Hi Patricia... I don't have the family photos out here in California. They are back east in storage....since my Mother died. I will be going back over Thanksgiving and will be able to get them....Before you send me pictures...you might want to fax me a copy....for I may have one already and just not know who they are. The name of Ida Sowers was mentioned frequently....but not all of the pictures are labeled with names. David Lairds picture is in a large oval frame and I am not sure how difficult it will be to get it out to be copied. Most of the others are on a heavy cardboard [ the earliest ones ] and would probably copy easily. I think that I only have that 1 picture of David, but there are at least 2 of his wife....that I can remember. I had started to put them in a book, but due to all the illness and moving I didn't get to far with it. I even have some of the clippings from the news papers that I have put in a book. I am not sure how many of them are about the Lairds. I will have to look. Wow! I just got your message about the painting. How neat!!! Would love to have a photo of James. I have a feeling that David used to play the piano at the church....I have a hymnal with his name in it. To put it bluntly....I have tons of paper that I can barely see over the top of....Finding things will take time...I guess. I would like to put a cookbook together sometime.....Sallie Laird had kept recipes named by the people she got them from. I think that Ida had given her at least one. Are the rest of the family interested in this info???? Got to get to work....Loie -----Original Message----- From: PLairdhoward@aol.com [mailto:PLairdhoward@aol.com] Sent: Friday, September 10, 1999 10:02 AM To: LAIRD-L@rootsweb.com Subject: [LAIRD-L] York Co., PA., Laird's Loie, In reference to your earlier post. I would be interested in knowing more about your book that shows where the Lairds and Boyds lived in Ireland and would love to have a copy of the map. I would also be interested in having a picture of David Laird and wife Louisa, and I will send you a picture of David Laird's brother William Penn Laird and wife Ida Sowers. Actually, I have one of William and wife, and a picture of them with their Laird children. I also have a picture of William Penn Laird's house, and would love to see a picture of David Lairds home and Blacksmith Shop. As you probably know David's father James K. Laird was a well known blacksmith in the area. As for Pinchot Park, part of the land that makes up the park was the Homestead of Reuben Laird. I guess the area of land now known as Pinchot Park was bought around 1958. I have a picture of one of the houses that was torn down. My father claimed that it was a Laird house, but I have not identified who it would have belonged to. I would think that it was probably built long before Reuben Laird settled in the area. The house is made of stone, and only has windows in the front. My father claimed that this was in case of an Indian attack, but I can't verify his statement. Possibly if I sent you a copy of the picture you would know more about it than I do. Sincerely, Patricia ==== LAIRD Mailing List ==== Laird Resource Page: http://resources.rootsweb.com/surnames/l/a/LAIRD/

Loie, Forgot to tell you. "Bud" Laird, a cousin of my father died about two months ago. He had an oil painting of James K. Laird. My brother John said that the oil painting went to Bud's daughter. My aunt Rhoda Laird had a snapshot of the picture and I took a snapshot of the copy she had. I will see if I can find it and try to scan and enlarge so that it is easy to view. Then you could look through your pictures to see if any of them are of him. Sincerely, Patricia

Loie, In reference to your earlier post. I would be interested in knowing more about your book that shows where the Lairds and Boyds lived in Ireland and would love to have a copy of the map. I would also be interested in having a picture of David Laird and wife Louisa, and I will send you a picture of David Laird's brother William Penn Laird and wife Ida Sowers. Actually, I have one of William and wife, and a picture of them with their Laird children. I also have a picture of William Penn Laird's house, and would love to see a picture of David Lairds home and Blacksmith Shop. As you probably know David's father James K. Laird was a well known blacksmith in the area. As for Pinchot Park, part of the land that makes up the park was the Homestead of Reuben Laird. I guess the area of land now known as Pinchot Park was bought around 1958. I have a picture of one of the houses that was torn down. My father claimed that it was a Laird house, but I have not identified who it would have belonged to. I would think that it was probably built long before Reuben Laird settled in the area. The house is made of stone, and only has windows in the front. My father claimed that this was in case of an Indian attack, but I can't verify his statement. Possibly if I sent you a copy of the picture you would know more about it than I do. Sincerely, Patricia

