Daniel M. Norton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Daniel M. Norton
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Daniel M. Norton (later Daniel McNorton)
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| Born | c. 1843 Williamsburg, Virginia, U.S.
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| Died | 1918 (aged 74–75) Hampton, Virginia, U.S.
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| Occupation | Physician |
| Title | Delegate, state Senator |
| Political party | Republican |
Daniel M. Norton, later known as Daniel McNorton, was an important doctor and politician in Virginia. He was born around 1843 and passed away in 1918. Daniel Norton helped write Virginia's new laws after the American Civil War. He also served in the state's government, called the Virginia General Assembly. His brothers, F. S. Norton and Robert Norton, were also politicians.
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Early Life and Freedom
Daniel Norton was born in Williamsburg, Virginia, around 1843. His mother was an enslaved person. When he was a teenager, Daniel and his brother Robert bravely escaped to freedom in Troy, New York.
In New York, Daniel started learning about medicine from a doctor. This is why people often called him "Doctor Norton." In 1860, Daniel married his wife, Edmonie, in Philadelphia. By 1865, Daniel and Robert had become successful barbers in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Starting a Political Career
After the American Civil War ended, Daniel Norton returned to Virginia. He went back to his home area in York County. There, he might have helped his brother Robert run a store. Daniel quickly became a leader in his community.
In February 1866, Daniel spoke to the U.S. Congress. He told them that formerly enslaved people were not being paid fairly for their work. He also warned that groups of people were threatening them if federal troops left the area.
Daniel was chosen three times to serve on a local court for the Freedman's Bureau. This group helped formerly enslaved people. However, a white official stopped him from serving until a white man took his place.
Building Community Power
"Dr. Norton" and his brother Robert started a helpful group called Lone Star. This group gave Daniel Norton a strong base of support in York County. In 1867, Norton was elected to the Virginia Constitutional Convention of 1868. This was a big meeting to write a new constitution for Virginia. He was the only person elected from his area, which included York County and James City County.
After the Convention, Norton stayed active in the Republican Party. He tried three times to be nominated for the U.S. Congress, but he was not successful. Meanwhile, he bought more land in York County. He owned much of the land in an African-American community called Slabtown or Uniontown. In 1871, Daniel Norton married Sarah A. Gant in Ohio.
Serving in the State Senate
Daniel Norton became a very important African-American state Senator. He served many terms in the Virginia Senate. This was during and after a time called Radical Reconstruction. He served in sessions from 1871 to 1887.
Key Achievements as Senator
During his time as a Senator, Daniel Norton was a leader. He was part of the Readjuster Republicans and also led a group of African-American Republicans. He served on important committees, including those for General Laws and Public Institutions.
Norton helped pass four new laws in the Assembly. He also nominated two county judges who were then elected. He even nominated a judge, Benjamin W. Lacy, to Virginia's highest court. On April 7, 1882, Daniel Norton led the Senate of Virginia meeting.
During this time, Norton also helped pass a law that allowed him, his brother Robert, and three others to run a ferry. This ferry traveled between Yorktown and Gloucester Point.
Later Political Work
Even after white politicians gained more power in Virginia in 1883, Daniel Norton was reelected. He became a member of the first Board of Visitors for the Virginia Normal and Collegiate Institute. This school is now called Virginia State University. He also helped pass a law that created an eight-week summer session for African-American public school teachers there.
Norton also got a job as an inspector at the Newport News Customs House. This was a political appointment. However, a disagreement with U.S. Senator William Mahone led to the end of Norton's time in the state Senate.
In his later years, Norton served as a justice of the peace in Yorktown until 1917. He continued to buy more land. By 1894, he owned many acres in York County and several lots in Yorktown, including the old customs house.
Death
Daniel M. Norton passed away on November 29, 1918. He died from a kidney disease in his wife's hometown of Zanesville, Ohio.
See also
