Moses Dawson Biographical Note
Moses Dawson was an important figure in early 19th century Cincinnati political and social life. An Irish immigrant, he was a lifelong supporter of the cause of independence. In Cincinnati, he was known as a “Jackson man” and fervent anti-Whig. His ownership and editorial columns in “The Inquisitor” and “Cincinnati Advertiser” supplied him with a sounding board for his wide ranging political, economic and religious opinions.
In spite of his later anti-Whig sentiments, Dawson was an early admirer of William Henry Harrison, and in fact, authored the earliest (1824) and rarest of the Harrison biographies. Dawson turned away from Harrison shortly thereafter, and in the 1828 election, was a fervent Jackson man. His support of Jackson was carried out in an ugly running editorial battle with a rival Cincinnati newspaper man. This cane was likely Jackson’s gift for Dawson’s support.
A biographical sketch published after Dawson’s death noted “In dress and manners Dawson’s habits were simple republican…. He was solid, square-built, and florid; he wore an olive-green coat, nankeen pants, and broad-brimmed hat. A serviceable cane completes the picture of what he wanted to be – an honest citizen with no airs”.