DAWSON, William C., senator, born in Greene County, Georgia, 4 January 1798; died in Greensborough, Georgia, 5 May 1856. He was graduated at Franklin College in 1816, and completed his law studies in Litchfield, Conn. In 1818 he was admitted to the bar, and settled in Greensborough, where he was successful as a jury lawyer. He was clerk of the House of Representatives of the general assembly of the state for twelve years, and several times senator and representative in the legislature. He was a member of congress from 1836 till 1842, being chairman of the military committee and of the committee on claims, He was appointed judge of the Ocmulgee circuit in 1845, and U. S. senator from 1849 till 1855, serving on important committees, and speaking on many questions of national interest, He published "Laws of Georgia" (1831).