He worked in the weaving trade before becoming manager of the George and Dragon Hotel in Huddersfield in 1887, where he learnt to play billiards to a high standard He played matches for money before challenging for the world championship title.

Stevenson beat Diggle in the preliminary round, compiling a break of 648 in the match, but lost 6,775–9,000 to Dawson.

The match was due to be played within three months of the challenge being made, but both players agreed to a postponement until November.

[2][3] In 1904, Dawson published a book called "Practical Billiards," which included player biographies.

[6] He retired from playing in 1909, due to failing eyesight,[1] and later died in Storthes Hall Asylum, Huddersfield on 16 July 1921.