GEORGE R. NORMAN, M. D. One of the noblest professions, one of the most beneficial to mankind, the profession of all professions, which, while it is prosecuted for gain is in its very nature nearest to beneficial charity, is that of medicine. At the same time it is one of the most exacting upon its devotees. Shannon County, Missouri, is very fortunate in the number and character of its physicians and surgeons, and among those who have already been prominent in that calling is Dr. George R. Norman, who is a native of this State, born in Oregon County February 21, 1861. He is a son of Maj. M. G. and Mary A. (Wait) Norman, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume.
In his native county Dr. Norman received his education and when eighteen years of age he entered the store of T. J. Boyd & Co., as salesman. One year later he took charge of the store at Garfield for a year, and then engaged in the drug business at Alton. This he continued from 1882 to 1884, when he was elected collector and served two years. In 1886 he commenced farming, but soon after engaged in the mercantile business, taking charge of Boyd’s affairs at Garfield. During this time he studied medicine and in 1889 came to Winona where he served as clerk for the Ozark Lumber Company. In 1890 he went to St. Louis and attended the College of Physicians and Surgeons, graduating from that institution in March, 1893. After practicing at Alton a short time he came to this place where he has already built up a considerable practice. While at Garfield Dr. Norman was postmaster for some time. He is a member of the Alumni Association of the College of Physicians and Surgeons. The Doctor makes a specialty of surgery.
He was married in the year 1880 to Miss Zay Gum, a daughter of William Gum, who died in St. Louis, in a Federal prison, during the war. By this union four children were born, two sons and two daughters. Dr. Norman is a steward in the Methodist Church; he is a Mason, master of Winona Lodge, and he was master of Alton Lodge, and represented it in the Grand Lodge. He is also an A. 0. U. W., and a Democrat.
