Patricia, I am so sorry that I "lost it". I guess I don't have the patience for genealogy. You are right about primary evidence, I depended to heavily on the biographies and printed material I received from Historical Societies. I need to get back tot he hard work of writing for wills, deeds, birth and death records. The 1700's are so difficult. I believe I have corrected the things you asked me to. I deleted the dates on James and Jane Laird. I also, moved Matthew Laird to the position of being James and Jane's Lairds son. There was a duplicate, with him being in the position of Hugh Laird's son, so I deleted that. I have had two different people from our line hotly debate the Matthew Laird article in the Seilhamer Collection. I have compared notes with them and see their points, but when comparing the article to what I have proven with my line, it seems correct. I am beginning to think, I should just have my line and leave off the other lines. Perhaps your posted genealogy will clarify the Matthew problem and the James and Jane Laird details. Thank you again for accepting my apology. Tena McDowell Hanna Descendants of James Laird Generation No. 1 1. JAMES1 LAIRD was born in Ireland, and died in Derry Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. He married JANE. She was born in Ireland. Children of JAMES LAIRD and JANE are: 2. i. HUGH2 LAIRD, b. Abt. 1736, Allen Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania; d. November 09, 1801, Allen Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. 3. ii. SAMUEL LAIRD, b. Abt. 1732; d. September 27, 1806, Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pa. 4. iii. WILLIAM LAIRD, b. 1730, Ireland; d. April 11, 1820, Hanover, Deery, Pennsylvania. iv. MARY LAIRD, m. (1) WILLIAM SNODDY; d. Bef. 1736; m. (2) JAMES IRELAND. v. JOHN LAIRD, m. AGNES BLACK. vi. JAMES LAIRD, b. Abt. 1769; d. Abt. 1741; m. JANE. 5. vii. MATHEW LAIRD, b. Abt. 1755, Allen Township, Cumberland, Pennsylvania; d. February 1821, South Middleton township, Cumberland county, Pennsylvania. Generation No. 2 2. HUGH2 LAIRD (JAMES1) was born Abt. 1736 in Allen Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, and died November 09, 1801 in Allen Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. He married ANNA. She was born Abt. 1740 in Ireland, and died Bef. December 28, 1809 in Allen Township, Cumberland County, PAPennsylvania. Children of HUGH LAIRD and ANNA are: 6. i. JAMES3 LAIRD, b. December 12, 1753, West Pennsboro Township, Cumberland, Pennsylvania; d. October 10, 1834, Newville, Cumberland, Pennsylvania. ii. ARTHUR LAIRD, b. Abt. 1762, Allen Township, Cumberland, Pennsylvania. 7. iii. JANE LAIRD, b. Abt. 1766, Allen Township, Cumberland, Pennsylvania. 8. iv. STEWART LAIRD, b. Abt. 1768, Allen Township, Cumberland, Pennsylvania; d. Juniata County, Pennsylvania. v. WILLIAM LAIRD, b. Abt. 1770, Allen Township, Cumberland, Pennsylvania. vi. SAMUEL LAIRD. 3. SAMUEL2 LAIRD (JAMES1) was born Abt. 1732, and died September 27, 1806 in Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pa. He married MARY YOUNG, daughter of JAMES YOUNG and ELIZABETH. She was born October 31, 1741 in Carlisle, Cumberland, Pennsylvania, and died February 04, 1833 in Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pa.. Child of SAMUEL LAIRD and MARY YOUNG is: i. SAMUEL3 LAIRD, b. February 15, 1769, Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pa.; d. January 15, 1815, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; m. ELIZABETH MONTGOMERY; b. July 17, 1768; d. October 12, 1814, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. 4. WILLIAM2 LAIRD (JAMES1) was born 1730 in Ireland, and died April 11, 1820 in Hanover, Deery, Pennsylvania. He married (1) MARTHA WILSON. She was born November 16, 1730 in Ireland, and died in Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pa.. He married (2) CATHERINE SPENCER. Children of WILLIAM LAIRD and MARTHA WILSON are: i. MARGARET3 LAIRD, b. 1756. ii. ELIZABETH LAIRD, b. 1759; m. MCCLURE. iii. SAMUEL LAIRD. Child of WILLIAM LAIRD and CATHERINE SPENCER is: iv. MARY3 LAIRD, m. JAMES HARRIS. 5. MATHEW2 LAIRD (JAMES1) was born Abt. 1755 in Allen Township, Cumberland, Pennsylvania, and died February 1821 in South Middleton township, Cumberland county, Pennsylvania. He married ELIZABETH LAIRD. She was born Abt. 1759 in South Middleton, Cumberland, Pennsylvania, and died Bef. March 02, 1820 in South Middleton township, Cumberland county, Pennsylva. Children of MATHEW LAIRD and ELIZABETH LAIRD are: i. ELIZABETH3 LAIRD, m. HENRY BURKHOLDER. ii. MATTHEW LAIRD. iii. WILLIAM LAIRD. 9. iv. FRANCIS LAIRD, b. Adams County, Pennsylvania; d. April 06, 1854, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. 10. v. JAMES LAIRD, b. May 11, 1761, Allen Township, Cumberland, Pennsylvania; d. February 15, 1846, Montour county, Pennsylvania. vi. JOHN M. LAIRD, b. 1797, Carlilse, Cumberland Co., Pennsylvania; d. March 12, 1849, New Bloomfield, Pennsylvania; m. JULIA POWERS. vii. SAMUEL LAIRD. viii. RACHAEL LAIRD. Generation No. 3 6. JAMES3 LAIRD (HUGH2, JAMES1) was born December 12, 1753 in West Pennsboro Township, Cumberland, Pennsylvania, and died October 10, 1834 in Newville, Cumberland, Pennsylvania. He married (1) JANE MCCLURE Abt. 1786 in Frankford Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, daughter of ROBERT MCCLURE and MARGARET DOUGLAS. She was born August 19, 1763 in West Pennsboro Township, Cumberland Co., Pennsylvania, and died Bef. 1802 in Frankford, Cumberland, Pennsylvania. He married (2) CATHARINE ALLEN May 1802 in Frankford Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. She was born June 1764 in Baltimore, Maryland, and died January 15, 1850 in Frankford, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. Children of JAMES LAIRD and JANE MCCLURE are: i. HUGH4 LAIRD, b. January 08, 1787, Frankford Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania; d. September 30, 1815, Frankford Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. ii. ROBERT LAIRD, b. November 11, 1788, Frankford, Cumberland, Pennsylvania; d. January 15, 1848, Frankford, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. 11. iii. MARGARET LAIRD, b. December 09, 1790, West Pennsboro, Cumberland, Pennsylvania; d. May 30, 1855, Newville, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. iv. ANNA LAIRD, b. December 10, 1791, Frankford, Cumberland, Pennsylvania; d. September 17, 1867, Newville, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania; m. (1) JAMES LOGAN, March 23, 1824, Carlisle, Pennsylvania; b. 1782; d. October 26, 1828, Newville, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania; m. (2) JAMES DAVIDSON, April 15, 1831; b. 1790, Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania; d. September 27, 1858, Newville, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. v. THOMAS LAIRD, b. April 20, 1794, Frankford, Cumberland, Pennsylvania; d. April 19, 1830, Newville, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. vi. JANE LAIRD, b. July 26, 1797. vii. JAMES LAIRD, b. July 26, 1797; d. July 31, 1797. Children of JAMES LAIRD and CATHARINE ALLEN are: viii. MARY4 LAIRD, b. Aft. 1802. ix. JOHN LAIRD, b. Aft. 1803. 7. JANE3 LAIRD (HUGH2, JAMES1) was born Abt. 1766 in Allen Township, Cumberland, Pennsylvania. She married WILLIAM MCMEEN. Children of JANE LAIRD and WILLIAM MCMEEN are: i. ANN4 MCMEEN. ii. GRIZZEL MCMEEN. 8. STEWART3 LAIRD (HUGH2, JAMES1) was born Abt. 1768 in Allen Township, Cumberland, Pennsylvania, and died in Juniata County, Pennsylvania. Children of STEWART LAIRD are: i. WILSON4 LAIRD. ii. PRISCILLA LAIRD, m. HUSBAND ROBINSON. iii. THOMAS LAIRD. iv. HUGH LAIRD. v. SAMUEL LAIRD. 9. FRANCIS3 LAIRD (MATHEW2, JAMES1) was born in Adams County, Pennsylvania, and died April 06, 1854 in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. He married MARY MOORE 1803. Children of FRANCIS LAIRD and MARY MOORE are: i. MARY4 LAIRD, m. WILLIAM B. STEWART. 12. ii. ELIZA M. LAIRD. 