John NORVELL, Congress, MI (1789-1850)

NORVELL John , a Senator from Michigan; born in Danville, Va. (now Kentucky), December 21, 1789; attended the common schools; learned the trade of printer; edited a paper in Hagerstown, Md.; studied law; admitted to the bar in 1814 and commenced practice in Baltimore, Md.; enlisted as a private in the War of 1812; edited an Anti-Federalist paper in Philadelphia 1816-1832; moved to Michigan Territory; postmaster of Detroit 1831-1836; delegate to the State constitutional convention at Detroit in 1837; upon the admission of Michigan as a State into the Union was elected as a Democrat to the United States Senate and served from January 26, 1837, to March 3, 1841; was not a candidate for reelection; chairman, Committee on Engrossed Bills (Twenty-fifth Congress); resumed the practice of law in Detroit; member, State senate 1841; member, State house of representatives 1842; United States district attorney of Michigan 1846-1849; died in Detroit, Mich., April 24, 1850; interment in Elmwood Cemetery.

Source: Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1771-Present