Preston NORTON

                   Research information in notes pertaining to the Norton and Stipes lines.

1. Daniel Duneven NORTON (b.16 Nov 1836-Belpre,Washington, Iowa d.25 Oct 1921-Washington,Iowa)*note- I have a copy of a letter between two researchers of this Norton line. In it, it is said that the writer once visited the mortuary that buried Daniel D. Norton and in their files they had listed his father's name as Preston. He says he does not know where they got that name. He goes on to say that he believes there may be a connection between Daniel and a Major Norton who was also born in Belpre, Washington, Iowa. But, he had thus far been unable to figure out what that connection is. In the same letter he has this to say about Daniel's wife, America Stypes, "I'm not absolutely sure that I have America Stypes' parents right but she was apparently by a couple with a different name. There was a younger boy by the name of Stipes there too. If they were brother and sister, then I have the parents right." sp: America STYPES (b.14 Aug 1855-Washington,Iowa m.20 Jul 1875 d.24 Jul 1937-Washington,Iowa) note: I have copy of marriage records for this marriage
*note #2: Here is a letter sent to me by one of the above researchers: During the summer of 1978, my parents and I traveled around eastern Iowa and visited several county courthouses and cemeteries in search of records of the Norton/Stypes family. My mother, who is the grand daughter of Daniel Norton and America Stypes, knew both of them well and also knew her great-grandmother as Jane Nutz. She was also aquainted with other members of the family as stated in the following information. At the Talleyrand Cemetery in Keokuk County we found the stones for Jane B. Nutz 1830-1921, Peter Nutz 1848-1933, John Stipes died 1914, and Lille Nutz died 1881. (Lillie was the 2 year old daughter of Lillie and Jane). The 1880 Keokuk County Census shows: Peter Nutz, age 32, born in Germany (my mother says that he was a blacksmith at Talleyrand and spoke mostly german. His shop was still there in 1978 but was converted into a gas station. Their house was also still there.) Jane B. age 50, born in Virginia (I am in possession of a picture of Jane that has written on back "Jane B. Stipes- Mother of Mary "Stipes" Norton." My mother also identifies her as her great grandmother). Thomas Brink, stepson, age 20, born in Iowa. Margaret Powers, stepdaughter, age 14, born in Iowa. George Powers, stepson, age 12, born in Iowa. Lillie Notz, daughter, age 1, born in Iowa. The Keokuk County marriage records list Peter and Jane's marriage as 22 Sep 1878. (I have more census info from this letter if you are interested). The letter goes on to say: Other records that were found were: On 22 Dec 1885, Margaret Powers, age 20, married Albert Ramsey, at Keota, IA (Keokuk County). Her father is listed as John Powers and mother as Jane Knox. The affidavit for the marriage is signed by D.D. Norton as witness. On 8 Nov 1882, Thomas Jefferson Brink, age 23, married Emma Jane Holmes, age 27. The father is listed as Joseph Brink and the mother as Balinda Jane Rogers at Talleyrand. The witness was Jane Nutz, but was signed with an X for her mark. On the death record of John J. Stipes at Sigourney, Keokuk County, Iowa, his parents are listed as John Stipes and Valinda Ridger. This information leaves questions about the lineage. Were Valinda Ridger, Balinda Brink, Malinda (or Jane) Powers, and Jane Nutz the same woman? She was obviously illiterate since she signed her name with an X. Also there are discrepiences in birth dates and ages of both herself and her children.