10. JAMES3 LAIRD (MATHEW2, JAMES1) was born May 11, 1761 in Allen Township, Cumberland, Pennsylvania, and died February 15, 1846 in Montour county, Pennsylvania. He married (1) MARY MCFARLAND February 12, 1788, daughter of JOHN MCFARLAND and MARY. She was born November 15, 1770, and died July 24, 1796. He married (2) SARAH WATSON May 11, 1797. She was born January 21, 1772. Children of JAMES LAIRD and MARY MCFARLAND are: 13. i. JOHN4 LAIRD, b. August 02, 1789; d. September 23, 1862, Lairdsville, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania. ii. WILLIAM LAIRD, b. October 11, 1791. iii. MARY LAIRD, b. March 15, 1794. Children of JAMES LAIRD and SARAH WATSON are: iv. SAMUEL4 LAIRD, b. March 08, 1798. v. JANE MCKINNEY. vi. JAMES LAIRD, b. July 27, 1801; d. Bef. 1806. vii. JAMES LAIRD, b. October 21, 1806. viii. THOMAS LAIRD, b. March 21, 1810. Generation No. 4 11. MARGARET4 LAIRD (JAMES3, HUGH2, JAMES1) was born December 09, 1790 in West Pennsboro, Cumberland, Pennsylvania, and died May 30, 1855 in Newville, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. She married JOHN MCDOWELL March 12, 1818 in Newville, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, son of JOHN MCDOWELL and MARGARET HUTTON. He was born November 13, 1778 in West Pennsboro, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, and died June 29, 1829 in Newville, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. Children of MARGARET LAIRD and JOHN MCDOWELL are: 14. i. MARGARET5 MCDOWELL, b. June 29, 1819, Frankford Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. ii. JANE MCDOWELL, b. January 23, 1821, West Pennsboro Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania; d. February 19, 1892, Carlisle, Cumberland County, PA. iii. JOHN MCDOWELL, b. November 30, 1822; d. July 27, 1857, Newville, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. iv. MARY MCDOWELL, b. October 04, 1824, West Pennsboro, Cumberland, Pennsylvania; d. August 12, 1880, Carlisle, Cumberland County, PA. 15. v. JAMES LAIRD MCDOWELL, b. October 29, 1826, Newville, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania; d. December 21, 1904, Elkton, Colorado. vi. SAMUEL ALEXANDER MCDOWELL, b. October 20, 1828, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania; d. January 03, 1887, Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania; m. HESTER MCCLELLAN, September 12, 1860, Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania; b. Abt. 1830, Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pa; d. Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. 12. ELIZA M.4 LAIRD (FRANCIS3, MATHEW2, JAMES1) She married JAMES RAMSEY JOHNSTON. He was born October 29, 1803. Children of ELIZA LAIRD and JAMES JOHNSTON are: i. FRANCIS LAIRD5 JOHNSTON. ii. WILLIAM JOHNSTON. 13. JOHN4 LAIRD (JAMES3, MATHEW2, JAMES1) was born August 02, 1789, and died September 23, 1862 in Lairdsville, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania. He married MARGARET SMITH November 22, 1810. She was born June 02, 1790. Children of JOHN LAIRD and MARGARET SMITH are: i. MARY5 LAIRD, b. December 26, 1811. ii. HUGH LAIRD, b. February 18, 1813. 16. iii. JAMES LAIRD, b. April 01, 1814; d. January 1882, Hughesville, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania. iv. ELIZABETH LAIRD, b. September 07, 1819. v. JOHN LAIRD, b. February 19, 1822. vi. WILLIAM LAIRD, b. January 03, 1832. Generation No. 5 14. MARGARET5 MCDOWELL (MARGARET4 LAIRD, JAMES3, HUGH2, JAMES1) was born June 29, 1819 in Frankford Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. She married ISAIAH GRAHAM MACFARLANE January 01, 1845, son of JOHN MACFARLANE and MARTHA GRAHAM. He was born in Perry County, Pennsylvania, and died in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Children of MARGARET MCDOWELL and ISAIAH MACFARLANE are: i. ELIZABETH6 MACFARLANE, b. April 03; m. JAMES I. BUCHANAN. ii. JOHN FINLEY MACFARLANE, b. October 22, 1845; d. Abt. 1874. iii. ANNA MARY MACFARLANE, b. September 25, 1847; m. ELIAKIM TORRANCE, September 22, 1868. iv. JAMES GRAHAM MACFARLANE, b. December 02, 1848. v. MARGARET LAIRD MACFARLANE, b. April 18, 1851; m. JOHN MITCHELL PATTERSON, October 29, 1874. vi. MARTHA ALICE MACFARLANE, b. June 14, 1853; d. May 15, 1889. vii. SAMUEL STARRETT MACFARLANE, b. April 22, 1860; m. IDA WILLET, June 27, 1887. 15. JAMES LAIRD5 MCDOWELL (MARGARET4 LAIRD, JAMES3, HUGH2, JAMES1) was born October 29, 1826 in Newville, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, and died December 21, 1904 in Elkton, Colorado. He married (1) MARY ISABELLA BLEAN August 12, 1862 in Newville, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, daughter of ROBERT BLEAN and MARGARET SCOULLER. She was born March 07, 1836 in Pennsylvania, and died February 12, 1865 in Newville, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, 28 years 11 months 5 days. He married (2) DORCAS ROSELINA COLLINS October 10, 1867, daughter of DAVID COLLINS and MARY MANIFOLD. She was born October 22, 1837 in Pennsylvania, and died July 26, 1894 in Manhattan, Riley County, Kansas. Children of JAMES MCDOWELL and MARY BLEAN are: i. MARGARET LAIRD6 MCDOWELL, b. July 29, 1863, Newville, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania; d. April 07, 1884, Newville, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, 20 year 8 months and 8 days. ii. ROBERT BLEAN MCDOWELL, b. January 25, 1865, Newville, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania; d. February 01, 1865, Newville, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. Children of JAMES MCDOWELL and DORCAS COLLINS are: iii. RALPH EWING6 MCDOWELL, b. October 01, 1868, Leavenworth, Kansas; d. August 12, 1902, Fort Clark, Texas. iv. JAMES LAIRD MCDOWELL JR., b. May 30, 1871, Nortonville, Jefferson County, Kansas; d. Abt. 1951, Tucson, Pima County, Arizona; m. TENA WAYNE KNOX, January 03, 1899; b. November 23, 1873, Clyde, Cloud County, Kansas; d. December 12, 1963, Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona. v. DAVID COLLINS MCDOWELL, b. April 09, 1873, Nortonville, Jefferson County, Kansas; d. May 26, 1949, Billings, Montana; m. ELIZABETH LEE STINGLEY, March 1899, Cripple Creek, Colorado; d. Billings, Montana. vi. ROSE EDITH MCDOWELL, b. March 20, 1875, Nortonville, Jefferson County, Kansas; d. 1966, Freemont, California; m. GEORGE HELDER, November 16, 1914, Victor, Colorado; b. October 29, 1872; d. 1942. vii. SAMUEL ALEXANDER MCDOWELL, b. April 14, 1877, Nortonville, Jefferson County, Kansas; d. May 23, 1959, Billings, Montana; m. DAISY DAY, October 16, 1912, Onaga, Kansas; b. October 15, 1876, Onaga, Kansas; d. April 19, 1982, Billings, Montana. viii. GEORGE GARFIELD MCDOWELL, b. May 18, 1879, Nortonville, Jefferson County, Kansas; d. Russia; m. TONY, Unknown, George Married in Russia, his old mother-in-law was a baptist--unhappy; b. Russia. ix. EDWARD PURCELL MCDOWELL, b. January 12, 1882, Nortonville, Jefferson County, Kansas; d. February 02, 1949, Billings, Montana; m. FREDIA PATTERSON. 16. JAMES5 LAIRD (JOHN4, JAMES3, MATHEW2, JAMES1) was born April 01, 1814, and died January 1882 in Hughesville, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania. He married RUTH A. CARVER. She died June 07, 1891. Children of JAMES LAIRD and RUTH CARVER are: i. E. LIVINGSTON6 LAIRD. ii. MARTHA LAIRD, m. J. K. RISHEL. iii. WILLIAM L. LAIRD. iv. H. NEWTON LAIRD. v. JOHN C. LAIRD, b. May 21, 1844; m. SOPHIA S. TALLMAN, June 06, 1867. ----- Original Message ----- From: <PLairdhoward@aol.com> To: <LAIRD-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Tuesday, February 15, 2000 2:20 AM Subject: [LAIRD] Tena's genealogy > Tena, > I have been waiting to send the newsletter to Robert in hopes that > I would hear from you. Please e-mail me, lets work on your first generation > and then post your information to the newsletter. I am sorry that we did > not get this taken care of back in August when I first planned to write to > you but I got so busy that I forgot. I am so glad that you did not leave > the Laird list. We are a very nice family that believes in helping each > other. > > With Love, > Patricia Laird Howard > > > ==== LAIRD Mailing List ==== > List problem or question? > e-mail Russell Laird at rlaird@1starnet.com > >

