Mary S. Norvell (Norville) (nee Molloy)
History of Linn County
by Birdsall & Dean
1882
page 839Mrs. John Norvell accidentally shot herself about the 3rd of June, 1881. She lived near Orlinda. She suffered for a few days terribly, and then died.
From an unidentified newspaper clipping:
Orlinda, June 6 -- A horrible and probably fatal accident occurred in this neighborhood yesterday morning at about half past 9 o'clock. Our people were shocked by the sad news that the wife of Mr. John T. Norvell had accidently shot herself. The facts in the case, as we gathered them from the wounded victim, and her husband, and Mr. Flemon Malloy, a brother of the wounded woman, who were present at the time, are about as follows: Mr. Norvell took his revolver and stepped outside the door to shoot a pig, which was eating some little goslins, which were in the yard, and just as he was about to shoot, his wife who had followed him out of the house unbeknown to her husband, stepped up behind him, and grabbed the revolver by the barrel and jerked it from him. At the same time the pistol discharged, and the ball took effect about two inches below the navel, and on a line between the navel and right hip. Dr. H. B. Miller, of Alpha, Dr. J. R. Gooch, and Dr. W. P. Johnson were summoned to examine the wound, all of whom pronounced it fatal. However, there is hope as long as there is life. This morning at 6 a.m. she was still living. G.H.N.
G.H.N., was probably George Hardin Norvell, son of Seth's brother, Thomas.
