Louisiana AHGP

Part of the American History and Genealogy Project

Oliver H. P. Dawson

Oliver H. P. Dawson has for years been prominently before the public, as a leading agriculturist of Claiborne Parish, Louisiana, but was born in Edgefield District, South Carolina, April 14, 1824, to Capt. Lemuel G. and Polly (Glanton) Dawson, who were born, reared and married in South Carolina, removing about, 1827 to Alabama, and resided in Chambers County until his death in 1848, being one of the first settlers of the eastern portion of that State. He served in the War of 1812, was in some of the engagements with the Indians, and in 1836 was captain of a company, being afterward drilling officer and major-general of militia. His widow survived him until 1876, when she, too, passed away. Oliver H. P. Dawson grew to manhood in Chambers County, Louisiana, receiving the advantages of country schools, and on January 20, 1846, was married to Miss Sarah A. Spinks, a native of Georgia, being reared and educated in that State.

Mr. Dawson continued to farm in that State until 1860, then removed to Louisiana, and proceeded to open up a farm in Claiborne Parish near the State line, on which he is now living. He has 500 acres of land, the greater portion of which is under cultivation, well improved with a commodious and substantial residence and good outbuildings. In 1803 he enlisted in Company F, of Col. McNeil's regiment, in which he served until the close of the war, his service being confined principally to Louisiana and Arkansas. He and his wife reared eleven children to maturity, ten of whom are living at the present time; L. N. O. W. (now deceased), Alonzo H. (a sketch of whom appears in this work), E. P., O. H. V., Emma E. (wife of James Moore of Homer, Louisiana), J. S., William Y. (a sketch of whom also appears herein), Mary L. (wife of Dr. South Carolina Waller of Welcome, Arkansas), Sallie (wife of B. T. Collier), and Izona E.

Mr. Dawson has been a Mason for forty years, and his wife is a member of the Baptist Church.

Biographical Sketches| Claiborne Parish

Source: Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northwest Louisiana, Southern Publishing Company, 1890