George Jones and Sarah Lawson

The Lawson Family in Scotland

Laswon Ancestors

1-Alexander Lawson, son of Alexander Lawson and Jean Mitchellson, was born in 1680 and was christened on 21 Mar 1860 in Edinburgh Parish, Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland. Alexander married Margaret Sted.  They a one son: William.

2-William Lawson was born on 13 Jan 1720 in Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland and was christened on 17 Jan 1720 in Liberton, Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland. William,  married Margaret Weston. Margaret was born about 1726. They had a son: William.

3-William Lawson was born on 13 Jun 1741 in Saint Cuthberts, Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland. William , a baker living in Pleasance Edinburgh, married Helen Paxton, daughter of John Paxton and Jane, on 11 Aug 1767 in Saint Cuthberts, Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland. Helen was born in 1746 and was christened on 9 Mar 1746 in Chirnside, Berwickshire, Scotland.

Birth Helen paxton 1746    Marriage lawson paxton 1767

They had four children: David, William, James and John.

4-David Lawson was born on 20 M ay 1768 in St Cuthberts Parish, Edinburgh, Scotland. At the time they were living in Cross Causeway, Edinburgh.

Birth David lawson 1768

David married Heriot McMillan on 8 Jun 1793 in Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland. Heriot was born about 1773 in Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland. They had two children: Heriot and David.

5-Heriot Lawson was born on 11 Aug 1794.

5-David Lawson was born in 1796.

4-William Lawson was born on 18 Aug 1771 in St Cuthberts Parish, Edinburgh, Scotland and was christened on 8 Jun 1780 in St Cuthberts Church, Edinburgh, Scotland.  At the time of William's birth they were living in Hamilton's Folly, Edinburgh.

Birth William Lawson 1771

William, a hairdresser, married Jean Campbell, daughter of John Campbell Grocer, on 29 Aug 1796 in Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland. Jean was born in 1775 in Kirkliston, West Lothian, Scotland.  Another name for Jean was Jane. They had five children: Marion, John Robert, Euphemia, William and Janet.

5-Marion Lawson was born on 27 Jun 1797 in Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland.

5-John Robert Lawson was born on 15 Jun 1799 in Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland and was christened in Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland. John married Jane Adams, daughter of Alexander Adams and Helen Lun,  on 12 Nov 1816 in Cannongate, Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland. Jane was born on 19 May 1796 in Hawick, Roxburgh, Scotland and died on 26 Mar 1876 in High Riggs, Edinburgh, Midlothian. Scotland at age 79. They had eight children: David, John, Barbara, Jane, Robert, Alexander, Jane and Mary.

6-David Lawson was born on 9 Nov 1818 in Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland, was christened on 20 Nov 1818 in Cannongate, Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland, and died on 22 Mar 1883 in City Poor House, Glasgow, Scotland at age 64. He was a gunmaker from 19 Potter Row. David married Jemima Peaston, daughter of William Peaston and Isabella Dick, on 13 Nov 1840 in Saint Cuthberts, Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland. Jemima was born on 20 Nov 1824 in Edinburgh Parish, Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland and died on 26 Nov 1890 in 17 Montgomery Street, Glasgow, Scotland at age 66. They had twelve children:

7-Isabella Lawson 1842- 

7-Robert Lawson 1844- 

7-Jane Adam Lawson 1846- 

7-Georgina Lawson 1848- 

7-Janet Lawson 1850- 

7-Elizabeth Lawson 1852- 

7-Elisth Lawson 1852- 

7-Barbara Lawson 1854- 

7-William Lawson 1856- 

7-John Lawson 1858-1858 

7-Jemima Peaston Lawson 1859-1926 

7-David Lawson 1862- 

7-ohn Lawson 1864- 

7-Robina Lawson 1867-

7-Jane Adam Lawson was born in 1846 in Midlothian, Edinburgh, Scotland and died on 29 Mar 1922 in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, Scotland at age 76. Jane married John Reid. John was born on 27 Feb 1843 in Alloa, Clackmannan, Sterlingshire, Scotland. They had eleven children:

8-William Reid 1869–

8-John Reid 1872–1968

8-Helen Reid 1874–

8-Jemima Lawson Reid 1874–

8-Janet Reid 1877–1957

8-Jane Reid 1881–

8-David Reid 1883–

8-Robert Reid 1885–

8-Cecilia Reid 1887–

8-Isabella Lawson Reid 1889–1970

8-John Reid was born on 12 Apr 1872 in Old Monkland, Lanarkshire, Scotland and died on 25 Sep 1968 in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada at age 96. John married Margaret Morgan, daughter of David Morgan and Esther Scott Murray, on 31 Aug 1894 in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, Scotland. Margaret was born in 1877 in Old Monkland, Lanarkshire, Scotland and died on 11 Apr 1942 in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada at age 65. They had four children: John, Janet Adams Lawson, William Morgan and Jemima.

