Individual Details

Most consider Robert to have been a son of the Robert Lawson found in Rockbridge Co VA 1795-1812. I believe it much more likely he was the son of Isaac Lawson of the same place. Certainly the Robert & Isaac in Rockbridge were closely related, most likely brothers, but other relationships were possible. Robert was older than Isaac and he seems to have been instead the father of the Robert Lawson who married Mary McCampbell in Rockbridge in 1792 and believed to have moved to Shelby Co KY with her family prior to 1800. The fact that three Robert Lawsons were in Rockbridge has made it difficult to sort them out.

My principal reasons for placing this Robert as a son of Isaac are the following:
(1) He was younger than the Robert who married Mary McCampbell - his marriage fits in with the marriages of the children of Isaac that all occurred a few years after the marriages of the proved children of Robert. Isaac did say in his will that his son Robert was the eldest, but Robert who married Mary McCampbell did so some seven years before marriages of Isaac's children - in an age when children were born approximately every two years, this does not seem reasonable.
(2) It was the elder Robert who continued to have a close relationship to the McCampbell family even after they had gone to Shelby Co KY. They had adjoining property - both before and after some of the Campbells had gone to Kentucky. He served as power of attorney for McCampbells in Shelby Co KY in a land sale in Rockbridge.
(3) The first Robert to marry - to McCampbell in 1792 - is known to have left for Kentucky with the McCampbells at an early time - probably before 1800. He does not appear on the tax records of Rockbridge after his marriage. But the elder Robert's household did reduce by one white male over age 16 the year following this marriage. No other single white male named Lawson showed up on the tax rolls and no other Lawson households were reduced by a young man at that time.
(4) The tax records also show that Isaac Lawson's household increased by one white male over 16 at precisely the year this Robert should have been age 17 and his household decreased by one white male the year just before Robert married Margaret Hicks. No other Lawson household in Rockbridge increased or decreased in these years.
(5) Isaac Lawson had a land grant that bordered land of Joshua Hicks, father of Margaret Hicks. He was also a neighbor of the McCampbells but seems to have fewer relationships to them than did Robert.
(6) The only land purchase recorded in Rockbridge for this Robert was 50 acres bought from Andrew Stewart and wife in 1802. Isaac Lawson witnessed that purchased. Since Robert & Margaret Lawson jointly sold part of this tract, there can be no question which Robert was involved in this transaction.
(7) Both this particular Robert and Isaac had a close relationship to one Andrew Walkup. Walkup did also make a purchase from the elder Robert Lawson but his association to the other two seems closer. Walkup's land was adjacent the 50 acres bought from Andrew Stewart. Robert had an arrangement with Walkup to build him a Mill [see notes later]. Stewart had to sue Robert for debt which resulted in Andrew Walkup guaranteeing payment. Robert & Margaret Lawson then sold Walkup a part of the land they bought from Andrew Stewart. In 1813, Andrew Walkup, Isaac Lawson, and Joshua Hicks were three co-defendants in a lawsuit. Walkup was appointed Administrator of the estate of Isaac Lawson and also appraised the estate, 1821.

There is a problem from the tax lists. After the Robert who married Margaret Hicks is being counted on his own, he seems to pas the tax on a 40-acre tract of land that belonged to the elder Robert Lawson. He does so only for a few years and then he is shown as being in a different tax district and the 40 acres returns to the elder Robert at which time he divided the tract with his son James. By that time, Robert & Margaret Hicks had purchased 50 acres from Andrew Stewart. It seems to me if Robert had been a son of the elder Robert, the elder Robert would have given or divided this land with him instead of with James. Also joining Robert & Margaret Hicks in the separate tax district was Isaac Lawson Jr - and the only known 2nd Isaac was indeed a son of the elder Isaac. I believe it's likely they were brothers living near each other. It's also significant that the 1810 census shows this younger Robert living some distance from all the other Lawsons but nearer Isaac Sr. One of young Robert's neighbors is Nicholas Spring who was married to Jane Hicks, sister of Robert's wife. In my opinion, the elder Robert simply the young man who was likely his nephew/cousin/grandson, not a son, lease his 40 acres for a few years - perhaps with the provision he pay the taxes on the land.

Robert & Margaret Hicks were married by Minister, John Cree, in Rockbridge Co VA, 30 Jan 1800. Her father given as Joshua Hicks.
It is significant that Elizabeth Lawson, stated to be a daughter of Isaac, who married Daniel McKamin in 1801 was also married by Rev. Jno Cree, implying they belonged to the same church.
There are letters from a George Diehl who called himself the archivist of Rockbridge Co in 1957. He states that Cree was the minister of the Ebenezer Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. He also states that the Rev. William Graham, known to have married children of Robert Lawson several years earlier, was the pastor of a different church - the New Monmouth Presbyterian Church, located first on Whistle Creek, then moved to Kerr's Creek. The churches were relatively near each other, but it's likely that Robert's family and Isaac's family did not always attend the same church. They were entirely different sects of the Presbyterian Church even back in Scotland - Ebenezer being a "Seceeders" church. The "Secession Church" had split away from the other Presbyterians as early as 1733 and had itself split again in 1747 and a third time about 1799.
Diehl goes on to state that in 1796, an acre of ground was deeded from Andrew Kinnear to Isaac Lawson, James Harper, & Lawrence Mealy, as Trustees for the House Mountain Meeting House which became the Ebenezer Church.

