DOLPH, Joseph Norton, senator, born in Hector, Tompkins (now in Schuyler) County, New York, 19 October 1835. He received a common school education, besides private instruction, and for a time attended the Genesee Wesleyan seminary at Lima, N. Y. He studied law. was admitted to the bar in November 1861, and practiced in Schuyler County in 1861'2. In the latter year he enlisted, and was appointed orderly sergeant in Captain M. Crawford's company, known as the "Oregon Escort," which was raised under an act of congress, for the purpose of protecting the emigration to the Pacific coast against hostile Indians. He settled in Portland, Oregon, the following October where he has since resided. He was elected City attorney in 1864, and President Lincoln appointed him district attorney for the district of Oregon. He was a member of the Oregon senate in 1866, 1872, and 1874. When elected to the U. S. Senate, he was actively engaged in various business enterprises, and had an extensive law practice. He was chosen as a republican, and took his seat 4 March 1883. Senator Dolph is at present (1887) chairman of the committee on coast defenses.