William John Norris, son of Alfred Norris (farmer) and Mary Ann Hand from Windsor, had 4 sisters and 2 brothers. William's married sisters were: Mesdames Rogerson, Grady, Probert and Niven (eg, James Niven's wife, Clara). His brothers were Sid Norris, of Slasher's Flat, and Alfred Norris, of Tallewang.
In 1887 William Norris married Margaret Elizabeth O'Connell (of Goodiman) in Mudgee.
Their children were:
- Leslie E born about 1888
- William N born 1896 in Gulgong
He worked at various hotels including Mrs Kelly's Family Hotel in Gulgong, before opening the Commercial Hotel at Cobbora in 1904.
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NEWS ITEMS
1898 - ADVERTISEMENT
FOR PRIVATE SALE
That well-known Hotel known as
Kelly’s Family Hotel
Situated on the corner of Mayne and Medley Streets, Gulgong—now occupied by Mr William Norris at a rental of £52 per annum. For information apply to S T BISHOP—Auctioneer, Mayne Street.
Source: The Gulgong Advertiser, April 22 1898
1899 - In a Bad Way.
Mr. Jas. Niven's many friends will regret to learn that he is at present layed up at Mr. W. Norris's Gulgong; and his condition on Wednesday, we understand, gave rise to considerable uneasiness on the part of his relations. Both Drs. Kesteven and McReadie were called in, the condition of the patient being such as to cause alarm.Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Fri 30 Jun 1899 Page 11
1900 - Public Auction.Important Sale of Town Property.HAS been instructed by the Executors of the late Mrs. M. M. Kelly, to sell by Public Auction, onSATURDAY, 5th May, at 2.30p.m.,That well known and valuable property known as Kelly's Family Hotel, situated at the comer of Mayne and Medley streets, Gulgong (now occupied by Mr. W. Norris) together with the Furniture contained therein, also 5 acres of Unimproved Land, situated in Medley street north. For information apply to—S. T. BISHOP, Auctioneer, Gulgong.
1903 - Spring Ridge (From our own Correspondent.)
A race meeting was held here on the 13th February, when a very nice programme was run off. Mr. J. Niven bad the booth and did a roaring bizz. There were about 500 people present, coming from all parts of the compass. Mudgee, Gulgong, Guntawang, Goolma, and Leadville were well represented.
...
As a fitting final to the races a ball was held at night, when about fifty couples remained to participate in the night's amusement. Dancing commenced at 8 p.m. The spacious hall was artically [sic] decorated by Mrs. Henry, who deserves special praise. The catering was under the supervision of Mrs. J. Niven, who deserves encomiums for preparing edibles. The Gulgong brass band supplied the music, and was all that could be desired. Mr. A. Cameron made an efficient M.C. Dancing was kept going vigorously until midnight, when supper was announced, and all present adjourned to the spacious dining-room where a sumptuous repast awaited them, which had been gratuitously given by Mrs. Niven. After supper having been waied through, dancing was resumed and continued until old sol put in an appearance, when one and all dispersed, perfectly satisfied with their outing. There were some very nice costumes worn and the belles vied with each other for the much coveted honor. Following are a list of the costumes: —
Mrs. J. Niven, black skirt, silk blouse, blue collar.Mrs. Rees, black cashmere.Mrs. Winters, floral muslin, lace trimmings, with roses in hair.Mrs. Probert, white muslin, pale pink collar.Mrs. Henry, white muslin and pale blue chiffon.Mrs. Rees, white muslin and black net collar.Mrs. W. Norris, floral muslin and black collar.Mrs. Grady, floral muslin and black collar.Mrs. Coombes, cream muslin.Miss Bourke, black skirt, and blue silk blouse, with roses in hair.Miss M. Norris, cream skirt, heliotrope silk blouse.Miss O. Crawford, white muslin and blue trimmings.Miss M. Hogden, white muslin and blue trimmings.Miss B. Hogden, black skirt, grey blouse.Miss M. Lett, green costume and blue trimmings.Miss L. Lett, black skirt and cream silk blouse.Miss Mary Lett, green silk skirt, cream silk blouse.Miss A. Haly, black skirt, pink blouse.Miss C. Haly, pink muslin and cream trimmings.Miss Ryan, white muslin over canary.Miss James cream cashmere.Miss Drew, floral muslin.Miss Watson, black skirt and white silk blouse.Miss B. Cluff, black skirt, and maroon blouse.Miss M. Cluff, shower hail muslin.Miss M. Talbot, cream skirt, pink blouse.Miss Burns, white muslin.Miss J.Burns, red with black trimmings.
Source: Wellington Times (NSW : 1899 - 1954) Thu 5 Mar 1903 Page 7
1903 - [DEATH'S DOOR]
Young Walter Saddler, son of Mr. Harry Saddler, the well-known carrier, is still lying dangerously ill at Mr. W. Norris' hotel, suffering from the effects of being kicked by a vicious horse. Drs. Busby and McCreadie have both been in constant attendance on the sufferer, who has been at death's door for the past 12 days. It is to be hoped that ere this is in print the patient will be out of danger.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 18 Jun 1903 Page 13
1903 - [HOTEL FIRE]Mr. W. Norris' hotel, at Cullenbone, narrowly escaped total destruction by fire last Saturday evening, through the window curtains becoming ignited with a kerosene lamp. The timely alarm was given by a little boy aged 7 years.
1904 - [COBBORA HOTEL]Mr. W. Norris, who has had many years of experience in hotel keeping, opened on Tuesday last the Commercial Hotel at Cobbora. Mr. Norris has already a large stock of the very best wines, spirits and beers procurable.
