From the March 28, 1889 edition of the Barton County (KS) Democrat --
Obituary.Deacon Norman Dutton, who departed this life on the 18th day of March, 1889, was born in LaMoille county, Vermont, Feb. 14th, 1810. In early life he removed to the state of Ohio, where be resided some two years, when he went to Illinois, and after visiting a short time in Morgan county, he settled permanently in Metamora, Woodford county, Illinois, where he lived until 1888. In February of this last named year, be removed to Great Bend, Kansas, near which city he purchased a farm, on which he lived until he was called to close his earthly career.
Deacon Dutton, while yet quite young, became a christian, and united with the Congregational church, in which church he labored and served as deacon for over 40 years.
He was a man of deep convictions, firm fidelity to his principles. He understood that to be a christian meant full devotion of life, its energy, its time and its highest thoughts and efforts to advance the cause of righteousness and truth on earth and to make men better and holier. Moved by such principles he in early life espoused the anti-slavery cause and labored for the destruction of American slavery 'till its overthrow. Being an early abolitionist he knew for long years what it was to be despised and persecuted for righteousness'sake. This treatment he meekly bore in the spirit of his Master knowing the cause was the cause of truth.
Deacon Duton was also a life-long laborer in the cause of temperance. In an early day he became a believer in prohibition and labored for its advance ment 'till 'he died. So earnest was his life, that all his long life he bore a prominent part in the struggle for the advancement of these great movements, and in all christian work. He was truly a Soldier of the Cross.
A pioneer spirit pervaded his life so that he, when 78 years old, came to this new country and began to improve a farm with the ardor of a youth. .
Although be resided here only a little more than one year, be had gained the respect and the friendship of all his neighbors as a very large attendance at his funeral services, testifies, His action, earnestness and his mild, christian spirit will ever remain a benediction on the lives of his new friends in this community where he spent the last year of his life.
Deacon Dutton lived to enter his 80th year. Death came to him suddenly and called him to his mansion where Christ is.
He leaves behind him a companion. two children and several grand children, and a host of relations and, friends, who mourn their loss, but not without being fully persuaded that he has departed to be with Jesus.
"For so he giveth his beloved sleep." J. J. A. T. Dixon.I have documented previously in this blog that Norman Dutton's body was exhumed from Kansas and re-interred in Oakwood Cemetery, Metamora, Illinois.
Copyright © 2015 by Kevin W. Walker
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