George William Norris

Date of Birth: July 11, 1861

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: September 2, 1944

Biography

George William Norris was an influential American politician who served as a United States Representative and a United States Senator from the state of Nebraska. Born on July 11, 1861, in Sandusky, Ohio, Norris moved to Nebraska where he embarked on a career in law and politics. He is best known for his work on progressive reforms and for being a key figure in the creation of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and the Rural Electrification Administration (REA), which brought electricity to rural America. Norris was a staunch advocate of non-interventionism and was instrumental in the passage of the 20th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which changed the dates of congressional and presidential terms. His commitment to progressive and populist causes earned him a reputation as a maverick within his party. He served in the House of Representatives from 1903 to 1913 and in the Senate from 1913 to 1943. After his retirement, Norris remained active in public affairs until his death on September 2, 1944, in McCook, Nebraska.

5 Interesting Facts about George William Norris

1. George Norris was instrumental in the establishment of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).

2. He played a significant role in the passage of the 20th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

3. Norris was a key figure in the Rural Electrification Administration (REA), which helped bring electricity to rural areas.

4. He was known for his non-interventionist stance, opposing U.S. involvement in World War I.

5. Norris was a progressive Republican who often clashed with his party’s leadership over policy issues.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from George William Norris

1. “To get right down to the root of the matter, our country is facing a great moral crisis.”

2. “I would rather lie down in a grave and be forgotten than to take a stand against the common people.”

3. “The constitution ought to be the supreme law, above the President, above the Congress, above the courts—just as it was intended by those who framed it.”

4. “The people of a state ought to be able to make any kind of government for themselves which they desire.”

5. “I am an independent American, and I shall continue to be an independent American.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, George Norris’s net worth was modest compared to modern political figures, primarily accumulated from his salary as a public servant and modest investments. His net worth is estimated to have been around $50,000 at its highest, adjusted for inflation.

Children

George Norris had three children with his wife, Pluma Lashley Norris: Hazel Norris, Gertrude Norris, and George William Norris Jr. His children largely stayed out of the public eye, living private lives away from the political spotlight.