John Shaw Dawson

Born at Grantown-on-Spey, Scotland, to James J. and Annie (Shaw) Dawson, his father spent the greater part of his life in railroad work in Great Britain, but in his later years followed merchandising in Scotland and was postmaster of his village.

Dawson was primarily educated in the public schools, later attending the Robert Gordon's College, at Aberdeen.

His father wanted him to enter the ministry, but Dawson objected and was allowed to move to Illinois, where he had relatives residing.

From 1904 to 1908 he was assistant attorney general and for six months in 1909 was private secretary to Governor Walter R. Stubbs.

[5] On January 1, 1896, Dawson was married to Mary E. Kline, of Goshen, Kansas, with whom he had two children: Circea Ellen and Hubert Alonzo.