Denison Daily Cresset
Monday, May 3, 1875
pg. 4

FATAL SHOOTING AFFRAY
Policeman Charles Patmon Shot and Instantly Killed.
Policeman Daniels Receives a Slight Wound

Sunday morning, a shooting homicide in our city, startled our people.  The perpetrator of this most deliberate murder,
was a gambler and desperado known as

MAJOR JOHN DORN,
and his Victim was special policeman Charles Patmon.
The particulars of this dastardly affair, we are furnished by an eye witness, and a participant in the melee, as follows:
About 1:30 Sunday morning, Policeman Daniels was informed that one Charles Sherman, a gambler, had a pistol on his person.  Daniels went to Sherman at the Grand Southern Saloon and asked him to walk back with him.  This, Sherman did and when in the rear end of the building, Daniels asked Sherman if he had a pistol.  Sherman replied that he had none.  Daniels, not satisfied with this, told Sherman that he must see and took hold of both his arms.  Sherman resisted and said
he would die before he would be searched.
Special Policeman Patmon came to Daniels' assistance and took hold of the resisting Sherman.  In a moment after Patmon took hold of Sherman, a movement in the rear caused him to turn his head, and as he did so a

PISTOL FLASHED IN HIS FACE
and he staggered.  Daniels released his hold on Sherman and caught his falling comrade.  The shot entered just below the right cheek bone and is supposed to have ranged back and downward, striking the spinal column, doing its murderous work instantly.
Dorn, not satisfied

WITH ONE VICTIM
continued the fire, and second shot making a slight flesh wound on Daniels' left arm.  Daniels, recognizing his danger, attempted to get behind a billiard table, and by dint of life dodging, escaped the third, fourth and fifth fires.  Having by
this time reached the front of the building, Daniels drew a revolver, but before he could fire, Dorn and his confederate, Sherman, escaped through the rear side door to Austin avenue.  Here all trace of them was lost and all attempts to
ascertain what direction they took have been fruitless.
The report that they had changed clothing and been furnished horses to escape, is unfounded.
That this was a cold blood murder is without question and active efforts were made to arrest the murderer; but it is now believed that he will escape, at least for the present.



Denison Daily News
Denison, Texas
Tuesday, May 4, 1875
pg 3

[From our Sunday Extra.}
FOUL MURDER!
Escape of the Murderer and his Companion.

Mr. Chas. Patman was shot this morning, about one and a half o'clock, at the Grand Southern Saloon.
Barnie Daniels attempted to disarm Sherman, and Sherman resisting, called on Policeman Patman to assist. When Patman went to Daniel's aid, a Major Dorn rose up and made the remark, "You can't arrest him God damn you," or words to that effect, and pulling out his pistol fired, the ball striking Patman in the right cheek. Seeing Patman was hit, Daniels released
his hold on Sherman and caught Patman to keep him from falling. Sherman and Dorn immediately retreated to the door,
the latter firing several shots. They escaped across the street and down the alley by Uhlig's shop. Patman died almost instantly.
In a few minutes after the occurrence Marshal McDowell was on the ground and a diligent search of the dance halls and
other buildings were made for the murderer, but without success.
Daniels and an assistant started in search of the murderer early in the morning, and went to Duck creek, north of the city. They got back about seven o'clock. The murderer and his companion are thought to be in Duck creek bottom or making
their way down Red River.
The sad affair originated about two weeks ago in one of the Dance houses on Skiddy street, when Daniels had some
words with Sherman.
Daniels received a slight flesh wound last night in the right arm below the shoulder from one of the shots.
Parties were out searching for the murderer and his companion Sunday and Monday, but notwithstanding several rumors
we do not think any trace of them has been discovered. It is the opinion of some that they have not left the city.
It is believed Sunday morning that horses had been taken to them, as a man was seen to ride down Main street on a horse about 4 o'clock and leading another horse. It has since transpired that the horses were for a party at the Alamo who had
engaged them for a early ride. It is believed, however, that Dorn and Sherman went to a room in the Dinsmore House
immediately after the killing and changed a portion of their clothing.
Patman was buried Monday evening at four o'clock. A  long procession of carriages followed the remains to the grave. The
funeral services were conducted by Rev. Mr. Jamison.



The Dallas Daily Herald
Dallas, Texas
May 6, 1875
pg 1

The Reported Capture of Major Dorn
[From the Denison News, 5th instant.]

