POSTMASTER ASSASSINATED AT RICE
Waxahachie Enterprise Feb. 24, 1882

Mr. J. A. Mitcham of Rice, was in Waxahachie on Wednesday. He was one of the jury of inquest over the dead body of Dr. J. W. Norris who was foully murdered at that place on last Monday night, and we are indebted to him for the following account of the horrible deed.

Mr. Morris was a merchant and postmaster at Rice. He had finished distributing the mail that came on the 8 o'clock train that night, and entered his residence just at the rear of his store. He soon stepped out to get some kindling wood, but returned and asked his wife for matches, saying that someone wished to get something from the store. About ten minutes afterward he came running in excitedly and said to his wife, "I am shot; I am a dead man." Dr. Melton, who lives close by, was summoned immediately, and to his questions Mr. Norris replied: "He made me hold up my hands and shot me twice." Two shots were heard. One of them penetrated his left side nearly under the arm and passed near the heart. The assassin's motive is not known, but is supposed to have been money or revenge. Mr. Norris was a man highly respected by the people of that community and his sad fate is much regretted by all.

[Donated by Barbara Knox]