BENJAMIN DAWSON, general merchant, Denver, was born in Casey County, Kentucky, June 30, 1849. His father, Benjamin Dawson, came to this county in 1851, and consequently the subject of this sketch has spent mostly his whole life in this county, working for his mother on the farm, as his father died in 1854. He received a common school education, and studied very hard at home, becoming a thorough scholar. At the age of twenty-one years he embarked in teaching, and followed it for five years with excellent success. In 1876 he purchased a one-half interest in the store of his brother, C. R. Dawson, and at once helped to build up a large business, which continued for two years when, in 1878, he bought his brother's interest. Since that time he has conducted his business with perhaps as much success and business ability as any merchant in the county. He married Miss Hannah Spain, in 1876. She died in 1877. In November, 1879 he married Miss Elizabeth McCord, daughter of William McCord, of Oxford, Worth County. They have two children, Alta and Ethel. Politically, he is a Democrat. He belongs to the Christian Church, and is an Odd Fellow. Mr. Dawson is among the live business men of this locality, is self-made, and a great student. With the influence of his brother, so long a successful merchant here, Benjamin has a trade which he can depend upon, and from his uniform kindness to his customers, and the fair dealing with which he treats them, he is bound to be fortunate. In his intercouse with society he is kind, affable in his manners, and accommodating, and thereby gains the confidence of all who come under his influence.

Biography from "The History of Gentry and Worth Counties, Missouri", published in 1882, page 792.