• General Notes

  Birth: (1a) s/o Martin DAWSON. [NOTE: Does not say by which wife.] (2,3) s/o Martin DAWSON/Priscilla SORRELL.
  (3) 1756.
  (1a) A Methodist Preacher.
  (4a) 1780, 25 Mar: John SORRELL of Amherst Co., VA wrote his will, proved 1 Sep 1783. Left to grandson William DAWSON.
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  Occupation: Sheriff of Amherst Co., VA
  
  It was noted to me that Martin did not physically fight and participate in the Rev. War. He provided goods to the Patriots and that is what is noted in a book of Patriots of the Rev. War (or a title similiar to that). N.A 5/19/07
  
  Note: Private Martin Dawson proves to be somewhat controversial among many genealogy records concerning him. D.A.R. lists him as a patriot during the Revolutionary War; to this their is no dispute but where information conflicts, is to his age. The myth or truth surrounding Martin is his birth date; some say he was born in 1695, others say, 1722. The Amherst Families Genealogy History, has Martin living to the grand old age 115; his death date of 1812 is not disputed. As a soldier he must have served between the ages of 80 to 88, or 53 to 61.
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  Note: From "A Collection of Family Records with Biographical Sketches and other ---of various Families and Individuals bearing the name Dawson" by Charles C. Dawson, 1878, Reprinted by Higginson Book
  Co.:
  
  "Martin Dawson was described by Mr. Elijah Dawson as follows: He was a spare, thin and visaged man, and had black hair and eyes. It was said of him that he was a great hunter, but he was a farmer when I knew him. He was married the second time. The name of his last wife was Carter. He had a good many children by each wife."
  
  Note: Mr. Elijah Dawson would be his grandson, the son of Martin Jr.
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  Virginia Census, 1800-90
  
  Name: Martin Dawson
  State: VA
  County: Amherst County
  Township: No Township Listed
  Year: 1779
  Record Type: Rent Role
  Page: NPN
  Database: VA Early Census Index

Details of Martin M. Sr.'s family with Elizabeth  CARTER

Details of Martin M. Sr.'s family with Priscilla SORRELL