Nelson Norton

     Nelson was born on Thursday, 6 October 1808 in New York. This date was calculated from his age at death. Nelson married Sylvia Stedman, daughter of John D. Stedman II and Sylvia Catlin, on 1 July 1836 in New York. Nelson and Sylvia had children: Jane [6/__/1837-11/09/1923] [m. 3/12/1862 Elisha L Austin], Laura [1839-9/07/1870], Mariette[1844] [m. 6/24/1866 Charles Wadelton], Elberta [1846] & Nelson Stedman [1848]. 23 September 1850, Nelson and his wife, Sylvia, were listed on the U.S. Federal Census in Center Township, McHenry County, Illinois. Enumerated in this household were Nelson Martin [Norton] [43 New York], Sylvia [37 New York], Huldah [67 Connecticut], Jane [13 New York], Laura [11 New York], Marietta [6 New York], Elberta [4 New York] & Nelson S [2 New York]. Nelson is a blacksmith. They have real estate valued at $500.¹ 7 August 1860, Nelson and his wife, Sylvia, were listed on the U.S. Federal Census in Dorr Townhip, McHenry County, Illinois. Enumerated in this household were Nelson Norton [51 New York], Sylvia [46 New York], Jane [22 New York], Laura [19 New York], Mary [17 New York], Elbertha [15 New York], Stedman [12 New York] & a servant: Andrew David [25 Norway]. Nelson is a blacksmith; they have real estate valued at $4000 and personal estate valued at $200.² Nelson's wife, Sylvia, died on 16 April 1868 in Woodstock, McHenry County, Illinois, leaving him a widower.³ 7 July 1870, Nelson was listed on the U.S. Federal Census in Woodstock, McHenry County, Illinois. Enumerated in this household were Nelson Norton [61 New York]. Marietta [26 New York] & Stedman [21 New York] & a servant: Belle Brenard [22 Norway].. Nelson is a Lumber Dealer; his home is valued at $8000 and personal estate at $500.⁴ He married second in 1880 Elmarinda Temple in Woodstick. Nelson departed this life on Saturday, 25 February 1893 in Woodstock at age 84 years, 4 months and 19 days.³ He was buried there in Oakland Cemetery. The inscription on his tombstone gives his age at death as 84 years 4 month and 19 days.³