William J.B. Dorn, 89; 13-Term Congressman, Civil Rights Advocate
William Jennings Bryan Dorn, 89, who fought for civil rights as a 13-term congressman from South Carolina, died of unspecified causes Saturday at his home in Greenwood, S.C.
Dorn’s first term in the House of Representatives began in 1947.
He stepped down to launch an unsuccessful Senate campaign, then was returned to the House in 1951.
He served 12 more terms, championing civil rights and advocating busing to integrate public schools.
Named for onetime Democratic presidential candidate William Jennings Bryan, Dorn started his own political career in 1938 when he was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives at the age of 22. Two years later, he was elected to the state Senate.
He ran for governor in 1974 and 1978, but lost both times. He was elected state Democratic Party chairman in 1980.
During World War II, Dorn served in the Army Air Forces in Europe, and as a politician worked on military issues.
A veterans hospital in Columbia, S.C., is named for him.
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