A dispatch was received by Mayor Lingo from Vinita Tuesday afternoon stating that a man named had been arrested in
that town who answered the description of Major Dorn, the murderer of Patman. Later dispatches state that this man was discovered in a cattle car, and that when found he acted deranged. He stated he was from Texas, where he had a wife and child. Those best acquainted with Dorn do not believe he would be so easily bagged.
He was handcuffed, and will be held until an officer can get there from this city. Policeman Daniels started for Vinita on the 6 o'clock train.
Mr. Stuart, the contractor, says he is confident he saw the same man at Caddo Monday morning about 7 o'clock. He was
then trying to hire a team to take him into the country a few miles. About 4 o'clock Mr. Stuart went up the road on a hand
car, and that evening about five o'clock came up with the same man about fifteen miles from Caddo, who then said he
had been lost in the bottom, and feigned partial derangement, but was rational enough at Caddo. He got on the car and rode about a mile. This man was armed with a navy revolver.



Denison Daily News
Friday, May 7, 1875
pg. 3
The News was the first paper to inform the citizens of Denison of the foul murder of policeman Patmon, which it did by an extra early the same morning, and a News extra was on the street by sun-up Thursday morning, announcing the capture of the murderer, at least an hour before the squeak of the Cresset man was heard crying, "E - X- T- R- A!"

THE ARREST
How it was Accomplished
The Statement of Marshal Erwin
Mr. W.J. Erwin, Marshal of Sherman, who managed the arrest of Dorn, the murderer of the policeman Patmon, has kindly furnished us with the following particulars:
Mr. Erwin resides near the residence of a Mr. Blevins, a gambler.  In going back and forth past Blevins' house his attention was attracted to certain actions which awakened his suspicions, and he finally made up his mind he would search the premises for Dorn, who, it was surmised, was secreted either at Denison or Sherman.  Wednesday night he went to Constables Ed. Douglas and Gordon, told them his plans and they agreed to assist in the search.  Subsequently they got fourteen or fifteen trustworthy citizens to join them, and about 2 o'clock Thursday morning they quietly surrounded Mr. Blevins' house.  Mr. Erwin sent in a note requesting to see Mr. Blevins.  Mrs. B. came to the door and said he was not there,
having gone to Denison.  Mr. Erwin then told her his business, and demanded that Dorn come out and surrender.  To this
she replied most emphatically that Dorn was not in the house, and had not been there.
On being asked to allow them to search the house, she declared that they should not do it until Mr. Blevins returned that morning.  To be on the safe side Mr. Erwin turned to Constable Gordon and asked him to go back and take out a search warrant.  It is supposed she overheard this, for she spoke up and asked Mr. Erwin to come in.  He went onto the gallery,
but concluded it was the better part of valor not to step inside under the circumstances.  As he turned to leave, Mrs. Blevins came out and confessed that Dorn was in the house, and would surrender if he could be guaranteed protection from a mob;
otherwise he would fight.  He asked if the party was in charge of an officer and was very solicitous to learn whether or not there were any Denison men in the party.  Being assured that he would not suffer bodily harm, he told them to come in.
Mr. Erwin and four or five others then entered the house.  They found Dorn standing in the centre of the room, with two pistols lying on the floor at his feet, one on either side.  He raised up his hands and said, "I surrender; there is no fight here."  He was conveyed directly to the jail.  On the way he assumed a careless air, and talked and joked on various subjects, though it was quite apparent he was uneasy in mind.
On being questioned regarding the murder, he said he did not regret what he had done, though he had killed the wrong man.
In running from the Grand Southern, where the murder was committed, Dorn sprained his foot very badly, and it was with difficulty that he walked to the lock-up.

From Thursday's Extra
DORN CAPTURED!
Dorn was arrested early this morning, at Sherman, by Sheriff Vaden.
He was given away by someone, and a party of 20 or 30 men surrounded the house he was in and captured him. Chas. Sherman came in and surrendered himself up to McDowell this morning, and placed under heavy bonds. When the sheriff demanded entrance to the house Dorn was in - Dorn asked who was there, and after finding it was the sheriff and posse he surrendered without any resistance. Dorn is now safe in jail at Sherman.

There are several stories afloat as to how Sherman and Dorn spent the time from Sunday morning until the arrest in Sherman Thursday.  One is that Dorn, having sprained his ankle, was carried by Sherman to the school building, and
kept secreted there two nights - they both taking to the brush for better security during the day, Sherman doing the "foraging" as opportunity offered.  It is also said that when it was decided to remove to Sherman, Sherman volunteered to carry Dorn on his back, which he did most of the distance - ten miles.  Sherman is himself very reticent on the subject.