Please cc replies to kmchenry@lgcy.com as Ken isn't subbed to the list. ================================= ------- Forwarded Message Follows ------- Date sent: Thu, 9 Sep 1999 17:44:00 -0700 (PDT) From: "send" <kmchenry@lgcy.com> To: <LAIRD-L@rootsweb.com> Subject: {not a subscriber} John Laird Hi, I don't know if I am related to Laird's. I do know that John McHenry (my known ancestor) frequently used John Laird's line in Rockbridge as a reference point for land description and described him as a neighbor. Also John Laird gave as middle name to two of his kids "McK" which I think means "McKenry" as that is how the name was being spelled then. I believe Lairds and McHenry's worshipped at Falling Springs Church in about 1830. Arthur McCluer's farm is also next to McHenry's and they are supposedly in the "old Miller neighborhood" referring to Wm Miller, son of Henry, father of Henry. Appreciate it if anyone has any McHenry/McKenry information. Trying to determine name of John's father. Ken McHenry kmchenry@lgcy.com

Hi Patricia....Wow!!! The info that has been coming thru on the Lairds is amazing...I have been looking for my info but it has still eluded me in my search. James K. Laird and Amanda Paup....I believe were my Grandmother's Grandparents. My Mothers middle name was Amanda [ Lura Amanda ]. I never thought about it before, but she must have been given her Great Grandmothers name. I wish I would have known about this before. She died about 4 years ago. Time flies so fast. I have alot of old photos and my even have some of them. I have a picture of David Laird and several of Louisa his wife. I know that he was a blacksmith and have pictures of the old blacksmith shop and their house in Alpine, Pa. They were torn down when Pinchot Park was built. My Grandmother used to say that they would never be able to have a lake there...There was not enough water there....Was she surprised when she saw the lake. Not all of the pictures have names on them and I am the only one now I guess who can even guess who they might be. I am 5 years older than my brothers and they don't know any of the Lairds, or the Boyds, or the Spanglers. I would like to trace back on the Boyd side, as well as the Lairds. They also come from Scotland and Ireland. The Spanglers come from Germany. I was married to the Loscherts. I believe them to be German Jews who converted to Christianity. Losch is Jewish...the 'ert' added later perhaps. I love history....and wish I could learn more about my ancestors. I have a book at home that shows where the Lairds and the Boyds lived in IRELAND. I will try to remember to bring it in. If you are interested I could probably fax you copies of the maps in it so the locations were more evident. Thanks for the info....Loie -----Original Message----- From: PLairdhoward@aol.com [mailto:PLairdhoward@aol.com] Sent: Wednesday, September 08, 1999 8:27 AM To: LAIRD-L@rootsweb.com Subject: [LAIRD-L] James K. Laird The following information is for my new cousin in California. Due to my change of servers, I no longer have your e-mail address. I want to let you know that I intend to include information on James K. Laird in the October LFA newsletter. For now, this is the source for James K. Laird not being the son of Reuben Laird's wife Elizabeth. Sarah King, born 6 July 1810, York County, PA., was the daughter of Philip King and Maria Lefever of York County, PA. and 1st wife of Reuben Laird, who married 2nd Elizabeth -----. This first marriage produced two children: James K. Laird who married Amanda Paup, and Mary Ann Laird who married Henry Brownwell. "6 Nov 1849. Orphans Court Docket W, page 629, York County, PA. Sarah King Petition. James Laird a minor son of Reuben Laird and grandson of Philip and Mary King and Mary Ann Laird daughter of said Reuben and granddaughter of Philip and Mary King both over the age of fourteen years, entitled to about $400.00 each out of the estate of their Grandmother. They ask the court to appoint David Hobaugh of Warrington T. their guardian, the said father not desiring to act as guardian of the estates." Source: "From York To Gettysburg, Volume 1, Number 4, 15 November 1996, pg 19, by Patricia Laird Howard." Sincerely, Your Cousin Patricia ==== LAIRD Mailing List ==== Laird Resource Page: http://resources.rootsweb.com/surnames/l/a/LAIRD/

