This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: drdjones Surnames: Lawson, Shanks Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.lawson/6677.4/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Since you have a copy of his death certificate, who is named as Gaines' father and mother? We know in writing from his Hawkins County deed that Piney Lawson was his mother. Gaines left his property to his sister on the condition that she keep his mother until her death. McClellan Lawson was the brother or half brother of Gaines Lawson according to the census records. Piney wasn't actually living in the household of Riley Shanks in 1880 but in a separate dwelling on their property as was John Pine. We also know from pension file affidavits that the children of Hennis, Banks and Martin Lawson were cousins. The only questions is whether they were the children of Burrell Lawson, and whether Burrell Lawson was also Clement Lawson. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.