MAJOR DORN
Major Dorn, who is now in the Sherman jail for killing an officer while on duty, belongs to a Virginia family of wealth and influence.  He received his military title in the Confederate army, where he did valiant service for the lost cause.  He is, in many respects, a peculiar man - cool, calculating, of few words, lacking sociability, yet in appearance prepossessing.  It is said he is seldom seen to smile. He never uses spirituous liquors, and does not use tobacco in any form.  This is an outline of the man who is said to have killed several men, and is now charged with the deliberate shooting of Charles Patman, without the least cause of provocation.

A close cab, containing a woman, was driven into Denison Tuesday night, and the occupant had the vehicle halted at the different hotels, to make inquiries for a man she claimed as her husband.  About 2 o'clock the cab started back toward Sherman.  Did that cab have Major Dorn inside on its return?



Denison Daily News
Denison, Texas
Saturday, May 8, 1875
pg 3

Dorn's Line of Defense

We are informed Major Dorn takes the ground that he was acting in self-defense when he shot and killed Patman.
His version of the affair is that Daniels drew his pistol and attempted to shoot him, (Dorn). Dorn says he grasped the pistol
with his left hand; that Barney fired at him, and that his hand was powder-burned by the explosion. He then drew his own pistol and defended himself the best he could, firing as rapidly as possible until he got out the door.
Dorn speaks confidently of proving that Barney fired first, when he comes to a trial.



Denison Daily News
Denison, Texas
Tuesday, May 25, 1875
pg 2

Special Notice

The City Council, at their last adjourned meeting, authorized a voucher issued for the $500 reward offered for the arrest of Major Dorn, the murderer of Chas. Patman. All persons interested in the reward will please present their claims to the Mayor or City council, on or before their next regular meeting - the first Thursday in June.
E. H. Lingo, Mayor



Denison Daily News
Denison, Texas
Saturday, June 5, 1875
pg 3

Satisfactory evidence having been furnished that Marshal Irvin, of Sherman, and associates, were entitled to the reward offered for the capture of Doran, the murderer of Policeman Patman, it was ordered that warrants be drawn on the City Treasurer for the amount of the reward - $500 - to pay the same.



Denison Daily News
Denison, Texas
Tuesday, July 6, 1875
pg 1

The brother of Maj. T. A. Doran, who killed policeman Patman, of your city, accompanied by a prominent criminal lawyer, arrived from Kentucky, Thursday, and are busily engaged in preparing for the trial.



The Dallas Weekly Herald
Dallas, Texas
Saturday, July 17, 1875
pg 4

Sherman Register: "T. A. Doran, the man who killed the policeman at Denison a few weeks ago, is to be tried for his life at this term of the court. Colonel Craig, a lawyer of considerable reputation, from Illinois, came down to defend him, but has returned. Doran's brother came down with him to be present at the trial."



The Daily News
Denison, Texas
Saturday, July 22, 1876
pg 3

Captain J. M. Hurt, formerly of this city, but for some months past a resident of Dallas, reached this city this morning. He is here as counsel for the defendant in the Doran murder case. He will remain over until Saturday and make a speech at the democratic ratification meeting. - Register, Thursday.



The Daily News
Denison, Texas
Wednesday, August 2, 1876
pg 3

The deputy sheriff of Tarrant county is in the city. He came over to bring Pony Spencer, a witness in the Doran murder case, for the defendant, on account of whose absence the case was postponed until the last week of court. He was brought over under attachment, and is now in jail. Sherman, Register, Monday.



The Daily News
Denison, Texas
Wednesday, August 16, 1876
pg 5

The Doran trial has been continued until the January term. The Major shows the effect of close confinement and mental
anguish. He is very pale, has fallen off in flesh, and his hair which was black when he was first incarcerated in the county
jail, is now gray.



The Galveston Daily News
Galveston, Texas
Tuesday, August 22, 1876
pg 2

The trial of S. A. Doran for the murder of Charlie Patman, in Denison, was entered into last Monday. Of the special venire
of sixty men summoned, only six competent jurors could be procured. Another venire was directed to be summoned, and
the court adjourned to Tuesday morning. On the next day defendant's counsel made the point that a new jury law had been passed and approved, taking effect from passage, and that the present jury was incompetent to try defendant. The State
and defendant then withdrew their announcements and the case was continued by consent to the next term.