Dear Sandy, My maternal grandmother's father was James F. Laird who's first wife was a widow named Mary Lindsay and his second wife was Mary Lindsay's daughter by her first marriage, Jessie Udella Sawhill. I don't have specific dates but James F. Laird was born in 1850 and Jessie Udella Sawhill was born in 1860 and died in 1930. It is reported, but not authenticated, that after James Lairds death Jessie Udella Sawhill married a James Finley. James Laird and Jessie Udella Sawhill were married in 1882, shortly after Mary Lindsay's death. They resided in various Washington County, Pa. townships. The last I have records of was was Smith Township in 1880. This can be verified by the 1880 Census for Washington County, Smith Township, Pa. On that Census and previous Census they were all listed as deaf and dumb except for my grandmother Nina Stella Laird and her brother Lincoln Sumner Laird. The earliest ancestor I can find of James F. Laird was his grandfather, James Laird who died in South Strabane Township, Washington County in 1848. He left a will of which I have a copy. He and his wife were born and had emigrated from Ireland this is docummented by the 1860 Census. We don't know when but we suspect they emigrated in the very late 1700s. But after all is said and done I suspect you and I are related, how I don't know. I have three brothers. One, George is also into Genealogy so maybe you might hear from him his e-mail is GEORGE@MYKINS-RACING.COM. Another source of early information about this line of Lairds is John Laird at John Laird@aol.com. I hope this helps you, please keep in touch Jim Myers Sandy Simmons wrote: > Mary, > > My Lairds lived in Allegheny County Pennsylvania in the early 1900s; my > grandfather's name was James Finley Laird. I have a photo of him, but I > have no vital statistics. He married Jessie U. Sawhill and I think they > lived in Taylorstown, PA. They were both deaf. He was a shoemaker, > according to family folklore. > > Think we might have a connection? > > Sandy Sammons Simmons > Hermann, MO > > ---------- > > From: Pixie <pixie@access.mountain.net> > > To: LAIRD-L@rootsweb.com > > Subject: [LAIRD-L] Laird > > Date: Thursday, September 02, 1999 9:14 AM > > > > I am still trying to find something on my Lairds who allegedly came from > > Alleghany Co., PA. > > > > John Laird b. 1784 m. to Ross Co. Ohio ca. 1810-1820. Mother's maiden > > name was Reynolds. She was married twice. Name of 2nd husband unknown. > > > > There was a James Laird in Pittsburgh in 1810 and a Widow Laird in > > Pittsburgh in 1820. Does anyone know anything about either of them? > > > > John Laird m. Pheobe Ford, father Phillip Ford. Whether married in PA > > or Ohio I don't know. John Laird was a hatter which, to me, indicates > > that he must have lived in a fair sized city or town. > > > > Appreciate any help. > > > > Mary szymanowski > > > > > > ==== 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/

Hi Patricia....I have to go to an all day class...will try to contact you later today...but here is my email address...lmb@dolby.com....Loie -----Original Message----- From: PLairdhoward@aol.com [mailto:PLairdhoward@aol.com] Sent: Wednesday, September 08, 1999 8:27 AM To: LAIRD-L@rootsweb.com Subject: [LAIRD-L] James K. Laird The following information is for my new cousin in California. Due to my change of servers, I no longer have your e-mail address. I want to let you know that I intend to include information on James K. Laird in the October LFA newsletter. For now, this is the source for James K. Laird not being the son of Reuben Laird's wife Elizabeth. Sarah King, born 6 July 1810, York County, PA., was the daughter of Philip King and Maria Lefever of York County, PA. and 1st wife of Reuben Laird, who married 2nd Elizabeth -----. This first marriage produced two children: James K. Laird who married Amanda Paup, and Mary Ann Laird who married Henry Brownwell. "6 Nov 1849. Orphans Court Docket W, page 629, York County, PA. Sarah King Petition. James Laird a minor son of Reuben Laird and grandson of Philip and Mary King and Mary Ann Laird daughter of said Reuben and granddaughter of Philip and Mary King both over the age of fourteen years, entitled to about $400.00 each out of the estate of their Grandmother. They ask the court to appoint David Hobaugh of Warrington T. their guardian, the said father not desiring to act as guardian of the estates." Source: "From York To Gettysburg, Volume 1, Number 4, 15 November 1996, pg 19, by Patricia Laird Howard." Sincerely, Your Cousin Patricia ==== LAIRD Mailing List ==== Laird Resource Page: http://resources.rootsweb.com/surnames/l/a/LAIRD/

