Dorris, Anderson J. (1811–1888)

Anderson J. Dorris, carpenter, mechanic, and state representative, was born in Nashville, Tennessee, on December 6, 1811, the son of Thomas and Clarinda (Eckols) Dorris. Anderson Dorris was raised in Davidson County and married Elizabeth Homes here on December 6, 1830. This couple had four sons and one daughter. The Dorris family immigrated to Texas in the late 1840s, staying briefly in Montgomery County before settling in Caldwell County by 1853. Here Dorris established himself as a carpenter and mechanic. By the end of the 1850s he was the best-known chairmaker in the Caldwell County area. In 1870 Dorris won election as representative for Caldwell County to the Twelfth Texas Legislature. Following his turn at public service he returned to Caldwell County.

Anderson J. Dorris died in Lockhart on November 19, 1888.