Category Archives: Journalism

“Fake News”

Posted on February 9, 2017 by

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

In Philadelphia

Posted on August 12, 2014 by

  John Norvell had written to Thomas Jefferson in 1807 asking his opinion of a career in the press, which Jefferson felt was a dishonorable profession filled liars and with those he viewed, at times, as enemies.  Norvell, unlike Jefferson, … Continue reading →

Posted in American History, American Newpapers, Colonial History, Family History, Franklin Gazette, Genealogy, Journalism, Norvell Family History, Philadelphia, Social History, The press, Thomas Jefferson | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Letters to Mr. Jefferson

Posted on February 1, 2014 by

Americans today view their president for the most part as a distant figure, protected by the secret service, and for the most part unreachable. It is surprising then to note that in the 19th century, Americans often wrote to the … Continue reading →

Posted in American History, Ancestry, Family History, Journalism, Missouri History, Norvell Family History, Social History, Thomas Jefferson | Tagged , | Leave a comment

A Letter to Mr. Jefferson

Posted on September 9, 2013 by

In 1807, my great great grandfather John Norvell, then a 17 year-old boy, wrote a letter to Thomas Jefferson, then president of the United States, asking him about his opinion of journalism as a future career. Danville, K[y]. May 9, … Continue reading →

Posted in American History, Journalism, Michigan History, Norvell Family History, Philadelphia history, Social History, The press, Thomas Jefferson, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment