John Norvell’s Grave

Every time you read the Detroit Free Press, tip your hat his way. John Norvell helped found the paper in 1831, then became one of Michigan’s very first U.S. senators when the state entered the Union in 1837. Journalist, postmaster, senator — he had a hand in a surprising number of Detroit’s founding institutions.

He rests at Elmwood, beneath a marker he shares with his wife Isabella. On our list.