I have been watching the Lairds come and go on this list for some time now with not being able to determine if mine fit in or not. So many James's. Thomas's, Samuel's and John's. Finding a connection seems almost impossible. Seems like the list of Laird's is unending. Guess you can tell I have really hit that brick wall. Will list my Lairds in hopes that someone out there can lay claim to one of them. The earliest I have starts with ... Thomas Laird (middle initial has been shown as M or K) Depending on record looked at. B: 1810 location unknown D: 1844 Covington Township, Tioga Pa source: Old Settlers Cemetery records. Married: Nancy Titus from Williamsport Pa 7/6/1831 in Williamsport Pa Source: Lycoming Gazette B: 1810 in Pa (possibly Williamsport) d: 6/24/1880 in Williamsport (Williamsport Cemetery) Source: Lycoming Gazette and cemetery records Children of Thomas and Nancy: Thomas, Jr. B: 1834 (1840/50/60 census records) D: unknown Samuel B: 1836 (1850 census and Cemetery records) D: 1852 (Williamsport cemetery records) Martha A B: 1839 (1840.50,60 census records and Orphans Court Death record index) D: 2/5/1893 Rebecca Jane B: 4/28/1844 D: 6/9/1022 Death certificat Nancy and Thomas lived in Covington Township Tioga PA Bottom line is I have no idea who Thomas parents were. Thought for a while he might belong to Tenas Lairds as James had a son Thomas born in 1810. Was quite a lot of inf in the meginnes book but everything except where Tenas Thomas went or did. Rebecca married: William W. Gilman of Williamsport 5/25 1868 Lycoming Gazette B: 1834 d: 2/23/1892 in Williamsport Source: Lycoming Gazette. They had 4 children of which I won't go into unless someone is interested. Well there it is....helllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllp Lila Miller

