[3] His younger brother Thomas Dawson (1715-1760) also emigrated to the colony to become rector of Bruton Parish in Williamburg by 1743, and would become the fourth president of William & Mary (1755–1760).

[2] Appointed as a member of the Governor's Council in 1745, Dawson continued to serve in what was in effect the upper house of the Virginia General Assembly until his death.

[6] He published a 30-page book of poetry, Poems on Several Occasions by a Gentleman of Virginia, a copy of which George Washington owned.

[8][9][10] They had three children; one grandson became North Carolina planter and politician, and eventually Congressman William Johnston Dawson.

Thus, his step-grandson, Burgess Bassett Jr. would also become a Congressman, as well as serve in both houses of the Virginia General Assembly and on the vestry of historic Bruton Parish Church.