Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-06-21
MASTER IOWA MAsONS
HIGHEST HoNoRs OF THE CRAFT
COMES TO ONE DESERVING.

COMES TO ONE DESERVING.
Sketch Of w H. Norris, 4 Ihosen a
Davenport TO Guide the Fraternil, !,
During Coming Masonic Year.
From The Cedar Kapid, cpublicau of jun
II, 1896.
Only those who have intimate
knowledge of Masonic affairs car
properly estimate the honor, reaI
and sentimental, which is convene d
with the grand maste,sli., !, of a great
jurisdiction And only IL few can
weigh the load of responsibility and
care that is assumed by those called
to guide the craft. Ii is no empty
honor, for upon the grand master OF
Iowa depends much for the progress
and prosperity of Masonry i'll the
state. 1t is needed that he have
tact, ability and judgment OF a high
order. Ii the social qualities are
added it is greatly to advantage.
Above all, he must be man among
men, in all that the term applies
Last week, at Davenport, choice
Of the assembled Masons of Iowa
fell with unusual unanimity upon
William Henry Norris of Manches-
ter, to fill this all-important Office
for the fraternal-year l905-06. This
gentleman certainly comes to the
office with proper training for its
work. A man Of admirable ply
sique and commanding presence, he
can and does attract others by ap-
pearance. With this merely Incl
dental advantage there go the need
full qualities of head and heart
which the position imperatively de-
mands. Broad minded and tolerant
in non-essentials, he is insistant up
on a high standard Of conduct, for
himself and others. His own vigor-
Gus manhood despising shams and
deceits and hypocrisies, he will de-
mand from lis brethren straight
forward adherence to Masonic
ideals. That golden quality of rule
which guides without apparent eff
fort is his peculiar forte, as else
where proven; but should occasion
require there would be no hesitant
faltering with an impossible situa-
ton.
w. II. Norris is native Of Mass
achusetts, born in Stoneham, Mid
dlesex county, February 3, 1857.
While he was still a very small child
his parents removed to Iowa. He is
thus an lowan in all but the accident
Of birth. After receiving education
in the public schools he attended Cor
nell college, and from thence passed
to the law department of the State
university. From that institution
he graduated in the class of 1882.
Mr.. Norris at once began practice Of
his profession at Manchester, in
which town he has ever since made
his home. He entered at once into
the life Of the Delaware county city,
and almost Immediately proved his
quality. Hc has filled several local
Offices, was for several years the city
attorney and has also served as may
or. In a wider field he represented
his district in the Twenty-fourth gen
eral assembly. In that body he in
troduced the Australian ballot meas
ure, and his name will be always as
sociated with that great improve
ment. His role as a politician has
been substantial rather than aggres-
sive, yethis councils have been sought
and relied upon by party leaders.
For several years he was a member
Of the republican state central com.
mittee and for part Of the time was
on the executive committee thereof.
During the administration of Gov
ernor jackson Mr.. Norris was upon
his staff, with the rank of lieutenant
colonel. But better far than all these
honors is the fact that he has the es-
TEEN and confidence of those, his
neighbors, who know him best.
| Mr.. Norris received his Masonic
degrees in Manchester lodge, No. l65
his imitation occurring June 2, 1882
Here his talents were not allowed tc
lie idle, and he was rapidly advanced
through offices Of the lodge, greatly
to advantage Of the brethren. Fol-
a number of years he has been a ia.
miliar figure at the annual grand
ledge meeting, and has always borne
full share of the work. In 1902 he
was elected as senior grand warden
and now comes the crowning honol
of the craft as fitting and de
served appreciation of his freely Civ
en- labors. In other Masonic bodies
he is equally we'll known and in these
he has likewise gained prominence
In the local chapter and commandery
he has served as high priest and EN-
inent commander. In the grant
commandery Of Iowa he was rapidly
advanced and at the conclave Of 100.
was elected grand commander. H'
is at the present time grand scrib
of the grand chapter R. A. NJ. In tn
grand commandery, grand council
R. & S. NJ, and grand chapter o. L
S., he is chairman of their respectiv
,, jurisprudence committees. He i
also a past grand patron Of the East
ern Star Of Iowa, and r. w. associ
ate grand patronof the general gram
) chapter of the United States. AT tn
{ triennial conclave at San Francisc
4 last year Mr.. Norris received appoint
y ment as grand standard bearer of til
r grand encampment Of the Unite
States X. Il.
i This is a long list Of honors for
. man to receive at the hands Of hi
J. brethren. Each one attests his wort
r and each brings additional evidenc
of his qualities Of mind and hear
Masonry to him means much. II