9-John Reid was born on 31 Jan 1895 in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, Scotland and died on 25 Dec 1977 in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada at age 82. John married Agnes McGhee. Agnes was born on 15 Jul 1894 in Bellshill, Lanarkshire, Scotland and died on 18 Nov 1980 in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada at age 86.

9-Janet Adams Lawson Reid was born on 9 Feb 1902 in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, Scotland and died on 2 Jul 1977 in British Columbia, Canada at age 75. Janet married Leonard Robert Long on 4 Oct 1924 in British Columbia, Canada. Leonard was born on 22 May 1903 in Shirley, Derbyshire, England and died on 5 Dec 1988 in White Rock, British Columbia, Canada at age 85.

9-William Morgan Reid was born on 17 Apr 1904 in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, Scotland and died on 28 Nov 1982 in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada at age 78. William married Marjorie Ethel Day. Marjorie was born on 27 Aug 1896 in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, England and died on 4 Oct 1985 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada at age 89.

9-Jemima Reid was born on 29 Dec 1909 in Mossend, Lanarkshire, Scotland and died on 30 May 1960 in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada at age 50. Jemima married Robert Adair on 6 Jun 1933 in New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada. Robert was born on 22 May 1908 in Govan, Lanarkshire, Scotland and died on 1 Nov 1975 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada at age 67.

7-Jemima Peaston Lawson was born on 21 Feb 1859 in Clyde, Glasgow, Scotland and died on 15 Feb 1926 in Victoria Infirmary, Glasgow, Scotland at age 66. Jemima married Thomas Speirs Reston, son of William Frame Reston and Janet Watt, on 27 Mar 1883 in Melvin, Glasgow, Scotland. Thomas was born on 3 May 1852 in Calton, Glasgow, Scotland and died on 19 Apr 1933 in Kingarth, Bute, Argyll, Scotland at age 80. They had eight children: 8-Janet Lawson Reston 1879-1948 

8-Thomas Reston 1881-1957 

8-William Reston 1882-1964 

8-David Lawson Reston 1885-1933 

8-Peter Watt Reston 1888-1975 

8-Robert Lawson Reston 1890-1918 

8-George Speirs Reston 1893-1974

8-Thomas Speirs Reston was born on 11 Mar 1881 in Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland and died on 19 Jan 1957 in Hartford, Connecticut, USA at age 75. Thomas married Mary Scott, daughter of Matthew Scott and Mary Hendry Napier-Smith, in 1912 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Mary was born on 19 Aug 1892 in Rothesay, Buteshire, Scotland. They had a daughter: Margaret Arthur Hannah.

9-Margaret Arthur Hannah Reston was born on 7 Oct 1914 in Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland and died on 22 Apr 1998 in New Port Richey, Pasco, Florida, USA at age 83. Margaret married Andrew Francis Kostruba on 10 May 1941 in New York City, New York, USA. Andrew was born on 14 Dec 1915 in New York, USA and died on 2 Jul 1997 in New Port Richey, Pasco, Florida, USA at age 81. They had one son: Michael George.

10-Michael George Kostruba was born on 25 Jan 1921 in Hartford, Connecticut, USA and died on 30 Nov 1942 at age 21. He served in the Second World War.

6-John Lawson was born on 26 Feb 1821 in Scotland and was christened on 8 Mar 1821 in Cannongate, Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland. John married Elizabeth Clannachan. Elizabeth was born about 1822 in Colinton, Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland. They had four children: Robert, Janet, John Buist and Mary.

7-Robert Lawson was born about 1843 in Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland.

7-Janet Lawson was born about 1845 in Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland.

7-John Buist Lawson was born about 1849 in Dundee, Angus, Scotland. John married Mary Ann Petrie Smith. Mary was born about 1849 in Carnoustie, Angus, Scotland. They had six children: Sophia Mudie, Peter, William S., John Irving, Mary Ann and James A.

