JOHN DAWSON was born December 25, 1826, and is the fourth of three sons and three daughters born to Ignatius and Elizabeth (Ice) Dawson. Ignatius was born near Holy Cross Church, became a substantial farmer and slave-owner, was an active Whig, and died about 1863, a member of the Roman Catholic Church. His father came from Scotland and settled in Nelson County as early as 1790, and followed farming. Mrs. Elizabeth Dawson was born eight miles north of New Haven, and was a daughter of Jesse Ice, who married a Mrs. Lee, the mother of the Lees who were among the wealthy and leading citizens of Bullitt County, Ky. The issue by Mr. Ice was five children. Mr. Ice was an early settler and substantial farmer of Nelson County. John Dawson was born near Hew Haven, on a farm, and received a good English education. At the age of twenty-five he left his home, and was a superintendent of slaves for four years, when he commenced farming on his own account. He was united in marriage, in May, 1865, to Jennie Wilson, an adopted daughter of C. J. Wilson. She was born in Ireland, came with her father to the United States, and first located in New Orleans, where her parents died shortly after. She was then brought to Louisville by a Mrs. Hanes, and Maj. C. J. Wilson, of LaRue County, adopted her. Mr. and Mrs. Dawson are blessed with three bright children: Mary E. Russell, Nannie and James Lee. After his marriage Mr. Dawson located where he now resides, one-half mile east of New Haven, on 700 acres of fine land. He lost one of the finest houses in his community, but has rebuilt an elegant frame residence on the site of the former. Mr. Dawson started about even in life, and by his skill and excellent financial abilities has made life a success. He turns his attention principally to cattle trade. Mr. Dawson was a Whig in early life, but since the war has affiliated with the Democrats.