This particular branch of the Dawson family was founded in the United States by Henry Dawson, born in England, 1815, died in Cohoes, New York, 1881. He married in his native land, and in 1847 came to the United States. He was a lace manufacturer in Nottingham, England, a town celebrated for its fine laces, and he brought to this country with him some of his lace-making machinery, intending to establish a lace factory. In unloading the machinery from the vessel a large portion of it was lost overboard and could not be recovered. He abandoned his lace-making plans, and locating in Cohoes, New York, began the manufacture of "sinkers" for knitting machines, and later with his son John manufactured needles for knitting machines. This business he continued until his death.
(II) John, son of Henry Dawson, was born in Nottingham, England, June 21, 1838, died in Cohoes, New York, October 22, 1895. He came to the United States in 1847 with his father and located in Brooklyn, New York, where he remained for a year. He then joined his father in Cohoes, New York, who was a maker of knitting mill specialties, particularly needles for the knitting machines. John Dawson was very successful in business, from which he retired a year previous to his death. He was a Republican, but never took an active part in political affairs. He married, January 15, 1862, in Cohoes, Mary, daughter of John Long, born in Hathern, England, 1800, died in Cohoes, New York, July 1, 1859. He was a mill worker and knitter. He married Maria Bowley, born in England, March 4, 1798, died in Cohoes, September 7, 1885. Children of John and Mary (Long) Dawson:
- William Henry, born December 28, 1862, at Cohoes; married Ellen Robbins and has two children: Hannah and David; he is engaged in the plumbing business in Cohoes in company with his brother, Frank R. Dawson.
- Lincoln J., born May 22, 1865, died February 17, 1898, at Cohoes.
- Lizzie, married Alfred J. Clute.
- Maria, married Fred Higby, of Newark, New Jersey, and has sons: Clifford and Stanley.
- Frank R., partner of William H. Dawson.
- Alice, married Rowland K. Gunson, of Orange, New Jersey; child, Radford Gunson.
- Herbert G., with the Victor Knitting Mills Company.
Mrs. Dawson survives her husband and resides in Cohoes.