Granted land in Augusta - Lot 17 then Broadwater at the Vasse. Built a house in Dunsborough which was burnt down. Within the first few years he had moved to the Vasse. Married Mary Dooley on 28 January 1854. Mary (born 1826 in Ireland) arrived on the ship 'Palestine' 28 April 1853. He took many farm labourer/carpentry jobs in the area, helping to build St. Mary's Church and Quindalup Jetty. Worked for Layman's and the Molloy's. Developed a farm and family home at Vasse where he farmed and raised a family. Part of the original land granted to him is still owned by a family member. John Dawson died 18 November 1887 at Newtown and Mary died 27 August 1902. Son Edward Dawson discovered Yallingup Caves.