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... (166) i Major James Baldwin Dorman, b 25, June 1823, Lexington, Va. ; d 4, Aug. 1893, Staunton, Va. ; m 1871, Mrs. Mary L. Newman, dau of Mathew White, of Lexington, Va. Mr. Dorman was educated at Virginia Military Institute, of Which he was one of the earliest graduates, attended Washington College, (now Washington and Lee University) in 1839-40, and studied law under his father, an able expounder of its principles.
"When he had equipped himself for the bar, he located at Lexington and began the practice of his profession. Excellently qualified for it, he soon rose to prominence and achieved great distinction as able pleader. The war with Mexico came on and the young lawyer, along with many of his fellows, imbued by their martial spirit which so eminetly characterizes Virginians, enlisted in a regiment of Volunteers and served throughout the contest. After the war he resumed the duties of his profession and launched into politics, a field in which so many Virginians were then prominent. As a Forensic orator, he had perhaps no superior in the State and few equals. He served his county several terms in the Legislature and was prominent in its proceedings. In 1861, Major Dorman and General Samuel McDowell Moore were chosen to represent Rockbridge in what proved to be the Virginia secession convention. He was a zealous advocate of the perpetuation of the Union until his State seceeded, whereupon he cast his lot with her and was enrolled among the soldiers of the confederacy. The war concluded, he continued the practice of law at Lexington until 1880, when he was made clerk of the Court of Appeals at Staunton. He continued in this position until his death. Those who knew him best, described him as a gentleman noted for his courtesy, his clear, discriminating mind, his wide range of information and of great literary culture. He was a student at the time of his death. * * * * *." - From a Staunton paper (8, 5, '93) ...
