Dawson, Thomas

(d. Dec. 5, 1761). Commissary to Virginia and president of William and Mary College. Dawson came to Virginia at an early age. He was educated at William and Mary College. Dawson served as master of the Indian School at William and Mary College from 1738 until 1755. At this time he also studied for the ordained ministry under the guidance of his brother, William Dawson. In 1740 he went to England for ordination. When James Blair died in 1743, Dawson became the rector of Bruton Parish in Williamsburg, Virginia. In 1752, after the death of his brother, he became the third Commissary to Virginia and served until his death. Dawson was the fourth president of William and Mary College, 1755-1761. He died in Williamsburg.