In the book's own words, not ours, with obvious scanning errors fixed. Families often supplied these stories to the publisher, so check key dates.
Born 1831
From The history of Buchanan County, Missouri (1881)
THOMAS NORRIS, dealer in dry goods, notions, boots, shoes, groceries, etc., Pateetown, is a native of Richmond, Virginia, and was born Februarys, 1831. His father, Thomas Norris, was a native of that state. At an early age our subject removed to Baltimore, Maryland, where he learned the cabinet making trade, and in 1850, came to St. Joseph and engaged in working.at his trade, for a time being with D. J. Pfeaton. In 1853, he went overland to California, returning in 1857, and remained until 1859, when he again drifted westward, going to Pike's Peak. In 1860, he came here again, and engaged in merchandising, the firm being Norris & Turner, afterwards Norris & Ray, and latterly Norris & Payne. He has been closely associated with the progress of the city and county. In 1861, Miss Margaret Louden became his wife. She is the daughter of Hugh Louden, one of the pioneers of the county. They have seven children living: William, Annie, Edwin, Thomas H, Richard, Lula and Nellie B. They lost three: Eppa, Ida and Thomas.
As printed in The history of Buchanan County, Missouri (1881). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
The printed record stops around 1881. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.