ROBERT DAWSON, of Rochester township, was born in Albermarle county, Virginia, January 8, 1800; son of William and Sarah (Joblin) Dawson, who were also natives of Virginia, and farmers by occupation. His father moved to Kentucky, where he resided until his death, in 1828, and his mother died in Virginia about 1811. The subject of this sketch received a common school education, and was raised on a farm. He was married in Kentucky in 1832 to Cynthia Luny, who was born in Kentucky. He has had three children, Louis, Robert and William. His wife died in Kentucky in 1840, and in 1844, he came to Sangamon county, and settled in Rochester township, where he now resides, with his son, Lewis. Their farm consists of eighty acres which is worth $60 per acre. He is also a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in politics is Republican.