Patricia and everyone, >From the archives, here's the letter you referenced: ------ Date: Wed, 15 Oct 1997 09:46:20 -0400 From: uralaird@juno.com To: LAIRD-L@rootsweb.com Subject: Unidentified subject! For those new to, or didn't see the original posting, I forward this letter from my LAIRD collection. The letter in its entirety. I know nothing of the writer, or any of his descendants. It was sent to my g grandfather, and saved all these years. Hope it helps someone. Barry Laird Cornell N. Canton, Ohio "Beebe, White County, Arkansas Dec 31st 1888 Geo. F. Laird Esq. Kingston, New Mexico Dear Sir: I received your letter of Nov. 26th from Canton Ohio, in reply to mine of former date enquiring [sic] if you was the Geo Laird who has been mourned by his people, in Scotland, as dead, and who would be a full cousin to myself. That, dear sir, was my reason for writing you, and which I explain, as in this age of sharpers you may be inclined to believe I meant to practice some game of confidence on you. If ever you entertained any idea I had any sinister motive you must dispel it, and thus establish confidence between us. In my former letter to you I think I mentioned somewhat as an introduction. I came from Scotland nearly five years ago with the intention of going to western Texas to invest in the stock business, stopping here, the land agents talked me into buying and I invested in property here. My oldest brother John, who was a practical chemist, and assayer in London England wrote me to look out a location for him in this country. I did so. He came here about 18 months ago, and has a druggist business here. He married here, while I enjoy single blessedness. He is 41, and I 29 years of age, both total abstainers . My Grandfather John Laird emigrated from Scotland in 1860, and died two years ago in Postville Wisconsin aged 102 years. My Grandfather on Mother’s side died about the same time aged 98. He was a Waterloo veteran. My people are still living and reside in Aberdeen, Scotland. My brother John who is here with me, while he was in England by chance unearthed the real history of the Laird family, and which had remained previous unknown to us. We had an idea that we belonged to some good stock, as our Grandfather had told our family that the land he owned in Aberdeen had been in the family from very remote ages. This land I believe is owned by the Earl of Aberdeen. The instance relating to the finding out the true genealogy of our family is an interesting one, and which will no doubt interest you. My brother John was for several years the manager of a large drug and assaying business in Shrewsbury England, and was while there the incident I speak of took place. While enjoying a half holiday by the bank of the Severn alone, the daughter of Sir H Harnage (whose father owned the adjacent land,) was fishing in the river, by accident this girl fell off the log she was standing, and as my brother heard her cries, she was disappearing. Being a good swimmer he immediately swam to her rescue and after reaching shore carried her to a farm where she was cared for. >From that day none stood higher in the estimation of the father or daughter as he. The girl and my brother finally became engaged. The father who was also a commissioner in the national Heraldric Office, and had access to all manuscripts of families there, set to investigating the family history, as evidences pointed to my father becoming his future son in law. From there we got the family history, and through him was redeemed the family crest and arms, which had lain in Chancery for nearly 500 years. Our family after examination proved themselves to belong to the main stem of the Laird family, and the British government through this gentleman at great expense, allowed us the original crest, arms, and motto of the original family and which my brother still retains. I may here mention , the girl I speak of suddenly died in France, and thus never filled her engagement, while the father remembered my brother sustantially. In your recent letter you say you do not know much of your family origin, and as you ask me to inform you I have wrote the above remarks in length so that you may realize I do not inform you on heresay [sic] but on truth and facts, and which I am able to sustain. By your letter I see evidences that I believe you to be a gentleman, or I should certainly not trouble myself about writing this long account of your family history, and which information we believe alone to possess. After receiving your letter I informed my brother , and he immediately gave me access to the facts which I impart to you. (Family Origin) The origin of the Laird family is very ancient. The earliest record of which is found in Saxony in Germany, and where the family was known as ‘Hlawford’. and also held the position as Counts among the Aristocracy of Saxony. Count Hlawford had about 4,000 retainers, or fighting men, and had four castles or strongholds, his principal castle, which he made his permanent home was on the banks of the Elbe. He had 15 vessels manned by hardy sailors, and thus with these on sea, and his soldiers on land, he soon possessed himself of immense territory. This was about the year 1,000. In the year 10, 15, [sic] he set sail on one of his expeditions, and encountering heavy storms he was driven on the shores of the eastern coast of Scotland, near a small Caladonian town whose inhabitants were of Pictish origin of the name Aberdour. Most of his vessels were destroyed, or rendered unseaworthy, so much so, that he had not the means of going to sea again, also most of his men were drowned. All that remained was himself, his wife, four sons, and two daughters and 100 retainers out of 4000 which left Saxony. He built a large Castle on the edge of a cliff 150 feet from the waters edge. (This Castle is now in ruins although the foundations stand. I have seen it) At that time game of all kinds were plentiful, and they spent their time hunting, and fishing. As time went on he made war on the natives, and being successful he soon acquired large tracts of land. He was known among the natives as Laird, or Lord of the Manor, or estate. I could go on and recapitulate the history of the family down to the time of Covenanters, but it would take a small volume to rehearse the adventures and vessisitudes [sic] of the family. So in that case I will curtail the account and mention that the year 1600 which was then about the most troublesome times in Scotland, part of the family (for the family was then in three divisions) fled to the north part of Ireland, the head of which branch was named David. The other branch under James went to the south of Scotland, to a place called Galloway, while the other or oldest or main stem John remained in the place of their origin, Aberdour. Of this stem we claim our origin, and to this section of the family alone do the British government allow the right of holding the crest and arms. The David part of the family emigrated to North Carolina, U. S. in or about the year 1730, and thus you can see distinctly you belong to a branch of the old and genealogical stem, although of a younger branch. You understand the honors, and rights, always belong to the oldest, or principal stem of any family. One scion or branch of the same family, but on your side, was an Admiral during the American war of independence. During this war he must have amassed considerable wealth so much so that in the year 1785 he bought the large estate of Strathmartin in Scotland and which lands was in the hands of his son David Laird the last time I was through there before I left home. A member of the Laird family was the Birkenhead shipbuilder who built the Alabama, and raised such a racket between this country and Britian. [sic] His son is at present member of Parliament for Birkenhead. This Congressman Jas Laird of Nebraska, who is at present dying I am unable to say of what stock he is. You will now see from what I have explained evidences are that you belong to a good branch of that noble and aristocratic family of which we all should feel proud. >From History I understand their land was confiscated as they took an active part in rebellious war and piracies. This however is no degradation to us. The crest and family arms are little use to any of us as we have to work for a living, but then on the other hand they are the substantial evidences we belong to an ancient family of no mean origin. So now dear Sir I feel you will cherish and enjoy this account of the Laird family. If ever you should go to Scotland, and circumstances occur I could go along. I would take pleasure in showing you very interesting evidences of the Laird family, and I think a trip of research and pleasure would well pay you. I intended visiting the south west some time ago, but circumstances are I can not do so for some time, I am however negotiating for a good situation in San Diego, Cal. which I expect to go to in April, that is if nothing better turns up and I get my property sold here. If I should go west I should very much like to stop off at Kingston and see you on my way through. I like this country [scratched through] state well enough, but I believe a young man can do better in the west if he notices himself and attends to business. If you have a N. M. newspaper which you would kindly wish to send I should be glad to receive. So now as I have given you all the information, abbreviated, I can, and as it is getting bedtime I will conclude with hopes of sometime meeting you. So with the wish this may reach you in good health and that the New Year may be happy and prosperous to you, I remain Yours very sincerely W. T. Laird "

