Lyman Decatur Norris

He was born in Covington, New York to Mark Norris (1796–1862), a businessman, mason, and an anti-slavery Whig, and Roccena B. Vaill (1797–1876).

Norris read law with Alexander D. Fraser in Detroit and was admitted to the Bar in Michigan in 1847.

[2][3] In 1848–1853, Lyman Norris practiced law in St. Louis, Missouri, where he became engaged in politics as Democrat.

[4][5][6] They were successful in arguing that Dred Scott's free-soil residence did not entitle him to sue for freedom.

Oddly, Lyman Norris offered Dred Scott a loan to purchase freedom.