Norris, M. (Died)

FRIGHTFUL TRAGEDY

Norris the head Teacher fires three shots at Miss Ford, second teacher, and then shoots himself

HE EXPIRES IN 40 MINUTES

Miss Ford in a Critical Condition

LOVE AND JEALOUSY

Our village was thrown into intense excitement on Monday last about 11 o'clock, when a report spread like wild fire to the effect that M. Norris, head teacher of our public school had fired a shot out of a revolved at Miss Ford teacher of the second department while in school and then shot himself. the terrified pupils fled from the school house to their various homes, wild with excitement and fear, when parents and citizens hurried to the school house finding the above report only too true, here Norris lay unconsious [sic] in the room of the second department where the tragedy occurred. Miss Ford, though shot three times in the head, remained consious [sic] throughout, and walked to a neighbours (Mr. Biggar's) house over 100 yards distant, the blood flowing profusely from the wounds and from her mouth. In order to describe the sad event it will be necessary to first state

THE CAUSE

which led to the tragedy. M. Norris, who has been head teacher in the school since the 1st January, and who had, previous to the affair, given general satisfaction as a teacher, and conducted himself throughout in a manner which won him the respect of the people generally, has shown a desire during several months past to win the affections of Miss Ford, and, though not encouraged by her, and latterly being denied the privelege [sic] of her company, Norris' affection it appears gre into a

REVENGEFUL JEALOUSY

When home on his vacation he brought a revolver with him on his return, and even previous to this, threatened to shot any person who would go with Miss Ford, so that it is evident the black deed was premeditated; however, things went as usual until Monday last when the school was dismissed at half past ten for intermission. Norris went up into the second department where Miss Ford was, doing some crochet work, they talked about their school duties, and afterwards he said he had a question which he wished to have finally decided, viz., whether she was willing that he should keep company with her? (of course with a view to matrimony) she saw that he looked wild, and in order to evade a direct answer, said, it is time to call in the school; he answered, not until I have an answer yes or no, then she said it would have to be the same as before, no. he then, having his right hand in his pocket, drew out a revolver and short her, the bullet entering her face below the cheek bone and lodging in the upper maxillary, she dodged under a desk with both hands on her head for protection when he followed an discharged two other shots, both of which made flesh wounds near the top of the head, one of them first passing through the third finger of the left hand, she then hastened from the room bleeding terribly and was scarcely out of the door when she heard the 4th shot, supposing it was also at her but which proved to be the fatal one for himself, entering the right eye and coming out at the back of his head. He lived some 40 minutes but never spoke. Miss Ford entered the first department and endeavored to wash off the blood, and sent for the doctor, seeing the blood flow so freely she hastened away to meet the Dr., Mrs Biggar met her and took her into her house by the way where medical assistance was at once on hand, and where the best of care is being administered and the patient is doing well so far, and hopes for her recovery are good.

She is about 20 years of age and a very highly respectable person as also the whole family, and universal sympathy is felt for them in their present sad trial. It is most remarkable how the young lady escaped, three shots being aimed at her head from within less than two feet distance, yet none touching a vital point.

M. Norris was 28 years of age, his parents reside at Lyons Head, they were telegraphed for and his father and sister arrived Tuesday, taking the body home for interment the same day. It was considered unnecessary to hold and inquest or post mortem examination on the body, as evidence was clear and undoubted both of Miss Ford and several children who were in the room at the time. His parents are very respectable people and great sympathy is felt for them.

The village people are scarcely over the shock yet, and we tr4ust that we never again shall be called upon to chronicle such a horrible tragedy in our midst.

LATER - As we go to press, Miss Ford is doing very nicely, having rested and slept well during nights, her finger is painfull [sic] and will likely have to be amputated as it is badly shattered; up to the present there is no bad symptom, she can speak clearly without any trouble and does not suffer much from the wounds in her head. She has a strong nerve and was very little excited through the dreadful tragedy.