Nash – Chistensen Family

Scottish and Irish origins, tracing the Laird lineage across generations

Laird Family Summary

The Laird family traces its roots to Scotland and Northern Ireland, with the name meaning “Lord” or “Landowner”.
Our earliest confirmed ancestor, James Laird, immigrated to Pennsylvania in the mid-1700s. The family were farmers and tradesmen, known for their resilience and strong community ties.
Later generations migrated west, establishing branches in Ohio, Iowa, and the West Coast.
This page documents the Laird family’s journey through census records, personal letters, and stories passed down through generations.

Stories

Crossing the Plains

An account froun the diary of Sarah Laird detailling her family’s journey from Ohio to lowa in a covered wagon during the 1870s. She describes the hardships and the hope that drove them westward in serach of new opportunities.

The Old Farmhouse

Recollections of summers spend at tje Laird family farmhouse in rural lowa, as told by a great-grandchild. It paints a vivid picture of live in the early 20th century.

Timeline

c.1780: Birth of James Laird

Believed to be born in Pennsylvania, parents unknown

1845: Migration to Ohio

John Laird, son of James, moves his family to Ohio

1880: Westward to lowa

William Laird establishes a farm in central lowa.

1910: Laird-Markuson Marriage

The Laird and Markuson families are joined by marriage

Family Tree

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