Dear Patricia With a bit more information we could write to the equivalent of the Lyon Court in England. I would be inclined to think the Arms started in Scotland, as Scots only started to be welcomed in England after the 1707 Act of Union, and most of the migration took place in the 19th Century. There are many Scots in Hampshire who moved because of the developments in Shipping. The same took the Scots, including the Lairds to Liverpool and Birkenhead. Genealogy is fascinating. We are only dealing with Lairds - you should see the Sinclair debate! Yours aye Iain

Iain, Quite a while back the Laird list had a discussion regarding a letter supposedly written in 1888, here in America. The contents of the letter was centered on the English coat of Arms. A copy of the letter was sent to me by another Laird researcher many years ago. I do not know her source, nor can I vouch for the letters authenticity. I did post the letter to the Laird mailing list, and it would be available in the archives. Or possibly someone on this list could access the archives, make a copy, and post it to the list. I hate to open another can of worms, but this is another mystery that needs to be solved so that future Laird researchers will know whether or not the letter is authentic or a fake. I think that the date for the granting of the Coat of Arms in England would answer our question. Anyway, if nothing else, the letter is a good "READ." Isn't genealogy fun? Sincerely, Patricia Laird Howard

Dear Laurel To add to the Sinclairs, Rollos, Bruces and Jardines, many of the "Highland" Clans are actually of Norman origin including the Gordons, the Frasers, the Chisolms, the Colquhons, the Stewarts, the Montgomerys. Some say the Chisolms are of Celtic origin, but their crest is the badge of Rollo. Of course, over 1000 years since the Normans joined and intermarried with the established Norse who came straight from Norway (remember, the Kingdom of Norway extended as far south as Perth for nearly 600 years), the native Celts and the aboriginal Picts so all the Clans are quite a mixture. Since then we have been joined by Dutch (the Groats of Caithness started as de Groot), Flemings, who were weavers from the Low Countries. We also have some survivors of the Spanish Armada, and the last 100 years has seen new immigration to Scotland including Poles, Italian, Bangladeshis and Pakistanis. I first saw a Pakistani in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders some 25 years ago. Much more Scots than me and a awesome figure in his kilt! We even have a bit of Anglo Saxon! There is a very good website "Electric Scotland" which has summaries of all the Clans and major Scots Families (though no Lairds as yet, perhaps the Laird Family Association should consider getting a listing) and Scots History at "www.electric.scotland.com". The Clan pages have the tartans and crests as well as the history, so they are a good general reference. Yours aye Iain Laird

