William J. Norris was born in Dickson County, Tenn., January 27, 1844. His parents were William W. and Elizabeth (Balthrop) Norris, both of whom were natives of Tennessee. The father was born January 29, 1810; the mother March 24, 1815, and died December 2, 1858. Our subject enlisted in the Confederate Army in 1862, joining the Tenth Tennessee Cavalry. Remaining in the army but eighteen months he returned home and entered school, after which he taught for several months. After engaging in several other occupations he entered as partner with T. Rogers in the mill and merchandise business at Cave Mills, at which he continued for ten years, when he sold his interest and bought the farm that he now lives on, two miles north of Cave Mills on Yellow Creek. While at the above named place he was postmaster. He was married, October 15, 1865, to Dollie Ann Thompson. She was born in Dickson County, March 4, 1847. To this union eight children have been born: William J., Lillie Ann, Donie Alice, Minnie, Daisy, Milton, Mary and Jennie, of whom Milton and Mary are dead. Our subject has a fair education. He is a Democrat.