Santa Cruz County Biographies

J. B. DAWSON

Submitted by Kathy Sedler

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm

 
        Although J. B. Dawson has been a resident of Santa Cruz but a short 
time, his ability and energy have in that time sufficed to place him in the 
front rank of the city's prominent business men. His vocation is that of a 
builder and contractor, and since coming here, in 1888, he has erected a number 
of the finest dwellings in Santa Cruz.
        Mr. Dawson was born near Rochester, in Monroe County, New York, April 
22, 1859. He is the eldest of six brothers. His father was a farmer, and most of 
his early life was spent upon the farm. His education was obtained at the 
neighboring country school and at the Churchville High School. When twenty years 
of age he engaged himself as apprentice to learn the carpenter's trade. He also 
continued his studies, making a specialty, however, of the branches pertaining 
to building and architecture.
        After three years' service he went to Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he 
remained five years, working at his trade and continuing his studies. While in 
Michigan he enlisted in the State troops, and at the time of his removal from 
Michigan was second sergeant in Company A First Infantry Regiment Michigan State 
troops. He also joined the Odd Fellows and the Masonic Order, and became quite a 
prominent member of both organizations.
        In 1887 Mr. Dawson was attracted by the "boom" in Southern California. 
His first location was at Pasadena, where he remained one year, engaging in 
business as a builder and contractor, and also making a few unsuccessful 
ventures in real estate. When the ''boom" broke, in 1888, he visited several 
different towns, and finally determined to make his home in Santa Cruz. His 
business here has been very prosperous, and he has done a great deal for the 
advancement of the town. Among the numerous notable buildings erected by Mr. 
Dawson may be mentioned: William Rennie's handsome house, on Beach Hill; J. L. 
C. Stevens' house, on St. Helen's road; Captain W. W. Gray's residence, corner 
of Ocean View Avenue and Wyndham Street; Mrs. Murphy's house, on Ocean View 
Avenue; A. M. Johnson's magnificent home, on Ocean View Avenue, and the house at 
209 South Riverside Avenue, where Mr. Dawson and two of his brothers have their 
bachelor home.
 
HISTORY OF SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.-  E. S. Harrison, 
Pacific Press Publ. Co., San Francisco, 1891