Dear Cousins I thought you might be interested in the following exchanges in the Sinclair Discussion Group. Yours aye Iain Laird Date: 7 Sep 1999 08:44:42 -0700 From: "Spirit One Email" <laurel@spiritone.com> Subject: Laird Cousins, Maybe I should think about this longer before I show my ignorance, but if I am wondering perhaps others are also. The word "Laird" confuses me. It seems to be a clan name ....but then sometimes it is a title..There was a Mistress Pauline Hunter of Hunterston, Chief of Clan Hunter, 30th Laird of Hunterston at the Pleasanton Games. I assume that there is no title comparable to Earl for a woman so she is called a "Mistress"? My two dictionaries say this is a Scottish noun for the owner of a landed estate. a variant of Lord. But in the recent messages about the Sinclair-Lairds it becomes a family name? I see no clan named Laird. Who can explain this? Laurel Date: Tue, 7 Sep 1999 17:47:16 +0100 From: "Privateers" <Privateers@privateers.org> Subject: Re: Laird Dear Laurel The Scots word 'laird is a shortened form of 'layerd , an older Scots word deriving from an Anglo-Saxon term meaning lord. It implied ownership of landed property in the form of an estate. By the 15th cent, it was widely used of lesser landowners holding directly of the crown and therefore entitled to go to Parliament, but lairds were clearly distinguished from the higher aristocracy or lords of Parliament. In the 16th and 17th cents, it was commonly applied to the chief of a Highland clan with no ther title, as in 'the laird of McGregor . The feuing movement which peaked at the time of the 16th cent Reformation enabled tenants to buy for a steep price feu charters which apart from a small ongoing feu duty bestowed virtual ownership. Some of these tenants, really small proprietors, were known as 'bonnet lairds , but the term is jocular, and it is best to equate the rank of laird with the possession of a barony held either of the crown or of a great lord of regality such as *Argyll, who had the right to create his own baronage. Lairds were therefore a numerous class in rural Scotland, though decreasing relative to the higher nobility over time. Baronial jurisdiction was extensive, though subject to appeal to the royal sheriff court or the regality court. The lairdly particle was the lord 'of , as in 'Irvine of Drum or 'Ferguson of Kilkerran . The number of lairds is difficult to state before the 18th cent., but allowing for the large number of baronies directly in crown or noble hands, equating the laird class with all others, and remembering that in a Fife parish such as Creich there were at one stage three baronies, a figure in the lowish thousands seems the maximum. They were not a homogeneous class: Orkney and Shetland produced merchant-lairds. When great landlords, defined as those with a rental over £2,000 Scots (£166 135. 4d.sterling), already held by 1770 half the agrarian wealth of Scotland and were consolidating their ascendancy, businessmen were buying into the laird class around the larger cities. As baronies survived after 1747, it is still possible to buy laird status with an estate which is a barony regards, Sinclair Date: Tue, 07 Sep 1999 10:47:30 -0700 From: Myra Perala <mperala@teleport.com> Subject: Re: Laird or Leard Another Question re 'Laird' My sister-in-law's maiden name is Leard, and she insists the other spelling is not from her heritate. How about it" Myra Subj: Who are the Lairds? Date: 08/09/99 To: <A HREF="mailto:sinclair@mids.org">sinclair@mids.org</A> CC: <A HREF="mailto:LAIRD-L@Rootsweb.com">LAIRD-L@Rootsweb.com</A> In response to Laurel's enquiry and Sinclair's reply, apart from "laird" being an occupational description we of the surname Laird are very much a family of the same name, and in Caithness, as most of the families, including the Sinclairs, of Norse origin. In investigating our ancestry, we have yet to identify a Laird who was a laird (in the landed sense). We have recently identified one real laird (landed), William Laird of Glenhuntly in 1777, and are looking for more information about him. A variation of his Arms has also been found matriculated by a Laird in England. For the moment it is speculation that our original Norse name may have adapted to spelling in the same way as the Scottish "lord" or "landowner". In Western Norway, our point of origin, I have found old farm names beginning with "Leir", e.g. Leirvik, Leirdal and Leired. The Norwegian adjective "laerd" means scholarly,erudite, learned! On the other hand "leirdue" is a clay pigeon! There is a town and county in Sogn called Laerdal. In the south of Scotland we see the surname appear when one Roger Lawird of Berwick made an agreement with the Abbey of Kelso relating to his land of Waldefgat in 1257.Thomas le Lanerd of Peebleshire rendered homage in 1296. Laird sometimes appears in Orkney and Caithness as Leard and Leird. I am investigating the origins of the surname in Caithness, where Church records start around 1650. I have entered some of my findings in my webpage "http://ourworld.cs.com/inslaird". There is a thriving Laird Family Association in the USA with a webpage "http://www.qcsi.net/lfa/" but the Laird family is not a clan in the traditional sense, and so my family is proud, with the Earl's permission, to wear the Sinclair Tartans and the Badge of Sinclair. I believe the Lairds are a "mislaid" sept of Sinclair, as Caithness families by the name of Budge, Clyne, Lyall, Linklater and Mason are also considered to be Sinclairs. 100 years ago there were many of the surname Laird in Caithness and now there are but one or two. In the Norse tradition of our forbears, we continue to wander the world. Yours aye Iain Laird

