The Bridgeport evening farmer. [volume] (Bridgeport, Conn.) 1866-1917, 1916-02-08
David NORMAN,
WAR VETERAN,
DIES SUDDENLY
Stricken With Severe Heart
Attack, Succumbs at Age
of Seventy Six.
FOUGHT IN GREAT
BATTLES OF COS
Manufacturer First Photo
graphic Paper Made In
the United States.
BATTLES OF '6O's

David Randolph Norman, veteran
of many battles in the Civil War. and
for many years prominent as a mer-
chant and manufacturer n~this and
other cities, died this morning at his
home, 667 Noble avenue.
Mr.. Norman's death was sudden.
About to go to his breakfast, he was
seized with a heart attack and he died
shortly after the arrival of medical
aid. He was attaRked as he sat in
chair in the living room of his home.
For. several years he has suffered with
slight heart illnesses and hardening
of the arteries.
David Norman was born Dew. 6,
1899, on Beaver street, now Fairfield
avenue, near Clinton avenue.
His father built the first modern
house on Beaver street extension. and
bears his name. He was a pioneer in
the development of the West End of
the city.
David Norman was educated in
Charlottesville Seminary, Coopers-
town, N. Y. When the Civil War
broke out he enlisted in the Seventy
first New York Volunteers. After
three months he came to Connect
cut, where he was commissioned as
lieutenant by Governor Buckingham.
With the Second Connecticut Heavy
Artillery he served throughout the
war. He was at Winchester when
Sheridan made his famous ride. He
served under Grant in Virginia,
bought in the Battle of the Wilder
ness, at Cold Harbor and at SpottsyI-
vania. He made an envia,b1e record.
After the war he returned to
Bridgeport, where he took charge OF
the silk department of Hall & Read
He was a close friend of D. NJ. Read.
Later he was woolen buyer for Lord
& Taylor of New York.
With his brother-in-law, Mark D.
Wilber, who died recently, in Darten,
at the age of ST, Mr.. Norman started
the WILDER Mercantile Agency in New
York. This was in 1875, and this
firm is still in existence. Mr.. WILDER
was a former district attorney of
Brooklyn, and was noted as one of
the greatest orators of the Democratic
party in those days.
Mr. Norman went to Leadvi1le, Colo,
with the great influx, in '79. Return
ing to Bridgeport, in company with
Sylvester P. Wheeler, he manufactur-
ed the first photograph paper ever
made in the United States.
Soon he discovered a process of
treating paper that made him able
man product, which was then pre-em-
-inent. Because of this successful
competition, he made thousands of
dollars.
Manufacturing this product. he re-
ceived f1attering offers The East
man Kodak co. attempted to contract
with him for his entire output, it is
said, but he preferred to give all con-
Germs a chance.
He made many inventions in the
chemical field. One in particular,
process of refining oil. was looked up
on with great favor.
He had a dye-making process.
which he never utilized because of
the foreign competition, but since the
war started, he saw an opportunity to
make a fortune because of the scarcity
of dye material, and recently he plan
ned to manufacture again: Death cut
short his plans.
He retired in 1905. Since then he
lived at 667 Noble avenue.
Mr. Norman was a chairman of
the Fourth district in the Democratic
ranks many years ago. His brother
port at one time.
Mr. Norman leaves a wife, Mrs.
Helen Brier1ey Norman, and a daugh-
ter, Elizabeth. He was married
twice. His first wife was Helen
Clute. By this marriage he had one
daughter. Bessie.
The deceased was especially we'll
known in this city where his friends
were many. He was a member of
the Bridgeport club and prominent
Mason.
His loss will be felt keenly among
his many friends. He was admired
for his likeab1e qualities and his great
ability, both as a soldier and a bust
ness man. He was ever a loyal
friend.