of Otley
1806 Born in Otley
William Dawson had a small back-street joiner’s shop in Otley.
1849 Dawson employed David Payne and Robert Elliott, starting an iron foundry in Otley
1851 William Dawson 45, joiner and machine maker, employing 8 men, lived in Otley with Elizabeth Dawson 43, Thomas Galloway Dawson 20, James Dawson 12, John Dawson 7, Jeremiah Dawson 5, and his niece Mary Jane Wilson 13, and an apprentice Benjamin Barker 18[1]
1858 The first Wharfedale printing machine was built by Dawson and Payne; the design was so successful it was copied worldwide and provided for 50 years of growth of the company.
1871 William Dawson 65, Machinist, employing 167 men and 22 apprentices, lived in Otley with Elizabeth Dawson 63[2]
1876 Died in Otley.