Charles S. Norman
from Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Western Arkansas [Note that the original page says this article is from this book but I haven't been able to find it - Gina.]Charles S. Norman, a member of the firm of Norman & Bradford, general merchants, at Cleveland, was born in Van Buren County, March 29, 1857. He is one of a family of eight children born to Robert L. and Catherine (Muler) Norman; of these children four boys and the girl are still living, and all reside in this county: the parents were natives of Alabama and Tennessee respectively, and father followed the occupation of farmer and blacksmith. In 1850 he emigrated to Arkansas, where he made his future home, and resided till his death in 1881. At the outbreak of the war he entered the Confederate army, and was Captain of Company K, Tenth Arkansas Regiment; he participated in the battle of Helena, and in 1864 he received a discharge and returned home, and served as registering officer of Van Buren County; he held the civil office of Justice, and was a popular citizen during his life, taking an active interest in all things of public improvement. Mrs. Norman is still living and resides with her son, the subject of this sketch; she is a worthy member of the Advent Church. Charles Norman was educated at the public schools of the county, and at the age of 19 years began life for himself by engaging in farming, which he followed till 1887, when he engaged in merchandising with the firm of H. M. Howser & Co. for one year, when he again retired to the farm, and followed agricultural pursuits till 1889, when he formed his present business connection, which bids fair to be a permanent commercial success. He was married November 9, 1876, to Winnie A. Reid, a native of this State, and six children have blessed the union: Crosby S., Ibbie L. (deceased), C. M. (deceased), Ollie P., Thomas J. and Franklin. Our subject was chosen Justice in Van Buren County, serving for two years; he and Mrs. Norman are members of the Advent Church, in which he has also been a minister for the past six years, serving now as an evangelist of District No. 1. A worthy and esteemed gentleman in all respects, Mr. Norman tries by deed and word to advance all laudable enterprises for the good of society, schools and the church.