The only thing I can add to help you with Thomas Laird is the source that I had for him, which I will print below: History Of Lycoming County, Pennsylvania. Edited By John F. Meginnes, Chicago Ill, Brown, Runk & Co., Publishers. 1892. Page 976. James Laird was born, May 11, 1761, and married Mary McFarland, February 12, 1788. She was born, November 15, 1770, and to their union were born three children: John, who was born, August 2, 1789, and died, September 23, 1862; William, born October 11, 1791, and Mary, born March 15, 1794. Mrs. Laird died, July 24, 1796, and he was again married, to Miss Sarah Watson, May 11, 1797. She was born January 21, 1772, and to them were born the following children: Samuel, born March 8, 1798; Jane McKinney; James, born July 27, 1801; James, born October 21, 1806, and Thomas, born March 21, 1810. Mr. Laird removed from the Cumberland valley to Montour county, Pennsylvania, where he died, February 15, 1846. Page 565. Franklin Township. Lairdsville is the only village in the township. It has two churches, three stores, one hotel, one wagon maker shop, one steam planing mill, one grist mill, two blacksmith shops, and two physicians. It is pleasantly located on Little Muncy creek, on a beautiful alluvial flat, among the Muncy Hills. Benjamin C. Morris erected the hotel and opened a store in 1841, and these, it is said, were the first improvements. Page 565. There is a post office at Lairdsville. The old post office, known as Chestnut Grove, was abandoned. Lairdsville post office was established, February 20, 1829, and John Laird appointed postmaster. I hope this helps, Tena McDowell Hanna ----- Original Message ----- From: <LMiller865@aol.com> To: <LAIRD-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Tuesday, February 15, 2000 1:38 AM Subject: [LAIRD] new lairds to list > I have been watching the Lairds come and go on this list for some time now > with not being able to determine if mine fit in or not. So many James's. > Thomas's, Samuel's and John's. Finding a connection seems almost impossible. > Seems like the list of Laird's is unending. Guess you can tell I have > really hit that brick wall. Will list my Lairds in hopes that someone out > there can lay claim to one of them. The earliest I have starts with ... > > Thomas Laird (middle initial has been shown as M or K) Depending on record > looked at. > B: 1810 location unknown > D: 1844 Covington Township, Tioga Pa > source: Old Settlers Cemetery records. > > Married: Nancy Titus from Williamsport Pa 7/6/1831 in Williamsport Pa > Source: Lycoming Gazette > > B: 1810 in Pa (possibly Williamsport) > d: 6/24/1880 in Williamsport (Williamsport Cemetery) > Source: Lycoming Gazette and cemetery records > > Children of Thomas and Nancy: > > Thomas, Jr. B: 1834 (1840/50/60 census records) D: unknown > Samuel B: 1836 (1850 census and Cemetery records) D: 1852 (Williamsport > cemetery records) > > Martha A B: 1839 (1840.50,60 census records and Orphans Court Death > record > index) D: 2/5/1893 > Rebecca Jane B: 4/28/1844 D: 6/9/1022 Death certificat > Nancy and Thomas lived in Covington Township Tioga PA > > Bottom line is I have no idea who Thomas parents were. Thought for a while > he might belong to Tenas Lairds as James had a son Thomas born in 1810. Was > quite a lot of inf in the meginnes book but everything except where Tenas > Thomas went or did. > > Rebecca married: > > William W. Gilman of Williamsport 5/25 1868 Lycoming Gazette > B: 1834 > d: 2/23/1892 in Williamsport > Source: Lycoming Gazette. They had 4 children of which I won't go into > unless someone is interested. > > Well there it is....helllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllp > > Lila Miller > > > ==== LAIRD Mailing List ==== > Laird Resource Page: > http://resources.rootsweb.com/surnames/l/a/LAIRD/ > >