8-Sophia Mudie Lawson was born on 26 Mar 1871 in Carnoustie, Angus, Scotland.

8-Peter Lawson was born about 1876.

8-William S. Lawson was born about 1876.

8-John Irving Lawson was born on 15 Aug 1878 in Carnoustie, Angus, Scotland and died on 30 Mar 1948 in Ladies Golf Club, Links Parade, Carnoustie, Scotland at age 69. John married Annie Cooper Ross on 5 Aug 1907 in Carnoustie, Angus, Scotland. Annie was born about 1882 in Arbroath, Angus, Scotland and died on 30 Jun 1910 in Carnoustie, Angus, Scotland aged about 28. They had one daughter: Olive Irving.

9-Olive Irving Lawson was born on 8 Mar 1908 in Carnoustie, Angus, Scotland.

John next married Ann Kelly on 11 Jun 1912 in Aberdeen, Scotland. Ann was born on 6 Mar 1890 and died on 3 Feb 1960 in Leeds, Yorkshire, England at age 69. They had one son: John.

9-John Lawson was born on 29 Feb 1916 in Carnoustie, Angus, Scotland and died on 6 Jan 1999 in Leeds, Yorkshire, England at age 82. John married Morrie Lillian Simmons, daughter of George William Simmons and Lillian Osborne, in 1940 in Leeds, Yorkshire, England. Morrie was born on 10 Dec 1915 in Huddersfield, Yorkshire, England and died on 15 Aug 2004 in York, North Yorkshire, England at age 88.

8-Mary Ann Lawson was born about 1881 in Carnoustie, Angus, Scotland.

8-James A. Lawson was born about 1884 in Carnoustie, Angus, Scotland.

7-Mary Lawson was born about 1849 in Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland.

6-Barbara Lawson was born on 16 Feb 1823 in Cannongate, Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland.

6-Jane Lawson was born on 18 Feb 1827 in Cannongate, Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland.

6-Robert Lawson was born on 28 Apr 1829 in Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland and was christened on 31 May 1829.

6-Alexander Lawson was born on 2 Dec 1831 in Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland and died on 2 Jul 1920 in Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland at age 88. Alexander married Isabella Anderson on 16 Jul 1856 in 3 Minto Church. Isabella was born on 24 Oct 1831 in Canongate, Edinburgh, Scotland and died on 2 Jul 1920 in Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland at age 88. They had eight children: Alexander, Catherine, Robert Adams, Isabella, Barbara, John, Ada and Clarissa.

7-Alexander Lawson was born about 1869 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada and died on 14 Feb 1953 in Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland aged about 84. Alexander married Agnes Haston Lawrie. Agnes was born on 15 Sep 1870 in Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland and died on 8 Aug 1953 in Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland at age 82. They had three children: Alexander, James Lawrie and Margaret Watson.

8-Alexander Lawson was born on 24 May 1895 in 5 Regent Place, Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland and died on 5 Feb 1965 in Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland at age 69. Alexander married Jane Raeburn Armour Blythe on 3 Jul 1925 in Douglas Hotel, Bath Street, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland. Jane was born on 16 Mar 1893 in Bathgate, Midlothian, Scotland and died on 15 Dec 1981 in Knightswood Hospital, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland at age 88. They had a son: Living.

9-Living Lawson. Living married Elizabeth Love McDowell on 2 Jul 1954 in St. David's Church, Knightswood, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland. Elizabeth was born on 1 Apr 1931 in 27 Boreland Drive, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland and died on 9 Jan 2020 in Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, Scotland at age 88. They had a son: Alan.

10-Alan Lawson.

8-James Lawrie Lawson was born about 1900 in Inveresk, Midlothian, Scotland.

8-Margaret Watson Lawson was born in Jul 1905 in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England and died on 16 Jun 1958 in Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, Scotland at age 52.

7-Catherine Lawson was born on 18 Jan 1860 in Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland.

7-Robert Adams Lawson was born on 1 Nov 1861 in Lawnmarket, Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland and died on 15 Feb 1946 in Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, Scotland at age 84.

7-Isabella Lawson was born about 1867 in Canada.

7-Barbara Lawson was born about 1872 in Ireland.

7-John Lawson was born about 1874 in Jersey, Channel Islands.

7-Ada Lawson was born about 1876 in England.

7-Clarissa Lawson was born about 1882 in Newry, Down, Northern Ireland. Clarissa married Herbert Helliwell 25 Jun in Hampstead, London. Herbert was born in 1884 in Rochdale. They had two children: Maureen and Ena Frances.

