of the University at Eugene. He and his wife were active members of the Methodist Episcopal church. The father died in 1876, leaving his widow and six children, and soon afterwards she brought her family to Eugene, though retaining the farm, which is still in possession of the family. Her death occurred in 1892. She was the daughter of John Crow, who brought his family here at the same time as the Norris family and settled in the same locality. George W. Norris attended the public schools of Eugene and then entered the University of Oregon, from which he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1892. He then engaged in teaching school, which profession he followed for fifteen years, frequently teaching for three months for one hundred dollars and boarding himself. He later engaged in clerical work but subsequently bought the farm land and the town properties from the other heirs to the estate and is now able by reason of wise investments to enjoy well earned leisure. He is a republican in his political views rind has always evinced a deep interest in public affairs. A faithful follower of Masonic teachings, he belongs to Eugene Lodge, No. 11, A. F. & A. M.; Eugene Chapter, No. 18, R. A. M.; Ivanhoe Commandery, No. 2, K. T.; and Al Kader Temple. A. A. O. N. M. S. In every relation of life he has been found true and loyal and his career has been such as to earn for him the sincere respect and good will of his fellowmen throughout the community in which he has spent his life. ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in June 2016 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.