He was born in Limestone County, Alabama, in 1867, near the little village, Elkmont. He is well acquainted with the farming business for his father was one of the most successful of the early '70's.

Rev. Dawson professed religion early in life, in 1883, and has risen steadily in the church till he is one of the foremost young preachers in the denomination.

He has held some of the most important or rather some of the most prominent charges in the denomination. At present he is pastoring at Dyersburg, Tenn.

Rev. Dawson has had rare educational advantages, in that he was brought up among his relatives who were among the best scholars and teachers of their day. He is an ex-student of the Trinity School at Athens, Alabama and also of the State Normal School, Huntsville, Alabama, now A. & M. College, Normal, Alabama.
[Source: Miniature Souvenir History of the Colored Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Containing a Glimpse of Their Progress Since 1868. By Jno. J. Jenkins, Huntsville, Ala. Huntsville, Ala.: Live and Let Live Book and Job Printing House, 1906]