HISTORY OF SOUTHEAST MISSOURI 553 had an unusual experience in that he lived in a territory under the Federal government, under the Confederate government and in three different counties and yet all the time on the same farm. The Dawson family has been for many years one of the most prominent in New Mad- rid county. Dr. Robert D. Dawson, a native of Maryland, who came to New jMadrid coun- ty in ISOO, was the founder of the family in Missouri. He was one of the most prominent citizens in this part of the state. William Dawson is his grandson; he was educated in the Christian Brothers College of St. Louis. After some experience as a teacher he was ad- mitted to the practice of law and engaged in the practice in New Madrid. He was elected sheriff in 1870, and re-elected in 1872, he then served three terms in the legislature, and in 1884 was elected to congress as a representjj- tive of the Fourteenth Congi'essional district. Mr. Dawson is a Democrat and holds the es- teem of those who are acquainted with him. One of the most prominent citizens of New Madrid county was Joseph Hunter. He was a native of Scott county, a son of Hon. Abra- ^ ham Hunter, he was born in 1823, coming to New Madrid in 1843. His second wife was Elizabeth Russell of Cape Girardeau county, a member of one of the pioneer families of that county. Mr. Hunter was engaged in farming until the breaking out of the Civil war, when he joined the Second Missouri Cav- alry and served until its close. He then re- turned to New Madrid county, wheVe he re- sided until his death. His descendants are prominent in the county until this time. John A. Mott was a native of Kentucky and came to New Madrid in 1852. He was bom in 1826 and grew to manhood in Hick- man, Kentucky, si:)ending his youth in school and in his father's store. In 1850 he went to California and spent two years in the min- ing region returning to New Madrid in 1852. For several years he was engaged in the mer- cantile business and as an employee of the American Express Company and also as a farmer. In 1858 he was api^ointed clerk and recorder of the circuit court, a position which he held for more than thirty-five years. He died in 1908. In 1848 Robert A. Ilatclier came to New Madrid and took a position as clei-k on the steamer Selma.; within a short period, how- ever, the boat was sold for debt and Mr. Hatcher began the study of law with William S. Moseley, who had been the captain of the Selma. He was a man who made friends rap- idly and had a turn for political life as is shown by the fact that two years after com- ing to New Madrid he was elected representa- tive in the legislature. After serving one tenn he resigned and engaged in the mercan- til business with D. V. LeSieur ; he found this employment uncongenial, however, and sold out his business and began the practice of his ' profession. He was very successful and es- tablished a good practice. During the war Mr. Hatcher's sympathies were with the South and he became a member of the Confederate congress. At the close of the war he returned to the practice of law at New Madrid until his election to congress in 1872, a place he held for four years. In 1877 he removed to Charleston where he lived until the time of his death. One of the women who during this period of our histoiy exercised a good influence on affairs, was Eliza A. Carleton. She was born
