Norman, born in March 1831, was a son of John and Ann nee Mackenzie who emigrated to Winslow, Quebec c1853. He married Margaret Macdonald, daughter of John and Kirsty Mackay from Kneep, who had also emigrated to Winslow, Quebec. They had a family of seven : John (1859), Annie (1862), Norman 'Big Norman' (1867), Christy Effie (1869), Donald Hugh (1871), and William Andrew(1873).

Norman died aged 54 and was buried in Stornoway Cemetery, Stornoway, Compton County, Quebec.