Henry McCoy Norris
Henry McCoy Norris (1868-1925)
1926 Obituary [1]
HENRY MCCOY NORRIS was born at Trenton, New Jersey, United States, on 21st January 1868, and received his education at the State Normal Schools and at the Trenton Academy, followed by some years training as special student in Mechanical Engineering at the Sibley College, Cornell University.
He then served three years, 1885-88, as apprentice-machinist with Messrs. Bement, Niles and Co., machine-tool manufacturers, Philadelphia, and before his term was completed became a gang foreman.
He then spent some time as a draughtsman and designer with the Ferracute Machine Company of Bridgeton, New Jersey, and the Brown and Sharpe Manufacturing Company, of Providence, Rhode Island; and during the years 1893 to 1896 gained useful experience as designer, inspector, and other responsible capacities with various well-known engineering firms, until in 1897 he was engaged as superintending engineer and works manager with the Bickford Drill and Tool Co. of Cincinnati.
Twelve years later, in 1909, he was appointed mechanical engineer with the Cincinnati Bickford Tool Co., into which the original Bickford Co. had been merged by union with the Cincinnati Machine Tool Co., and later on, in 1919, he was appointed Secretary and a Director of the organisation. In 1900 he designed the first "improved type" of radial drill, in 1903 the first "high-speed-high-power" lathe, and in 1909 the first radial drill having similar characteristics.
In recognition of his ability in connexion with machine-tool matters he was during the War selected as one of the eight efficiency engineers for service with the United States Ordnance Department, and in 1918 he was appointed a member of the War Industries Board, in which position by his knowledge and labours he rendered valuable assistance in organising the country's machine-power for the production of war material.
Mr. Norris died on 24th December 1925. He became a Member of this Institution in 1922, and was also a Member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.