James Norris

Who was James Norris?

James Norris was an Ontario businessman and political figure. He represented Lincoln in the Canadian House of Commons as a Liberal member from 1874 to 1878.

He was born in Argyleshire, Scotland in 1820 and came to Peel County, Upper Canada with his parents around 1834. He moved to St. Catharines, where he formed a partnership with Sylvester Neelon in shipping, milling and the timber trade. After the partnership dissolved, Norris continued to be involved in transporting goods to foreign markets, primarily England. He served on the town council, serving a term as mayor. In 1847, he married Sophronia Neelon, his partner's sister; in 1863, he married Elizabeth Wand, after his first wife's death. He was first elected to the House of Commons in the 1874 federal election but was unseated after an appeal. He won the by-election that followed later that year. Norris resigned his seat in April 1877 and then was reelected in a May 1877 by-election. He ran unsuccessfully for reelection in 1878 and 1882. Norris died in St. Catharines at the age of 82.