Biographical Sketch of

Norcross Brothers

Transcribed by Sandra Boudrou for the Marquette Co WI Pages


Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Page 632


Norcross Brothers are proprietors of one of the leading enterprises of Montello, a sash, door and blind manufactory, 
where is also done general planing and all kinds of repairing in their line.  They established business in 1877, 
and from the beginning their trade has constantly increased until it has assumed extensive proportions considering 
the village in which it is located.  The Norcross Bros., have all the local trade in their line, and frequently 
receive orders for shipments elsewhere.   The firm is composed of Jacob F. and David Norcross, who are natives of 
Orange County, Vt., and sons of Solomon and Sarah (Fisk) Norcross, who were also born in the same State.  J. F. 
Norcross, the elder of the brothers, was born Oct. 29, 1837, and David, the junior member of the firm, opened his 
eyes to the light of day in 1852.  The former was reared to mechanical pursuits, and in the early days of his 
manhood came to the West, being the first of the family to settle in Wisconsin.  The date of his arrival was April, 
1856, and he located in Johnstown Center, Rock County, where he worked at the trade of a carpenter and joiner for 
a time and later opened a wagon and repair shop, where he carried on operations for a number of years.  He was 
joined by his parents and the other members of his family, including his brother David, in Rock County, in 1858.  
The father died in the spring of 1887, but the mother is now living with her son J. F., in Montello.
 
J. F. Norcross has been twice married, his first union being with Miss Elizabeth McKellips, daughter of Daniel 
McKellips, one of the pioneers of Rock County, where he is still living.  Mr. Norcross was called upon to mourn 
the loss of his wife, who died in 1879.  He afterward married Miss Rosetta Straight, daughter of William Straight, 
of the town of Shields, Marquette County.  Mr. Norcross has living three children by his first marriage and lost 
a son, Daniel, who died in Montello, Aug. 19, 1889.  He was a young man of more than ordinary ability, and for 
several years was engaged as engineer of a steamboat owned by his father and used on the Fox River.  He later went 
to Detroit, Mich. where he filled the responsible position of head engineer, but his health failed him and he was 
compelled to seek his home.  Though the best medical aid was procured, human assistance was of no avail and he 
passed away as above stated.  The surviving children are Mabel, Jessie and Gennevieve, and one child born of the 
present marriage.
 
The Norcross Bros., have been established in business together since the opening of their manufactory in 1877.  
They are excellent mechanics, and have gained an enviable reputation for fine work in all their departments.  
They are numbered among the progressive and enterprising citizens of Montello, and deserve that success should 
crown their efforts.  






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