Born in Mobile County, Alabama, Toulmin read law to enter the bar in 1860.
He was a Confederate States Army Colonel from 1861 to 1865, then resumed private practice in Mobile.
[1] Toulmin was nominated by President Grover Cleveland on December 13, 1886, to the United States District Court for the Southern District of Alabama, to a new seat authorized by 24 Stat.
He was confirmed by the United States Senate on January 13, 1887, and received his commission the same day.
His service terminated on November 12, 1916, due to his death in Toulminville, Alabama.