WILLIAM DAWSON, a horticulturist and gardener, extensively engaged in growing small fruits, resides on section 17, Lancaster Township. Mr. Dawson was one of the first to embark in this branch of agriculture, in which he has met with marked success. Among the many interests which the rich resources of this county have developed, none is more worthy of study and attention than that to which Mr. Dawson has devoted his energies. He was born Oct. 17, 1829, in Lincolnshire, England, and is the son of Thomas and Jannie (Schrimshaw) Dawson. His parents were natives of the same shire. Thomas Dawson was a farmer there and conducted his business with great skill. There is no country where gardening is carried to greater perfection than in England, and Mr. Dawson acquired much valuable practical experience before leaving home. He received an excellent public-school education in his native land, and always stood at the head of his class, which comprised a large number of good students.

Mr. Dawson was married, July 22, 1852, to Miss Elizabeth Fowler, who was a former schoolmate. She was born in June, 1830, in Lincolnshire, and was brought up and educated in the same neighborhood in which Mr. Dawson's family lived. Eight days after his marriage Mr. Dawson embarked with his young wife on a sailing-vessel bound for the United States, to seek his fortune in a new country. The voyage across the Atlantic, during which they encountered some heavy gales, occupied thirty-seven days. After landing in New York they proceeded thence to Chicago. After remaining there a short time he came to Rockford, and thence to Freeport. Game was then very abundant in this county, and Mr. D. gave his attention to hunting for two years. During one winter he killed over 1,300 quails, for which he received about thirty-five cents per dozen in market. He was a good sportsman and also killed large quantities of game, which he disposed of at a fair profit. He subsequently purchased property in Freeport, and occupied himself during the summer in gardening, and in the winter in butchering. In 1877, Mr. Dawson came to Lancaster Township and purchased land for the purpose of growing small fruits. His farm now contains thirty-two acres of choice land, all of which is under high cultivation. He raises every species of small fruits and many varieties of each, having as many as thirty different kinds of raspberries in his garden, and many varieties of other species also.

Dr. Dawson's son Joseph is married to Miss Emma Herbig, who came from Germany to America with her parents. Their family consisted of eight children, five of whom are now living. Joseph Dawson resides on a part of his father's farm assisting him in business, and also carrying on an enterprise of his own in stock-dealing.

Mr. Dawson was a second time married, to Mrs. Rosetta (Brown) Hill, in Brodhead, Wis., the 24th of October, 1875. Mrs. Dawson by her former husband had three children, named as follows: Orrel, Ozro, and Oscar. All are married and reside in Freeport.

Mr. Dawson came to this country with no resources but his intelligence and integrity of character, and by energy and industry has worked up a successful business. He is not actively interested in politics but votes with the Democratic party.

Cotnributed by Carol Parrish Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Ill. (1888), p. 546.