Hi, Pat! Welcome to the Laird list. That was my post you answered. By the way, I am planning a research trip to Kansas, and to order some microfilm on interlibrary loan. Let's communicate about things we both need. What township did James and Julia Hammond live in? I want to search the Kansas State Census - knowing the township will certainly help cut down lost time. Your "Cousin", Sharon Seaver Wildwood, MO

Ken, I do not believe we have been in contact before. My gggg-grandparents were William and Elinder LEAIRD. The family name has been spelled in a variety of ways. The family spells it Laird today. William and Elinder were from South Carolina and moved to Alabama in the early 1800's. The second oldest son migrated to northwest Florida and was found in the 1860 federal census for Walton County. Ring any bells. I do not know if the LEAIRD spelling was a misspelling on the part of the official recording the name or if that is the way it was spelled originally. I have wondered if the McLeaird family were related, but since William and Elinder are my brick wall, I have no idea. Sarah

Hi Sarah. Have we exchanged info before? I do not recognize your screen name as one on my contact list. Your response to the Laird list of names on the Roots-L Mailing List about the "Leaird" spelling caught my attention. For obvious reasons I am very interested in who your gggg-grandfather was. I am a descendant of William and Elvey McLeard and our branch of the family spell our name "Leaird" today. Ken Leaird

I have placed my LAIRD family tree on our web page at World Family Tree, for anyone who would like to view it. I welcome your corrections or additions. I have included my sources in the text and all of my notes. http://www.familytreemaker.com/users/h/a/n/Tena-M-Hanna/index.html Tena McDowell Hanna