The Dallas Weekly Herald
Dallas, Texas
Saturday,  August 28, 1875
pg 1

Major Doran, who killed a Denison policeman, is yet in jail in default of eight thousand dollars bail.



The Daily News
Denison, Texas
Friday, April 13, 1877
pg 3

The evidence in the Doran case was closed this morning, and the argument is now going on. This case has created more interest, and drawn larger crowds to the courthouse, than any one for a long while past. The murder of Patman, of which Doran is accused, was committed in a saloon at Denison nearly two years ago, and Doran has been confined in jail at Sherman ever since - having succeeded in continuing the case against him three times. He is defended by Hon. J. M. Hurt, Judge Silas Hare and Mr. Caskey, and the State is represented by County Attorney Cowles and Col. Cockrell. The evidence  has been carefully sifted on both sides, and from the character of the counsel engaged, we doubt not will be most ably presented to the jury. The jury will probably get the case to-morrow morning. -Sherman Register, Wednesday.

Major Doran Acquitted
The News received the following dispatch from Sherman at 2 o'clock last evening:
SHERMAN, April 12. 1877.
To Denison News:
At ten minutes to two o'clock the jury in the Doran case returned a verdict of not guilty. Doran shook hands with each member of the jury, and was congratulated by the crowd generally. He has been confined in an iron cage seven hundred
and twelve days.---Daily Register.



The Daily News
Denison, Texas
Saturday, April 14, 1877
pg 3

"NOT GUILTY"

Doran Acquitted of the Charge of Murder.

[Sherman Daily Register.}
No case tried in this county for a long time past, has excited the same degree of interest as that of the State vs.
S. A. Doran, charged with the murder of Charles Patman, a policeman, at Denison, about two years ago. The shooting
occurred in a saloon, and while Patman and one Barney Daniels, both policemen, were attempting to disarm Sherman, a
friend of Doran's. The testimony was very strong against Doran, three witnesses swearing positively to the shooting. The
theory of the defense was that in the scuffle between Daniels, Patman and Sherman, Daniels had a pistol in his hand, and
in endeavoring to use it, one of the parties knocked it up, and it was discharged, the ball taking effect in Patman's head
and causing death. The defense did not deny that three shots were fired at Daniels by Doran after Patman was shot. The
testimony of Daniels was conflicting and contradictory, and the shrewd attorneys for the defense made the best use
of the different stories he had told of the transaction. The argument was lengthy and exhaustive, and when the case
was given to the jury to-day at 12 o'clock, the comments throughout the large crowd in the court room, showed that public
sentiment was about evenly balanced. Speculations as to what would be the verdict of the jury were freely indulged,
and when the court reassembled at half-past one, the court room was crowded with those anxious to learn the verdict.
They were not kept in waiting long. As the hands of the clock pointed to ten minutes of two, the tread of the jury in whose
hands was placed the life of the prisoner was heard, and at once silence reigned. The jury being polled, in response to the
usual question from the judge, announced that they had
AGREED IN THEIR VERDICT.
The prisoner watched intently the faces of the jury as they were being polled, but evidently gained no intimation as what
the verdict would be, for, though watching the clerk with apparent calmness as he read the verdict, it could be seen that
he was quivering with anxiety. The clerk read slowly the verdict of
NOT GUILTY,
and as he concluded a mummer of approbation ran through the crowd. A happy smile lit up the prisoner's face, and with
a grace well befitting the occasion, he stepped forward and shook hands warmly with each member of the jury.
Doran is a tall, fine-looking man, of much culture, and is said to have been a gallant officer in the Confederate service. His hair, that was a black as a raven's wing when first confined, has turned to a silvery gray, but his fine eye has lost none of its brilliance. He was confined in a small iron cage, crowded full of prisoners, for seven hundred and twelve days, and at last walks out a free man.



Denison Daily News
Saturday, December 28, 1878
pg. 4

REPORTED DEATH OF DORAN
It is re ported that Doran, who killed the Denison  policeman, and was so long lodged in jail in this place and finally acquitted after an exciting trial f or his life, was killed at Junction City, Kimble county,  a few days since.  He and  a man named  Kimble had a n
altercation, during which he shot and killed Kimble and was in turn killed by Kimble's father.   And thus endeth the chapter. - - -  Sherman Register