Paterson Morning Call February 19, 1902 page one
Death of Fireman Norris.
Former Volunteer and Member of Paid Department
Operated on for Appendicitis, Toothpicks Being Found In His Appendix - Was Attached to Truck 3 as Tillerman
Nelson Norris, one of the city’s former volunteer firemen, and a member of the paid department since the day of its formation, died at the General hospital at 9.20 o’clock last evening. An attack of appendicitis, for which he had been operated upon two weeks ago, caused his death.
Mr. Norris’ death may be attributed to a peculiar habit contracted by him, that of swallowing toothpicks, for when his appendix was opened the physicians found many of the thin wooden splinters. The fireman generally had a toothpick in his mouth, and his companions had often warned him to desist from his practice of swallowing them.
The fireman was also afflicted with kidney trouble, and this ailment served to hasten his end.
Mr. Norris was numbered among the best known and highly respected of the city’s fire fighters. Punctual and faithful in the performance of his duties, he made a record that redounded [sic] to his credit and to the department in which he served. He was an able fire fighter and held the respect and esteem of his superiors at all times.
The deceased had been the regular tillerman of Truck 3 since Mary 29, 1890, the date of the paid department’s conception. For years previously he had been connected with the Cataract Hose company in the volunteer department, having run with the old-time company since his boyhood days. The hook and ladder company took the quarters of Cataract hose, at the corner of Godwin and Auburn streets; so Mr. Norris, in his firemanic duties, was always in the one house.
Mr. Norris had just passed his fortieth year. He was the son of James Norris, proprietor of the Erie hotel, where the Barnent mill is now located, at the corner of Railroad avenue and Grand street.
A widow and five children, ranging in age from ten years to six months, survive. The remains have been removed to the deceased’s late home on Godwin street and Undertaker Charles B. Hindle has been given charge of the funeral arrangements.
NORRIS - In this city, on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 1902. Nelson C., beloved husband of Mary A. Norris, and son of the late James and Annie Norris, aged 40 years 2 months 18 days.
Relatives and friends of the family, and members of Quackenbush Association, Mutual Benevolent Association of Firemen, Exempt Firemen Association and Firemen in general are invited to attend the funeral on Friday, Feb. 21, 1902, from his late residence, No. 208? Godwin street, at 2 o’clock p.m.
Interment at Cedar Lawn.