Hi: I have copied all of my research and notes for our line of the family. I hope it helps you. I had the Cumberland Historical Society do some research for me recently and they provided some. Some came from my family Bible for the Laird and McDowell families. My grandfather's name was James Laird McDowell, he was named after his father James Laird McDowell, who was named after his maternal grand-father James Laird, Capt. Most of my father's brothers and my grandfather were still speaking inGaelic and had a slight Scottish burrr to their speach. I have another tree that belongs to our line, from a Jerome Phillips. Are you in contact with him? His tree is extensive and he represents another part of this line. I have a GEDCOM copy somewhere on my other computer. Let me know if you want to see it. I am willing to share the information. I am up late, so tomorrow over a cup of strong coffee, I will review your information and see where we connect. bye for now, new cousin. Tena McDowell Hanna ----- Original Message ----- From: <PLairdhoward@aol.com> To: <LAIRD-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Wednesday, September 08, 1999 3:55 PM Subject: [LAIRD-L] James Laird of Derry > Mike and Tena Hanna, > > If you have checked the LFA newsletter (special edition) which can > be downloaded from the LFA website you will see that I am a descendant > of John Laird and Agnes Black of Derry T., Lancaster County, PA. Evidence > does point to the probability of John being the son of James Laird and wife > Jane of Derry. However, there were two James Laird's living in Derry > Township, > with wife's named Jane. One died abt 1741, and a transcribed copy of his > will appears in one of the newsletters. He seems to be the younger of the > two > Laird's and two minor children are mentioned in his will. The will also > mentions > Hugh Laird as a brother of James, and was witnessed by John Laird. The other > James Laird died abt 1736, and was a much older man who apparently had adult > children at the time of his death. His widow Jane Laird received a warrant > for land > in Lancaster County. > I notice that the information you sent to me on the early James Laird > gives > his date of birth as (1704) Ireland, and date of death 1737, Derby Township, > Lancaster, Pennsylvania. His wife's date of birth is (1708) Ireland. Their > children are named as William Laird born 1730, Samuel Laird born 1732, > Hugh Laird born (1736) Matthew Laird born (1755), and James Laird, > born (1769). This information came from the ancestral file, and was submitted > to the LDS Church. I have a copy of the groupsheet in my files. As you can > see the dates for Hugh, Matthew and James are much later than the death > date of James, Sr., so do not fit. > I will look over my files and see what information I have on your > ancestry. > I will then publish the information in the next LFA newsletter. > > Sincerely, > Patricia Laird Howard > > > ==== LAIRD Mailing List ==== > Laird Family Association Website: http://www.qcsi.net/lfa > >

The Shipbuilders were from Caithness, the northernmost county of Scotland. My mother's family are from Aberdeenshire, northwest Scotland, but some way from Caithness. There are not many Lairds there. We know Huntly but she has never heard of Glenhuntly, so we are still looking. Yours aye Iain

Iain, I noticed that a Lodvick Laird appears on the IGI, christened 12 June 1698, Huntly, Aberdeen, Scotland, son of Geo and Agnes Robson. Is Aberdeen anywhere near the location of the Laird shipbuilders? Is Huntly the area we should be searching for Glenhuntly? Sincerely, Patricia Laird Howard

Mike and Tena Hanna, Below is a list of the possible children of James Laird who died abt 1736, and wife Jane of Derry Township, Lancaster County, PA. We are still searching for documentation that gives positive proof of their children. 1. Mary Laird, married William Snoddy and James Ireland. 2. John Laird, married Agnes Black. 3. James Laird, died abt 1741, married Jane. 4. Hugh Laird, married Ann. 5. Matthew Laird, married Rachel Wilkins and Elizabeth. 6. Samuel Laird, married Mary Young. 7. William Laird, married Catherine Spencer and Martha Wilson. Not sure if Lodowick Laird who married Elizabeth needs to be added to this list, but there are deed transactions between him and Samuel Laird. Sincerely, Patricia Laird Howard