8-Maureen Helliwell.

8-Ena Frances Helliwell.

6-Jane Lawson was born about 1848 in St Cuthberts Parish, Edinburgh, Scotland.

6-Mary Lawson was born about 1849 in Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland.

5-Euphemia Lawson was born on 26 Jul 1802 in St Andrews Parish, Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland, died on 9 Sep 1878 in New Town Charitable Institution, Hobart, Tasmania at age 76, and was buried on 11 Sep 1878 in Cornelian Bay Cemetery, Hobart, Tasmania. Her story is told here.

4-James Lawson was born on 16 Oct 1774 in Colinton, Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland and was christened on 27 Oct 1774 in Colinton, Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland.

4-John Lawson was born on 18 May 1777 in Parkside, Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland, was christened on 23 May 1777 in St Cuthberts Church, Edinburgh, Scotland, and died before 1845 in Scotland.  

Birth John Lawsom 1777    marriage John Lawson Catherine McRae

John was a mason when he married Katherine McRae on 1 May 1802 in Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland. Katherine was born in 1781 in Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland and died on 17 Dec 1845 in 9 Chapel Street, Edinburgh, Scotland at age 64. They had six children: John, William, James, Margaret, Marjory and Catherine.

Note:  Lady Lawson Wynd Named after Lady Lawson, wife of Lord Robert Lawson of Hieriggs (High Riggs), who was Judiciary Clerk of James IV in 1493, the street was formerly known as Lady Lawson Wynd or Vennel. It originally lay only between Lauriston and West Port but was extended to Spittal Street after a Victorian Improvement Scheme.

5-John Lawson was born on 18 Mar 1803 in Lady Lawson Wynd (Street), Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland, was christened on 31 Mar 1803 in St Cuthberts Church, Edinburgh, Scotland, died on 3 Nov 1820 in Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland at age 17, and was buried on 5 Nov 1820 in St Cuthberts Church, Edinburgh, Scotland.

NNote: Some early researchers have incorrectly linked this John Lawson to the convict  per Guildford 1823 who married Ann Amelia Walker in Mulgoa, New South Wales in 1854 and who settled in Luddenham, New South Wales. 

The records below clearly show that this John Lawson died in Edinburgh, aged 17, in 1820.

31 Mar 1803 LAWSON, John OPR Births 685/002 0120 0589 St Cuthbert's Edinburgh Scotland.
Lawson '96 John Lawson, Mason, Lady Lawson Wynd and Catherine McRae his spouse a son born 18th. Current name John.
Ref : OPR Births St Cuthbert's Edinburgh Scotland

Death John Lawson 1820
3 Nov 1820 LAWSON, John OPR Deaths 685/02 0412 St Cuthbert's Edinburgh Scotland.
John, son of John from Lady Lawson Wynd. Died aged 17 years was interned here on the 5th. Lyes 4 feet SW from Francies Stewart Head Stone. Age 17. Decline.
Ref OPR Deaths St Cuthbert's Edinburgh Scotland

5-William Lawson was born in Lady Lawson Wynd (Street), Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland and was christened on 28 Mar 1805 in Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland.

5-James Lawson was born in Lady Lawson Wynd (Street), Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland and was christened on 28 Jul 1807. /p>

5-Margaret Lawson was born on 20 Oct 1810 in Lady Lawson Wynd (Street), Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland and died on 28 Apr 1857 in 9 Chapel Street, Edinburgh, Scotland at age 46.

5-Marjory Lawson was born on 20 Oct 1810 in Lady Lawson Wynd (Street), Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland, was christened on 5 Nov 1810 in St Cuthberts Church, Edinburgh, Scotland, and died on 22 May 1856 in Torphichen, Linlithgow, Scotland at age 45. Marjory married David Thompson, son of John Lt. Thompson and Jean Beveridge, on 12 Nov 1846 in St Cuthberts Church, Edinburgh, Scotland. David was born on 2 Apr 1813 in Torphichen, Linlithgow, Scotland, was christened on 10 May 1813 in Torphichen, Linlithgow, Scotland, and died on 15 Sep 1877 at age 64.

55-Catherine Lawson was born on 18 May 1814 in Lady Lawson Wynd (Street), Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland and was christened on 23 Jun 1814 in St Cuthberts Church, Edinburgh, Scotland.