James Norton

James Norton Jr. (5 December 1824 – 18 July 1906), was a renowned solicitor and an esteemed member of the New South Wales Legislative Council. Having been born in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, Norton carried on a familial legacy, serving in the same council as his father, also James Norton, who was a solicitor in large practice in Sydney. His mother was Jane, the daughter of Alexander Kenneth Mackenzie. Norton took on the role within the Legislative Council in October 1879. His service spanned over a long period, and he held the position of Postmaster-General in the Stuart ministry from May 1884 to October 1885.

Beyond his political endeavors, Norton was a Fellow of St Paul's College at the University of Sydney, and a trustee of the Free Public Library and Australian Museum, indicating a deep commitment to academia and culture. Further highlighting his rich and varied interests, he was a member of the Royal Society of New South Wales from 1873 and was a founder of Linnean Society of New South Wales in 1875. His dedication to the latter organization was such that he served as its president in 1899 and 1900. Adding a note of intrigue to his legacy, the orchid Adenochilus nortonii was named in his honor.