Fr Frank Cresp, Good and Faithful Servants: Recalling the Spirit of the Deceased Priests of the Diocese of Port Augusta and Port Pirie 1888-2008, 2008:
Norton, John Henry

Born: 31/12/1855 at Magpie (Ballarat Gold Fields).
Received in the Church as a teenager; studied at St Patrick's College, Melbourne, 1872-1878; St Kieran's, Kilkenny, and Propaganda College, Rome, Italy.
Ordained: 1882 in Rome.
Ordained Bishop: 10/12/1906 in St Francis Xavier's, Adelaide.
a. First Parish Priest of Peterborough from 1884.
b. Bishop of Railways. "Many a boiling day and many a cold night I camped with the generous hearted and truly noble men in their tents."
C/f "John Henry Norton Bishop of Railways" by Margaret Press RSJ. c. Architect. He designed Churches at Dawson, Hawker, extensions to Carrieton, the northern part of Peterborough, also other buildings in conjunction with other architects.
d. Musician. He taught music and accompanied many concerts and musical events around Peterborough.
Although he didn't die until 1923, he never owned a motor car so all travel was by horse or train. He lost his Episcopal ring while cutting chaff for his animals.
Died:22/3/1923 at Peterborough. Buried at Peterborough.
Bishop Norton's Funeral Expenses in today's currency:
J.W. Bowering Undertaker - Special coffin with hearse and mourning coaches: $50.25.
Corporation of Peterborough allotments: $12. Sinking grave: $2.50.
The actual site of his burial is uncertain. He might have been buried two sites south of where his tombstone would indicate. He was dead two years before the stone was erected so, after two years of dust storms, it is reasonable to think that they made a mistake. Reasons:
• They first had to raise money to build the John Norton Memorial School so the tombstone came second.
• His successor Andrew Killian wanted to transfer the body to either the Church or Church Grounds. After a long delay the State Government agreed but the Health Department didn't.

(Reproduced with the approval of Sister Mary Cresp RSM)