The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1920-04-20
| LUMAN s. NORTON
DIED MONDAY
IN HIS SG1ST. YEAR
Long One of the Leading Citi-
zens of Bennington
WAS ILL FOR THREE YEARS
Graduate Of U. s. Naval Academy ard
Last of Name Of Long Leading
Local Family.
WAS ILL FOR THREE YEARS

Luman S. Norton died Monday af-
ternoon at his home on Union street
af er lcng illness. He had been
largely confined to the house fer
three years though stronge. at times
and able to be down street within a
few weeks.
Since an attack Of Indigestion three
weeks ago he had been appreciably
worse and similar attack Monday af-
ternoon was more than his weakened
condition could withstand.
Iuman Spooner Norton was born in
Bennington Sept. 3, 1859 and was
therefore in his 61st year. He was
the son of Luman P. and Alice God
frey Norton and the grandson of
Julius Norton whose grandfather,
Capt. John Norton established the
pottery business in Bennington in
1885. The Norton name was associat-
ed with the pottery business here
down to about 80 years ago.
The subject of this sketch attended
the public schools in Bennington
Even in those early days he was full
of energy and ambition and in 1876
he was given an appointment to the
United States Naval academy at An
napolis.
He graduated, one of the honor men
OF his class in 1880 and. according to
the custom of the navy was sent on a
two years cruise to complete his
course AS a young officer he visited
the countries bordering on the Medi-
terranean and also France and Eng
land. In later life he sometimes
talked ente. tainingly Of his interest
ing experiences and occasional
scrapes as mdshipman in the
American navy or foreign service.
He was compelled to leave the navy
because of trouble with his eyes
causing color blindness, and for sew
eral years was employed in New York
and Washington. He finally returned
in 1893 TO Bennington and went into
business with his father as general
agents of the Northwestern Life In
surance company of Milwaukee and
| in this he found his lifework.
Quick OF grasp and understanding,
making friends easily and keen OF in
tellect, generous and active, he built
up a large and successful business all
over the state of Vermont. His death
will be mourned by hundreds OF pc
sonar friends, business associates and
other life insurance men outside his
home town.
He never sought public Office but
was induced to serve for few years
on the board of Norma School com
missioners. He attended many con
ventions and his public spirit and gen
eyous habits made him a favorite
friend and highly esteemed citizen.
He was an incorporation and direc'
tor Of the Putnam Memorial hosp tai
and was intensely interested in this
institution. He was also corpcrat0r
of the Bennington County savings
bank, member Of S. Peters chu CHI
of Mt. Anthony Lodge, F. and A. NJ,
TAT Commandry and of the Benning
ton Club.
In 1885 he married Miss Elizabeth
Pratt, daughter of Capt John E. and
Mary Dewey Pratt. Mrs. Norton with
two daughters survives him. The
daughte. S are Mrs. Harold C. Payson
,cf Portland, Me-, and Miss Isabel Nor
ton of Bennington. He is also sur.
yived by 1.-TWO sisters. Mrs. Charles
II. Darling of Burlington and Mrs. o.
NJ. Barber cf Bennington and Wash
linpton He also leaves four grand.
chi d. en-, children of Mr. and Mrs.
Payson.
The funeral will be held Thursday
at his late home and will be private.
The burial will be in the family lot
in the village cemetery.