| Source | | Source: In the Westminster section, a footnote about the Norton Tavern says: John Norton, for many years its owner, was of Irish Scotch descent, a man of ealth and influence, and was generally regarded as a Tory. The family name in Ireland was McNaughton. When John removed to Westminster he omitted the prefix, and changed the spelling of the name to Norton. (Pg 572)
John Norton came from Farmington CT, about the year 1760, and kept the "Norton Tavern." He married Anna Holton, sister of Joel Holton, by whom he had ten children, once of whom is still living in the parish. Another daughter, who married a grandson of William Willard, Esq., died during the present year but a short distance from the spot where she was born, at the age of 88. Another married a Campbell, who settled in the West Parish. Another became the wife of Nathaniel Fullerton Esq., of Chester, President of Bellows Falls Bank. Mr Norton was a prominent man in the town, held various positions in the town offices, and in 1776 was delegate with Dr Elkanah Day to the Council of Safety for Cumberland Co. He was also a member of the Legislature in 1782. (Pg 581)
John Norton came here in 1761, at the age of 21. Born 21 Jan 1740, died 5 Dec 1811, age 71. He built the "Norton Tavern" which has been recently torn down. Children: John, Cyrus, Anna, Clarrissa, Electa, Susanna, Arad, Lucy, Mary, Irene, and Heman. (Pg 615.)1 |