DAWSON:

Albert G. and Villa M. (Reed) Dawson, were born in Harrison County, Western Virginia, he on October 24, 1883, she, November 24, 1833, made their home on upper Middle Reedy in what later became Curtis District, September, 1856; he enlisted in the Confederate service of the Civil War. He is remembered by the oldest citizens yet as the largest man of all the country, though never corpulent; tall and gigantic, he was usually designated as "Big Bert Dawson." Whether "Bert" and Villa M. raised more than one child we can not say. We have a record of one, Columbus Albert, who had the foresight to subscribe for a book, 1882, in which a short biography of subscribers is given. In this is seen "Columbus Albert Dawson, born in Roane County, September 26, 1856, and in this county his wedded life began, Dora B. Wade becoming his wife on the 14th day of March, 1880." Dora B. was a daughter of Otho and Sarah (Wright) Wade, he born in Monongalia County, 1833; she, in Green County, Pennsylvania, 1836. They came as residents of Roane County in the year 1873. To C. Albert and Dora Wade Dawson were born in Roane County, West Virginia, two daughters: Ella Maud, 1883, and Lillie May, 1881. C. Albert Dawson was one of Roane Countys first crop of school teachers that came out of the free school system; he taught seven years and was seen at all the first "Teachers Institutes" of the county.


Source: History of Roane County, West Virginia, 1774-1927, William H. Bishop, Esq., p 502
Submitter: Sandy Spradling, November 28, 1999