Patricia and List Members: In a moment of anger I hastily posted Patricia's letter addressed to me re: my eldest Laird ancestor. I will admit that I was hurt the first time my eldest ancestor was not posted to the Laird Newsletter in August, but I kept it to myself and didn't say anything. When I received the reply about my family tree errors, I was hurt a second time. This is no excuse for my posting the source of my hurt, but it is the truth. I do not question your 25 years of experience or your hard work on the newsletter, I was only hurt that my family tree that I have work equally as hard on, and admittedly only for the last three and one half years, was being rejected when everyone else's seemed to be accepted. I have used as my primary sources our own family Bible records up that provide family information back to the year 1753. My other sources are copies of the original wills for my family members, land records, and information provided to me by the Cumberland County Historical Society. My most frequently quoted documents are: : HISTORY OF THE BIG SPRING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Newville, PA. 1737 - 1898 by Gilbert Ernest Swope, Newville, PA Times Steam Printing House 1898 Seilhamer Collection, Vol. 5A; Pages 306 - 310, Franklin County, Pennsylvania Historical Society, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania I do admit that I have absolutely no training in genealogy, but have learned good practices through the kindness of fellow researchers on the internet. I do admit to not knowing the dates for James Laird and his wife Jane. Until your email I was not aware of the information that you have quoted from his son William. I do not know your source, but I do know that my source for the dates was the LDS church records. I will also admit to having no knowledge of the fact that these records can be flawed. I was under the impression that they were quite strict about their genealogies and a member of their church needs to go through quite a process before their genealogy is accepted by the church. Please accept my apology to you and the list for allowing my personal hurts to overflow to the list. Tena McDowell Hanna

Paul, You can add LEAIRD to your list also. This is how my gggg-grandfather's name was spelled. Sarah

I've got a virtual menu of variations on the Laird name: to wit - Laird Lard Larid Leard Leird Lord Lahr Lehr Lehrer yep, it is hard to find out who is who sometimes. My GGGGgrandfather Samuel Laird was also listed as Samuel Leard on his marriage certificate. Paul Laird -----Original Message----- From: Daphne Richey [SMTP:drichey@compusmart.ab.ca] Sent: Sunday, February 13, 2000 3:03 PM To: LAIRD-L@rootsweb.com Subject: Re: [LAIRD] An Open Letter Sharon; You are so right. With some lines avoiding the Irish landlords and making name changes, it is a wonder any of us can find ancestors beyond 1800. We must still be in this activity for enjoyment or life isn't worthwhile. If we are after the facts then accuracy in transcription is so necessary. Otherwise we might as well use historically based fiction novels. Daphne Sharon4mus@aol.com wrote: > I also thank Patricia for her genealogical integrity and careful research. ==== LAIRD Mailing List ==== List problem or question? e-mail Russell Laird at rlaird@1starnet.com

Wish I could help. My lairds are from AL -----Original Message----- From: Pat Journeay <pbj2000@prodigy.net> To: LAIRD-L@rootsweb.com <LAIRD-L@rootsweb.com> Date: Sunday, February 13, 2000 5:02 PM Subject: [LAIRD] Samuel Lard >I am researching Samuel Laird b. 1770 d. 1838. He married Rebecca Hammond in Vermont in 1800. Children included Julia, Samuel Jr., Horatio Nelson and Charles. In 1820 the entire family moved to N. Madison, IN. Rebecca and Samuel were later divorced and he remarried fathering several other children. > >I am a descendant of Julia who married James Hammond and later moved to Kansas. James and Julia were my GG grandparents. > >I have seen the Laird spelling as LARD as well. > >Pat Journeay >New Lister > > >==== LAIRD Mailing List ==== >List archive search engines? See resource page at: >http://resources.rootsweb.com/surnames/l/a/LAIRD/ > >

Lou; Cool it just a bit. Not everyone is able to keep genealogy on the straight and narrow. A bit of give and take won't do anyone any harm. Learn what you can, offer what you can and do the best you can. Each one is working at his or her own level. I'm not looking for riches or royalty but would sure like to know the names, dates and places. Most of you are the same. Professionals must be serious and we should be so glad we have several on this list. Please keep up the good work and smile as the world smiles with you. A few other cliches could be offered, but just enjoy the company we have. Good luck in all your searches. Daphne N. Richey (nee Garrison) looking for lots of names

Sharon; You are so right. With some lines avoiding the Irish landlords and making name changes, it is a wonder any of us can find ancestors beyond 1800. We must still be in this activity for enjoyment or life isn't worthwhile. If we are after the facts then accuracy in transcription is so necessary. Otherwise we might as well use historically based fiction novels. Daphne Sharon4mus@aol.com wrote: > I also thank Patricia for her genealogical integrity and careful research.

