Why was Dawson isolated and alienated while growing up?

Dawson was born into a notorious criminal family, allowed to get away with many petty crimes out of the fear the town feels toward this family. Dawson is not like his family, but no one really believes that a Cole could be honest or law abiding. For this reason, Dawson lived an isolated life in his hometown. In fact, as a teen Dawson left his father's home and began living in the garage of local mechanic, Tuck Hostetler. Tuck, who had recently lost his wife, allowed Dawson to stay, forging a relationship that would last the rest of Tuck's life.