Iconic Norwich

Norwich History … It Never Gets Old

Henry Barker Norton, born in Branford, Connecticut, in 1807, came to Norwich in 1824 with a single dollar in his pocket and pursued a remarkable career in the mercantile, commercial, and manufacturing business. He is credited with helping transform Norwich into a thriving commercial center in the late 1800s.

Three years after arriving in Norwich, Henry was engaged in the wholesale grocery business as a member of the firm Backus & Norton. His partner was Joseph Backus. He became the President of the Norwich and New York Transportation Company in 1848, when he and his two brothers, Timothy and William, bought three steamboats. His company managed a vital transit link along the Thames River between Norwich, New London, and New York. Mr. Norton also served as President, was one of four major stockholders in the Attawaugan Co., and was a director of the Norwich Bleaching, Dyeing and Printing Co. and the Richmond Stove Co. 

Henry made contributions to many civic organizations, including the development of Norwich’s Y.M.C.A. He was an active member and deacon of the Broadway Congregational Church. Norton was interested in community affairs, particularly education. In 1856, he became one of the original incorporators of the Norwich Free Academy and served on the board of trustees for many years.

Henry’s unusual middle name, Barker, comes from his mother’s maiden name, Sophia Amelia Barker Norton. He married Emeline Frisbie on June 19, 1887, and they had seven children, but, unfortunately, three died in childbirth. They lived in a beautiful home at 188 Washington Street in Norwich. His daughters Emeline, Mary, and Ella never married.

Click HERE to learn more about Henry B. Norton

Click HERE to read previous “Norwich History … It Never Gets Old” articles