Born in Warren in 1900, Norris Cotton worked his way through Phillips Exeter Academy and Wesleyan University before being elected to the State House in 1922. By 1973 he had completed 50 years of elected public service in both the state legislature and Congress. In 1947 he began writing weekly reports from Congress to his constituents that were published in local newspapers. His humble beginnings, rise to power, and consistent connection to New Hampshire's people embodied an American way of life.