John Quincy Adams Norton was born April 30, 1844 in Brown County, Ohio. His father was a physician and a well known abolitionist. He was named for John Quincy Adams because Adams was also anti slavery. John received a public school education and went to a seminary for a short time. He also labored on a farm as a boy. His schooling was interrupted by the Civil War, as John went from school to the Army. He enlisted in the 7th Ohio Cavalry on September 6, 1862. He was honorably discharged July 4th, 1865 having served in the following engagements: with Morgan's men in Kentucky; Richmond, Kentucky; Dutton Hill; Cumberland Gap; Siege of Knoxville; the Atlanta campaign; battle of Franklin; Siege of Nashville; pursuit of Hood; and the pursuit and capture of Jefferson Davis. In 1868 Norton organized a company with himself as Captain and served in northwest Texas, southwest Kansas, and Indian Territory (Oklahoma). He served under Generals Custer and Sheridan. In 1872 Norton was elected Probate Judge in Dodge City, Kansas. He was reelected twice on the Republican ticket. He had a large Supreme Court practice. He was a director of the St. Louis, Southwest Railway and served as secretary of that company. Mr. Norton supported General Grant for President in 1868.
From the description of John Q.A. Norton papers, 1868-1869. (Kansas State Historical Society). WorldCat record id: 51851638
