William Dawson, preacher, was born on 30 March 1773 near Leeds. His father, Luke, served as colliery steward for Sir Thomas Gascoigne of Gawthorpe for 21 years. After his father died in 1791, William succeeded him in the position. After hearing prominent ministers at the Leeds conference in 1793, Dawson became a Wesleyan and was accredited as a local preacher. He was a skilled and popular orator, but declined an invitation to become an itinerant minister because his family depended on his income as colliery steward. In 1837 Dawson retired from his steward position and made several preaching tours. He died on 4 July 1841.
From the description of William Dawson collection, 1819-1824. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 79455837
