Alexander McDonald LAWSON b.1814 Scotland Search

[sndemaio]

To: possible genealogy contact
Re: Alexander McDonald LAWSON, b. 1814 Scotland, Search
Date: October 4, 2011

I am seeking more information on my great great great grandfather-Alexander McDonald LAWSON (b. 1814 – d. 01 Dec 1875). More specifically, I am searching for his parents. Alexander was born in Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland.

Alexander came over to the United States from Scotland (departing from Glasgow, Scotland) on a ship called “Liberty” in 1857 by himself (validated by a personal journal written by Alexander while on the ship). He was drafted for the US Civil War, but he paid another person to fill in his spot (family story). He worked as a clerk and a porter (ref. New York bank statement of 1863, Ancestry.com).

Alexander may have had a brother named William LAWSON. William also came over to the United States (family story).

He married my great great great grandmother, Margaret (b. 1825 Ireland – d. 21 Apr 1876). They most likely got married in New York, but I am unsure. Her maiden name may have been DUFFY. Her parents may have been John DUFFY and Biddy ? (maiden name unknown). Both of Margaret’s parents were likely born in Ireland.

LAWSON children from Alexander and Margaret’s marriage include Ann, Mary, Elizabeth, Margaret (my great great grandmother), Catherine “Kattie” Jeanne, Henry, and William. Note: the children are not listed in any particular birth order as I am not positive about the order. All of the children were born in New York City, New York. I can provide more information on the children Catherine Jeanne and Margaret if that would help.

Alexander, his wife (Margaret), and his children (Ann, Mary, Elizabeth, Margaret, and Catherine) appear on the 1860 New York City, New York Census (ref. Hudson Co. genweb page census).

Alexander, his wife (Margaret), and his children (Ann, Elizabeth, and Catherine) appear on the 1870 Jersey City, Hudson, New Jersey Census (ref. Hudson Co. genweb page census).

Alexander and Margaret both died in Jersey City, Hudson, New Jersey, USA. They are both buried in Holy Name Cemetery in Jersey City, Hudson, New Jersey.

I would appreciate any information anyone may have on Alexander’s birth, parents, or ancestry. I am willing to share a picture of Alexander McDonald LAWSON with anyone who can provide me with more information. I would also appreciate any information on Margaret DUFFY’s (maiden name unsure) birth, parents, or ancestry.