William Dawson

William Dawson, born in Ross county, Ohio, in 1809, moved with his parents to Hawkins county, Ohio, where he passed his youth and received his education. About 1831 he married Miss Amelia Dorman, with whom he was a playmate from childhood. For nine years after this marriage they made their home in Hocking county, engaged on their farm, and there four children were born to them. In 1839-40 the family moved to Henry county, Ill., and two years later settled in Stark county, where Mr. Dawson had purchased lands. Here nine children were born to them, five of whom are living, and two, John L. and Minerva, residents of this county. The father of this large family, a pioneer of Henry, a pioneer of Valley and an old settler of Stark county, was called away by death September 10, 1885. Forty days prior to this event he fell, receiving such injuries as would cause the death of a much younger man. Mrs. William Dawson was born in Ross county, Ohio, January 1, 1805, but in her youth accompanied her parents to Hocking county, Ohio, where she was also educated and where she met and married her late husband. She was among the very earliest settlers of Valley, coming here when Peoria had only one store, while yet it was a day's journey to a neighbor's house. She is considered one of the foremothers of the township, for, with her husband, she participated in the drama of settlement and progress, and has even distanced old Time. Since her husband's death she has resided on the homestead with her daughter Minerva.