I, too, wish to commend Patricia for keeping the information as correct as is humanly possible. I am in the process of verifying Internet information, and with the surnames of Jones & Smith, this is not an easy task. Still, I want to make sure I am not adopting, embracing, and researching someone else's family. Tena, please understand that Patricia was trying to help you, not trying to belittle you and your ancestors. Sherry At 04:33 PM 2/13/00 EST, you wrote: >I also thank Patricia for her genealogical integrity and careful research. I >have worked on my Laird line (and others) since about 1960. Even though I >took notes at courthouses and cemeteries very carefully, I have also relied >on the research of others whom I trust. As careful as we are, mistakes in >transcribing, copying, or even simple wrong assumptions can creep in. >Sometimes two original sources simply disagree with each other. As others >have said, it is easy to copy a mistake, send it to several people, or (now) >post it on the internet - pretty soon the wrong information is all over the >world. > >I have made mistakes by misreading original handwriting which was difficult >to read (mistranscribed the name Rector as Ritchie, for example). Thank >goodness we are able to compare our work with others' and either confirm or >correct what we have done. > > >==== LAIRD Mailing List ==== >Laird Resource Page: >http://resources.rootsweb.com/surnames/l/a/LAIRD/ > >

I am researching Samuel Laird b. 1770 d. 1838. He married Rebecca Hammond in Vermont in 1800. Children included Julia, Samuel Jr., Horatio Nelson and Charles. In 1820 the entire family moved to N. Madison, IN. Rebecca and Samuel were later divorced and he remarried fathering several other children. I am a descendant of Julia who married James Hammond and later moved to Kansas. James and Julia were my GG grandparents. I have seen the Laird spelling as LARD as well. Pat Journeay New Lister

I also thank Patricia for her genealogical integrity and careful research. I have worked on my Laird line (and others) since about 1960. Even though I took notes at courthouses and cemeteries very carefully, I have also relied on the research of others whom I trust. As careful as we are, mistakes in transcribing, copying, or even simple wrong assumptions can creep in. Sometimes two original sources simply disagree with each other. As others have said, it is easy to copy a mistake, send it to several people, or (now) post it on the internet - pretty soon the wrong information is all over the world. I have made mistakes by misreading original handwriting which was difficult to read (mistranscribed the name Rector as Ritchie, for example). Thank goodness we are able to compare our work with others' and either confirm or correct what we have done.

Thank you for your genealogical integrity. Too many folk seem to take everything they read on the internet as gospel. Others make suppositions and publish the suppositions as fact. I have seen a lot of online genealogies with errors that stem from a mistake made by a single searcher and copied mindlessly by others. Many people do not engage in original research. They don't go to the courthouses and libraries but sit at their computers and perpetrate the errors of others. So, again I thank you. Mary Szymanowski PLairdhoward@aol.com wrote: > Dear Laird researchers and Laird Family Association Members. > > I must apologize ahead of time for taking up your time with the > following letter. > It will be my only post regarding Tena's statement, and then I will let it > drop. > > First, I would like to say that I would never, under any circumstances > say > or suggest to anyone that they may not post their information to the Laird > Family Association newsletter. This newsletter belongs to every member of > the Laird > Family Association. > At the same time I want everyone on this list to understand that I am > a professional genealogist who takes my work seriously. When I work > on a Laird newsletter, I am obligated to make sure that the newsletter > is as accurate as possible. When I see an error, I have the responsibility > of making sure that the error is corrected before I publish the newsletter. > If I do not do this, then I am doing a disservice to you, the Laird Family > Association and to my own professional reputation. > Tena is working on the same family that I have researched for over 25 > years, > and I have spent quite a bit of time, and money gathering documented sources > to verify this family. As I have already stated before, my brother and I > will be > posting an article on the Laird family of Derry Township, Lancaster County, > Pennsylvania in the next newsletter. I will let the documented sources > do the speaking. > Most seasoned genealogists know that the family groupsheets submitted > to the LDS church often contain errors and must be proven through follow up > documentation. It is also true with the familytreemaker cd's that contain > groupsheets submitted via gedcom files. > It is a shame that she posted a letter that I sent to her in private to > the > Laird list so that everyone could read. > > Sincerely, > Patricia Laird Howard > > > > > > ==== LAIRD Mailing List ==== > LFA Newsletter idea? e-mail Patricia Laird Howard > at pahoward@concentric.net

