Category Archives: John Norvell

The Norvell Boys Write to the President

Posted on June 16, 2017 by jenorv

In the 19th century, Americans often wrote to the chief executive asking for jobs or advice on how to conduct their lives. Two such letters were sent to Thomas Jefferson by members of the same family. The first one was … Continue reading →

Posted in American History, American Newpapers, John Norvell, Norvell Family History | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

“Fake News”

Posted on February 9, 2017 by jenorv

The topic of “fake news” has been in the media of late. Many Americans may believe that this is a new phenomenon; sadly, it is not. Fake news has long been one of the center pieces of American political life. … Continue reading →

Posted in American History, John Norvell, Journalism, politics, Thomas Jefferson | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Bladensburg Races

Posted on September 7, 2015 by jenorv

As the British marched on Washington during the War of 1812, John Norvell and his brother-in-law Spencer Cone joined the fight to defend the nation’s Capital.  At the time, Norvell, who with the outbreak of the War of 1812 had enlisted … Continue reading →

Posted in American History, John Norvell, Maryland History, Michigan History, Military history, Norvell Family History, War of 1812 | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Washington in the 1830s

Posted on June 28, 2015 by jenorv

We often see politicians as living exciting lives today filled with much media attention. It wasn’t always so. In a letter dated December 18, 1835 John Norvell, soon to be a US Senator, wrote to Kate Mason commenting on his … Continue reading →

Posted in American History, Detroit History, Family History, John Norvell, Michigan History, Norvell Family History, US Senator | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment