James Norton as born at Fond du Lac, Wis., March 8, 1857, and died on March 26, 1918, aged 61 years and 18 days.  When a young man he came to western Minnesota, where he was married to Miss Mary Halpin, at Pipestone, on October 27, 1870.  The Nortons immediately moved to Volga, S. D. where they lived several years, moving from that place to Houghton, S. D., thirty years ago, where the family lived until eleven years ago, when they moved to Columbia and engaged in the hotel and livery business.  Three years ago the family moved west of the river where they lived several months, then returned to Columbia.  

There have been ten children born to Mr. and Mrs. Norton.  They are Mrs. Hannah Barry of Hecla, Mrs. Mamie Gilbert of Keldan, S. D., Mrs. Stella Richey of Jamestown, N. D., Mrs. Jeanette Overacker of Columbia, Thomas H. Norton of Fredonia, N. D., James Norton, now with his regiment in France, William L. Norton of Arena, N. D., and Nina, Frank and John Norton living at home in Columbia.  

Mr. Norton had been ill for over a year, and while there have been no hopes of his final recovery, everything a loving family and neighbors could do for him has been done.  At about 5 o’clock Tuesday evening he passed away.  His funeral was held last Friday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. and he was laid to rest in Lake View cemetery.  Jim, as all called him, was a kind and devoted father and husband as any family ever had and they have the heartfelt sympathy of all who knew him.