Tena, it has nothing to do with worthiness. That particular error is found several places on the Wev, and the LDS church seems to be the source. Genealogy is about accuracy, conciseness, and sources. Your source is not reliable and the lineage as you have it is incorrect. Patricia was simply pointing out that she does not want to compound the error by putting something in the newsletter she knows is incorrect. Paul Laird -----Original Message----- From: Tena Hanna [SMTP:mjhanna@jps.net] Sent: Saturday, February 12, 2000 10:22 AM To: LAIRD-L@rootsweb.com Subject: [LAIRD] Re: James and Jane Laird Patricia: I am so sorry that you feel my family tree is so flawed that it is unworthy to be published in "your" newsletter. This is fine with me. Tena McDowell Hanna ----- Original Message ----- From: <PLairdhoward@aol.com> To: <mjhanna@jps.net> Sent: Saturday, February 12, 2000 9:08 AM Subject: James and Jane Laird > Tena, > > For the past 25 years my Laird research has focused around John Laird > and wife Agnes Black of Derry Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania > and their son Hugh Laird of York County, Pennsylvania. This research, and > the various docments I have gathered on the family seems to indicate that > John, Hugh, Samuel, Matthew, James and William Laird all stem from the same > branch of the Laird family that settled in Derry Township, Lancaster County, > Pennsylvania in the 1730's, sons of James Laird and wife Jane. > > I would like to point out that your posting on your 1st generation, the > descendants of James Laird and Jane, which was sent to me last August > is a direct quote of a family group sheet that was submitted about 1989 > to the LDS church by a Laird researcher. Unfortunately this family > group sheet has several errors, mostly relating to dates of birth. So please > review your most recent submission for the newsletter. I see two problems > that need to be addressed before posting your earliest Laird ancestor. > > First, you have James Laird listed as born about 1704. > The deposition of Capt William Laird indicates that when his parents arrived > in America about 1736, they discovered that their daughter Mary Snoddy had > recently been widowed and was about to marry again. This would indicate > that James Laird was a much older man than indicated by the birth date of > 1704. > > Second, you list Matthew Laird m 1st Rachel Wilkins, m 2nd Elizabeth, as > the son of Hugh Laird and wife Anna. What is your source for this Matthew > Laird being the son of Hugh Laird and wife Anna rather than the son of James > Laird and wife Jane? > > I will be working on the newsletter all day tomorrow so that it will be > ready > for posting on Sunday. Please let me know if you have any questions regarding > this letter. I think that the February issue of Laird Branches, which > will include the article on James and Jane Laird and their children will help > clear up any questions that you may have about the first generation of Lairds > in Derry Township, Lancaster County, PA. I will be checking my e-mail on > a regular basis all day tomorrow, and will await your reply. > > Sincerely, > Patricia > ==== LAIRD Mailing List ==== Laird Resource Page: http://resources.rootsweb.com/surnames/l/a/LAIRD/

Hello, I have posted my family a few times, but have more information on the family of my gr gr grandfather's brother Samuel LAIRD. Samuel LAIRD died in Burlington County NJ in 1899. He had been married twice and had two children--Ralston and Lizzie . In Samuel's estate file, it states that no one knows where Ralston has gone. I am hoping he may have gone to another state and had a family. The name is unusual enough that I could find a connection. I have checked 1900 soundex in NJ and PA with no luck. Ralston LAIRD was named for his grandfather and uncle, also had a first cousin with the same name. Does anyone have a Ralston LAIRD in their line? He was born about 1860 in NJ or PA. Both parents were born in Ireland. Thanks very much. Kathy Karn

I have been receiving your list for about a month. I thought I sent in the earliest Laird a week ago. I must have posted to the wrong list. I have the following line William F. Laird b June 06, 1858 in Madison Cty. NY married Margurite (Maggie) Casey b May 04, 1862 in County Cork, Ireland their children (Mame, Eva M, Willie, Matilda, Ed, Tessie, George, Thomas, John Jerome) I am working with my cousin to complete this line. Thanks for including us. Darlene Rozelle rozelled@bigfoot.com Wisconsin Ted Steffen wrote: > Thank you so much for responding. I'm beginning to wonder whether there is > any hope > -----Original Message----- > From: PLairdhoward@aol.com <PLairdhoward@aol.com> > To: LAIRD-L@rootsweb.com <LAIRD-L@rootsweb.com> > Date: Thursday, February 10, 2000 11:19 PM > Subject: [LAIRD] Update on earliest Laird submissions > > > This is an updated list of earliest known Laird ancestors that I have > >received from Laird Family Association Members for the January issue > >of the LFA newsletter. > > > >Jane Laird Richards > >Doug Hanke > >Gail Van Wye > >Iain Laird > >Audrey Ann Bennett > >John Gould > >Russell Laird > >Sharon Seavers > >Paul Laird > >Ann Scamahorn > >Bobbi Laird > >Autumn Laird > >Carol James > >Donna Olsen > >Heather A. Cottrell > >Graeme Laird > >Howard Edward Lane > >Daphne Richey > >Dorothy Baker > >Mary Szymanowski > >Ken Leaird > >Robert Laird > >Marilyn Johnson > >Sherry Kline > >Judy Fitch > >Tena McDowell Hanna > >Robert D. Leard > >Samuel R. Leard > >Sarah Galarza > >Mark R. Gideon > >Al Lard > >Ellison D. Laird > >Spencer Laird > >Jim Laird > > > > If your name does not appear on this list then I do not have your > >earliest known Laird ancestor for posting in the January issue > >of Laird Branches. Please remember that the deadline for all > >submissions is Saturday night. Please send your information to > >plairdhoward@aol.com > > > >Sincerely, > >Patricia Laird Howard > > > > > >==== LAIRD Mailing List ==== > >Laird Resource Page: > >http://resources.rootsweb.com/surnames/l/a/LAIRD/ > > > > ==== LAIRD Mailing List ==== > Laird Resource Page: > http://resources.rootsweb.com/surnames/l/a/LAIRD/