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Dr. J. M. Dorman

Dr. J. M. Dorman, of Fayette, has engaged in the practice of dentistry during a longer period than any other dentist now in the county. Being widely known, his sketch will be of interest to many of our readers. His parents, Daniel D. and Eva (Shoemaker) Dorman were both natives of the Empire State, the latter being related to the noted Anneke Jans family of that State. His father was a thrifty merchant of Delhi, N.Y., a man who took a deep interest in political affairs but never sought for official preferment. Dr. Dorman is the younger of two children born to this worthy couple.

The 8th of September, 1842 is the date of his birth and Schoharie County is the place of his nativity. His educational advantages were much better than most boys of that day enjoyed. After attending the public schools he spent some time in Roxbury Academy and also in Delhi Academy. Though not quite nineteen years of age he offered his services to maintain the honor of the old flag and the rights of the Government. On the 22d of August, 1861, he was mustered into service as a member of Company E, Third New York Cavalry and for three years did duty on Southern battlefields. During that time he participated in several engagements of greater or less importance. His company captured a stand of colors which are now on exhibition at Albany, N.Y., as did several other companies of the Third Regiment. While on the Wilson raid he was captured June 29, 1864 at Reams Station, Va., and as he was sitting on the rail of an ambulance a flying missile struck him on the hip, knocking him senseless and injuring him for life. After spending a few days in Libby prison he was transferred to Richmond, Va. and paroled August 12, 1864. Having remained at Annapolis, Md. until sufficiently recovered he was sent home. In the spring of 1865, he commenced to learn dentistry under Dr. H. J. Howe of Delhi, N.Y., and the following year opened an office for himself in Gilboa. After practicing for about two years in that place he determined to try his fortune in the West and came to Iowa, establishing himself in Fayette. That he is a successful and popular dentist is evinced from the fact that his patronage comes not only from the remotest parts of this county but also from surrounding counties. Several young men have prepared under him for dental college and are doing creditable work. Dr. Dorman has been twice married. His first union was with Miss Ella Napier, and for his second wife he wedded Mrs. Hattie Hess. Of the first union was born one child, and two children have been born of the second marriage. His present wife also became the mother of one child by her first marriage. The Doctor is a stanch Republican in politics and socially, is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. For almost a quarter of a century the Doctor has practiced his profession and the quality of his work has won him a reputation that is more than local.