1905 - [RACES]
The rage for racing in this district appears to be unabated, and every little centre has its meeting. There is to be a day's racing at Lahy's Creek to-morrow, and Mr. W. Norris, of the Cobbora Hotel, has obtained a booth licence.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 9 Feb 1905 Page 14
1905 - LAHEY'S CREEK RACES.The above meeting came off on Friday, 10th instant, and proved to be a great success. There was a large attendance, including visitors from Gulgong, Mudgee, Wellington, Goolma, and other surrounding places. The day was an ideal one for sport, and the racing was good throughout the day.Mr. D. Whale, the hon. secretary, left no stone unturned to make the meeting a success, and he was ably backed up by a strong committee and other officials. Bookmakers from all parts were present. Mr. J. Niven's win in the big handicap was very popular.
The booth was held by Mr. W. Norris, of Cobbora, and he did a very good trade.
Source: Wellington Times (NSW : 1899 - 1954) Thu 16 Feb 1905 Page 4
1905 - [BUSINESS AT COBBORA]
Mr. W. Norris, late of Gulgong, is now well established in the Commercial Hotel, Cobbora, and is doing a good business.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Mon 1 May 1905 Page 2
1906 - [MARE MINDING]
All mares sent to Mr. W. Norris, Commercial Hotel, Cobbora, will be attended to [to be mated with Schoolboy, a 28 handicap winner]. Good and secure paddocks provided, but no responsibility incurred. All mares must be paid for and removed by the 1st January, 1906.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Mon 31 Jul 1905 Page
1906 - [O'CONNELL MATRIARCH DIES]
The death occurred at Goodiman on Monday of Mrs. Margaret O'Connell at the ripe age of 84. Messrs. E. and P. O'Connell, Goodiman, and Mrs. W. Norris, Cobbora, were the sons and daughter of the deceased…
Source: Mudgee Guardian Thursday 2 August 1906
1907 - [EYE TROUBLES]
For some time past Mr. W. Norris, of the Commercial Hotel, Cobbora, has been a sufferer with eye troubles. He is at present in Sydney, where he has placed himself under an eye specialist.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 7 Mar 1907 Page 10
Mr. W. Norris, of the Commercial Hotel, Cobbora, has been successfully treated by Dr. Odillo Maher, of Sydney, for eye trouble. This will be good news to Mr Norris' friends.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Mon 1 Apr 1907 Page 2
[1907] - Death of Mr W. Norris.
For some time past Mr. W. Norris, of the Commercial Hotel, Cobbora, has been in failing health, but it was not anticipated that death was so close at hand, until on Monday last when internal haemorrhage supervened. Mr. J. Niven drove the sufferer from Cobbora to Spring Ridge, where he rested for an hour. Mr. Niven then made him comfortable in a buggy and conveyed him with all speed to Gulgong. During the journey Mr. Norris collapsed but was revived by Mr. Niven who eventually reached Gulgong with his suffering charge. He was immediately placed under the care of Dr. McCreadie, after which he recovered somewhat. On Tuesday morning, however, a change for the worse set in and death ensued at noon. The deceased, who was 47 years of age, has been a resident of this district for many years, having arrived here from Windsor, of which town he wasa native, when very young. He has been engaged in the hotelkeeping business for a considerable time at Slasher's Flat and Gulgong. From the latter town he went to Cobbora, where he conducted the Commercial Hotel up till the time of his death. He leaves a widow and two children to mourn the loss of a kind husband and father. His other near relations are Mesdames Rogerson, Grady, Probert and Niven (sisters), and Messrs S. Norris, of Slasher's Flat, and Alfred Norris, of Tallewang (brothers), all of whom attended the funeral, which took place at Gulgong yesterday.
1925 - Old Resident Dead.
Mrs. Oram, widow of the late George Oram, died at the residence of her son, Mr. W. Norris, this morning, aged 77 years. Deceased was one of the oldest identities of the district, where she resided practically all her life. Her first husband was Mr. J. Norris, who died at Gulgong many years ago. At a later period she married Mr. G. Oram, a well known Mudgee farmer, who predeceased her by 12 years. A family of five sons and daughters are left to mourn, viz., Messrs. J. Norris (Gulgong), W. Norris (Mudgee), C. Norris (England), Mesdames C. Campton (Tucklan), and C. Dwyer (Dubbo).
The funeral will take place at 10 o'clock tomorrow, Mr. H. Barton being in charge of the arrangements.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 18 Jun 1925 Page 20
1937
The death occurred at the Grenfell District Hospital of Mrs. Mary O'Connell, relict of the late Mr. Daniel O'Connell, Deceased, who was a native of Bathurst, was the mother of Mrs. J. C. Norris, of Gulgong.Source: Wellington Times (NSW : 1899 - 1954) Thu 1 Apr 1937 Page 6
1941
THE death occurred at a Griffith hospital of Mr. Joseph O'Connell, third son of the late Mr. and Mrs. D. O'Connell, of Newbridge, and brother of Mrs. J. Norris, of Gulgong. The deceased was born at Rockley 63 years ago and was predeceased by his wife by five years.He is survived by two sons, James, of 'Lake Cargelligo, and William, A.I.F:, and one daughter, Eileen (Mrs. Betts, of Griffith).
1932
Miss Eileen O'Connell, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. D. J. O'Connell, of Lake Cargelligo (formerly of Gulgong) is staying with her aunt in Gulgong, Mrs. Norris, and Mr. J. Norris.
Miss O'Connell's father was at one time manager of the former freezing works in Gulgong and is now manager of a large freezing works at Lake Cargelligo.
VO: investigate: Norris wedding, bride given away by William Norris of Gulgong here:
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 30 Jun 1904 Page 5
