from
A Century and a Half of Pittsburgh and its People
by
John Newton Boucher
New York: Lewis Publishing Co., 1908, vol. 3, p. 200.
Dowling Norris, fourth son and tenth and youngest child of Robert and Mary (Mckrell) Norris, was born in Allegheny city, Pennsylvania in July, 1823, and died August 12, 1858. He attended the public schools of the district and during his spare time assisted his father in the cultivation of the home farm. He was quiet and unassuming in his demeanor, and was a kind and loving husband and father. He received as his share of the paternal estate one hundred acres of land, upon which he was preparing to build a home at the time of his death. Later his plans were carried out by his widow. He was a member of the United Presbyterian church, and a regular attendant at the services in that institution. He married, October 4, 1848, Elizabeth K. Browne, born in Philadelphia* September 4, 1824, a daughter of James and Annie (Sim) Browne. Mrs. Dowling Norris since 1886 has made her home with her daughter Mrs. Bryce, and thought now in her eighty-fourth year is as bright and active as many women many years her junior. Her youthful appearance and cheerful spirit strengthen this impression. She is a devoted churchwoman and a member of the United Presbyterian church at the corner of Stanton and North Negley avenues. She takes a keen interest in all the topics of the day. Mr. and Mrs. Dowling Norris had children: 1. Robert J., who died at the age of sixteen years; 2. Annie S., married Robert Gray, of West Deer township, and is the mother of children: Edna J., William Garfield, Russell Stanley and Paul Barton. 3. Mary N., widow of David K. Bryce, as before stated. 4. David, died at the age of about thirty years. 5. William Henry, deceased. He was a bright young student, his aim being the study of law, but he was drowned at Cape May while trying to save the life of another young man. His body was never recovered.
*The 1850 Census for West Deer Township, Allegheny County, declares the she was born in Scotland. Other questions have come with other sources.
Last revised 3/11/21