Mike and Tena Hanna, If you have checked the LFA newsletter (special edition) which can be downloaded from the LFA website you will see that I am a descendant of John Laird and Agnes Black of Derry T., Lancaster County, PA. Evidence does point to the probability of John being the son of James Laird and wife Jane of Derry. However, there were two James Laird's living in Derry Township, with wife's named Jane. One died abt 1741, and a transcribed copy of his will appears in one of the newsletters. He seems to be the younger of the two Laird's and two minor children are mentioned in his will. The will also mentions Hugh Laird as a brother of James, and was witnessed by John Laird. The other James Laird died abt 1736, and was a much older man who apparently had adult children at the time of his death. His widow Jane Laird received a warrant for land in Lancaster County. I notice that the information you sent to me on the early James Laird gives his date of birth as (1704) Ireland, and date of death 1737, Derby Township, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. His wife's date of birth is (1708) Ireland. Their children are named as William Laird born 1730, Samuel Laird born 1732, Hugh Laird born (1736) Matthew Laird born (1755), and James Laird, born (1769). This information came from the ancestral file, and was submitted to the LDS Church. I have a copy of the groupsheet in my files. As you can see the dates for Hugh, Matthew and James are much later than the death date of James, Sr., so do not fit. I will look over my files and see what information I have on your ancestry. I will then publish the information in the next LFA newsletter. Sincerely, Patricia Laird Howard

The following information is for my new cousin in California. Due to my change of servers, I no longer have your e-mail address. I want to let you know that I intend to include information on James K. Laird in the October LFA newsletter. For now, this is the source for James K. Laird not being the son of Reuben Laird's wife Elizabeth. Sarah King, born 6 July 1810, York County, PA., was the daughter of Philip King and Maria Lefever of York County, PA. and 1st wife of Reuben Laird, who married 2nd Elizabeth -----. This first marriage produced two children: James K. Laird who married Amanda Paup, and Mary Ann Laird who married Henry Brownwell. "6 Nov 1849. Orphans Court Docket W, page 629, York County, PA. Sarah King Petition. James Laird a minor son of Reuben Laird and grandson of Philip and Mary King and Mary Ann Laird daughter of said Reuben and granddaughter of Philip and Mary King both over the age of fourteen years, entitled to about $400.00 each out of the estate of their Grandmother. They ask the court to appoint David Hobaugh of Warrington T. their guardian, the said father not desiring to act as guardian of the estates." Source: "From York To Gettysburg, Volume 1, Number 4, 15 November 1996, pg 19, by Patricia Laird Howard." Sincerely, Your Cousin Patricia

In response to Laurels enquiry and Sinclair's reply, apart from "Laird" being an occupational description we of the surname Laird are very much a family of the same name, and in Caithness, as most of the familys, including the Sinclairs, of Norse origin. In investigating our ancestry, we have yet to identify a Laird who was a Laird (in the landed sense). We have recently identified one real Laird (landed), William Laird of Glenhuntly in 1777, and are looking for more information about him. A variation of his Arms has also been found matriculated by a Laird in England. For the moment it is speculation that our original Norse name may have adapted to spelling in the same way as the Scottish "lord" or "landowner". In Western Norway, our point of origin, I have found old farm names beginning with "Leir", e.g. Leirvik, Leirdal and Leired. The Norwegian adjective "laerd" means scholarly,erudite, learned! On the other hand "leirdue" is a clay pigeon! There is a town and county in Sogn called Laerdal. In the south of Scotland we see the surname appear when one Roger Lawird of Berwick made an agreement with the Abbey of Kelso relating to his land of Waldefgat in 1257.Thomas le Lanerd of Peebleshire rendered homage in 1296. Laird sometimes appears in Orkney and Caithness as Leard and Leird. I am investigating the origins of the surname in Caithness, where Church records start around 1650. I have entered some of my findings in my webpage "http://ourworld.cs.com/inslaird". There is a thriving Laird Family Association in the USA with a webpage "http://www.qcsi.net/lfa/" but the Laird family is not a clan in the traditional sense, and so my family is proud, with the Earl's permission, to wear the Sinclair Tartans and the Badge of Sinclair. I believe the Lairds are a "mislaid" sept of Sinclair, as Caithness families by the name of Budge, Clyne, Lyall, Linklater and Mason are also considered to be Sinclairs. 100 years ago there were many of the surname Laird in Caithness and now there are but one or two. In the Norse tradition of our forbears, we continue to wander the world. Yours aye Iain Laird

Iain, Thanks for your humorous message. Perhaps it is my "lack" of "whiskey" or "whisky" that is affecting my spelling. But I guess that can be expected since I would never touch the "stuff." Alas, I try to use spellcheck, but sometimes get carried away and push the button too soon. However, I must admit that I did use spellcheck for that message, and it didn't recognize "Glenhuntly." So the blame is placed entirely on my shoulders. :) Lots of love from one of your American cousins, Patricia