A civil war veteran and University of Michigan Law School graduate, Joseph L. Dobbin moved to Minneapolis in 1883, opened a law office and immersed himself in Republican politics. He joined several "secret" fraternal societies in the city, and was active in organizations of Civil War veterans.
He was elected to the state House of representatives in 1900, and served one term. In 1904 he announced his candidacy for judge of Hennepin County District Court, but died on July 31, 1904, at age fifty-nine. In memorial proceedings in district Court, he was recalled:
"As a lawyer he maintained an honorable standing in the courts of Minnesota and enjoyed the respect and confidence of his professional brethren. His reputation in the community and among his clientage was that of a prudent, judicious and safe adviser and his reputation among his associates at the bar was that of an affable, honorable and courteous lawyer."
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