John M. Dawson (Virginia politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John M. Dawson
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| Member of the Virginia Senate | |
| In office 1874–1877 |
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| Preceded by | Daniel M. Norton |
| Succeeded by | Daniel M. Norton |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 16, 1829 |
| Died | July 15, 1913 (aged 83) Williamsburg |
| Political party | Republican |
John Montgomery Dawson (born September 16, 1829 – died July 15, 1913) was an important person in American history. He was a minister, which means a religious leader, and also a politician. He served in the Virginia Senate during a time called the Reconstruction era, from 1874 to 1877.
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John Dawson's Early Life and School
John Montgomery Dawson was born on September 16, 1829, in Alexandria, New York. He was born into slavery. Later, he managed to escape to Cato, New York.
He went to college at Oberlin College in Ohio. He studied there from 1862 to 1865. He earned a special degree called a Master of Arts.
Military Service and Public Work
John Dawson served in the American Civil War. He joined the army in September 1864. He was part of the 3rd New York Artillery Regiment. He served until the war ended.
After the war, he became a pastor at the First Baptist Church in Williamsburg. This was in April 1866. He also became a leader for Baptist groups in the area.
Starting in Politics
John Dawson began his political journey by joining the Republican Party. This was before July 1873. He was chosen to be on the Republican State Committee. He was also a member of the State central committee for his area.
There was a disagreement in the local Republican Party. Some people wanted Dawson to be the next senator. Others supported the person who was already in the job, Daniel M. Norton.
Dawson won the election. He served in the Virginia Senate for one term, from 1874 to 1877. He represented several counties, including Charles City, Elizabeth City, James City, Warwick, and York.
He decided not to run for re-election. After his term ended, Daniel M. Norton got the seat back. While in the Senate, Dawson served on two committees. These were the Committee on Public Institutions and the Committee on County, City, and Town Organizations.
Later Public Roles
In 1877, John Dawson was chosen to be a curator for the Hampton Normal School. Today, this school is known as Hampton University. In 1880, he was an elector for Virginia. This meant he helped choose the president in the 1880 United States presidential election.
In 1882, he was asked to run for Congress. He didn't ask for the job, but he accepted. He believed it was a "duty" for good Republicans to help their party. He did not win this election. He tried again the next year but was not successful.
He was also elected as the treasurer for James City County and the city of Williamsburg. However, in 1893, he lost the election to keep that position. After this, he decided to focus more on his church work. He also spent his time advising people on how to be better citizens. He chose to step away from politics.
John Dawson's Final Years
John Dawson continued to be a pastor at the First Baptist Church. He served there until 1912. He had to resign because of his age and health. He was very sad about leaving his church after more than 45 years. Because of this, he decided not to have his funeral there.
He passed away the next year, on July 15, 1913. He died in the early morning at his home on Francis Street in Williamsburg. He owned property in Williamsburg. He also owned about sixty acres of land in James City County.
