From Memorial and Genealogical Record of Dodge and Jefferson Counties, Wisconsin, 
publ. 1894 - Page 19-22
 
(The pages appear to be mis-numbered as 19 and then 22, when they should be 19 and 20 
- with no apparent page missing.)
 
WILLIAM L. NORRIS.  The gentleman who, for many years, was the editor and 
publisher of the Republican of Watertown, was one of the most prominent and highly-
respected citizens of Jefferson county, and, when called to the grave, his loss was 
mourned throughout the entire community.  A native of the Emerald Isle, he was born in 
Dublin on the 17th of March, 1837, and when a child of ten summers was brought by his 
parents to the New World.  The family located in Watertown, where Mr. NORRIS 
resided until the day of his death, with the exception of a short period spent in Oshkosh.  
The advantages received in the public schools were all that were afforded him in the way 
of education.  He was a self-made man, who worked his way steadily upward by well-
directed and earnest efforts.
 
In his earlier years, Mr. NORRIS occupied various clerical positions, and was always 
faithful to his employers' interests, thereby winning their confidence.  He was married 
January 9, 1868, to Miss Augusta O. VESTEY, of Watertown, and to them were born six 
children, five of whom - Maud, wife of H. O. BRADLEY, of Milwaukee; Grattan W.; 
Ralph H., of Milwaukee; James T. and Ethel - survive.
 
Mr. NORRIS's connection with the Republican dated from 1872, when he entered the 
editorial department.  The paper was then owned by the late J. H. KEYES.  Upon his 
removal to Eau Claire, in 1881, Mr. NORRIS purchased the paper, and was the sole 
proprietor up to the time of his death.  That it was ably edited, is shown by the liberal 
patronage accorded it.  He ever endeavored to give the public a paper which could be of 
interest to the people, and through its columns he labored for the upbuilding and 
advancement of everything calculated to promote the general welfare.  He was a wide-
awake and progressive citizen, and all worthy public enterprises received his hearty 
support and cooperation.
 
Mr. NORRIS filled the office of United State gauger from 1868 until 1885, when he was 
succeeded by C. H. JACOBI.  At the commencement of President Harrison's 
administration he was reinstated, and held the position during his term, until he was 
relieved in October 1893, making in all nearly twenty-two years of service under the 
government.  He was a prominent and active member of the Royal Arcanum and Modern 
Woodmen, and the societies with which he was identified attending his funeral en masse.  
For many years he was a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, contributed liberally to 
its support, and filled the office of vestryman.  For forty-seven years he lived in Jefferson 
County, and his honorable and well-spent life served as an example which might be 
profitably followed by all.  They who knew him held him in high esteem.  He was a man 
of resolute purpose, true to what he believed to be right; yet was possessed of a charitable 
and kindly disposition, and had a strong affection for those of his own fireside and for his 
many friends.  Of a pleasant and genial manner, his companionship was welcome, and his 
loss will long be mourned in the community where he was so long a valued and honored 
citizen.  He passed away April 1, 1894, and a large concourse of friends gathered to pay 
their last tribute of respect.

Submitted by:  Carol Holmbeck