27 Oct 1802 Andrew Stewart & Hannah his wife for 90£ sold to Robert Lawson a tract of 50 acres. It was bounded by Andrew Walkups fence and on on old line; near James Wilsons meadow fence, corner to Wilson and another of his lines. Mentions bank of the run [creek]. Signed by Andrew & Hannah Stewart
Wit: Isaac Lawson, John (x) Colgin and John Marshall. [Deed reference not given.]
Beginning in 1804, Robert Lawson Jr is listed in the tax records as paying tax on 50 acres transferred from Andrew Stewart.

12 Oct 1802 Memo of agreement between Robert Lawson Junr and Andrew Walkup of Rockbridge Co. Lawson leased to Walkup one acre for the purpose of a rye and corn grist mill with free use of all water until the mill is completed. Said Walkup to have use of the mill until reimbursed for costs & expenses of building the mill. Walkup is to erect a double geared mill of logs to contain two pairs of stones [only one pair to be erected by Walkup] and he is to keep the mill in good order to receive all customers. He may hold the Mill in his possession until fully reimbured, etc. The parties bind themselves in the penalty of $500. Witnessed in Lexington. The Mill to be completed in eighteen months, settlement of accounts to be made half yearly. Signed: Robert Lawson, Junr and Andrew Walkup.
Witnessed by James Gold.
In addition, Lawson agrees that Walkup can let a still house on the acre to continue as long as his right to the Mill continues. When the time is expired, Walkup may remove the still house with all necessaries. Walkup is to leave the said Mill in good repair. Signed: Robert Lawson, Junr, Andrew Walkup
Witnessed by James Gold.
Rockbridge County Court, 4 Oct 1803. The article of agreement was produced and ordered recorded.

2 Aug 1803. Andrew Stuart brought suit against Robert Lawson in Debt. Andrew Walkup came into court & undertook for the defendant. Court Order Bk 1802-1803, p.384
[Apparently the 50 acres not yet paid for - I suspect this sale was not completed because Robert Jr paid tax for only two years on this land. He was not listed as owning land thereafter.]

26 Jul 1804 Robert Lawson & Peggy his wife to Andrew Walkup. For the sum of 5£, paid by the sd Walkup, Robert & Peggy Lawson sell a tract of land in Rockbridge in the forks of the James River and now in possession of the said Walkup containing six and 3/4 acres. Begin west side of a branch of Whistle Creek, near James Wilsons fence, corner to James Wilson, etc. Signed: Robert Lawson, Margaret Lawson
Wit: William Riley, James Willson, Joseph Walkup
2 Oct 1804 The deed produced in Court and acknowledged. Margaret relinquished dower.

Given the probable precarious financial position of Robert in view of the above records, I believe this next record to have been his although it does not state Robert Jr or Sr.
1 May 1809 Andrew Findler against Robert Lawson, Debt.
The defendant appeared and acknowledged his debt of $48.18 from 19 Apr 1808. Payment ordered with costs. Court Orders, Bk 1807-1809, p.437

The following record could apply to either the younger or elder Robert Lawson living in Rockbridge:
11 Sep 1809 the Commonwealth against Robert Lawson, to the Grand Jury for failing to keep the Precinct of the Road whereof he is Overseer in good repair. After testimony, the case was dismissed. Court Orders, bk 1807-1809, p.437

6 Nov 1809 Lawsuit. Robert Lawson against Joshua Hicks & wife. By consent of parties the case was ordered discontinued. No clues to the dispute. Court Orders Bk 1809-1812, pg 1.

9 Nov 1809 Lawsuit. Thomas Bennington against Robert Lawson. It was dismissed by consent of the parties Order Bk 1809-1812, p.17
7 Jun 1810 Lawsuit. Job Bennington against Robert Lawson. Also dismissed by consent of the parties. Order Bk 1809-1812, p.93
Either of the above could have been against the younger or older Robert Lawson then living in Rockbridge. The cause was not given. If they were for debt, I'd suspect they were the younger Robert.

Robert Lawson was in the 1810 census in Rockbridge Co VA, p.300: 1m -10 [Joshua]; 1m 26-45, 2f -10 [Jane & Elizabeth], 1f 26-45.
This is a very good "fit" for this family.

Other Lawsons in Rockbridge County in 1810 included:
another Robert Lawson, 2m -10, 1m 16-26, 1m +45, 3f -10, 1f 10-16, 1f 16-26, 1f +45 [would appear to possibly be two families living together]
James Lawson [living next to the elder Robert] 2m -10, 1m 10-16, 2m 16-26, 1m 26-45; 1f -10, 1f 26-45
David Lawson, 1m 10-16, 1m +45; 3f 10-26, 1f 26-45. [near James & the elder Robert]
David Lawson, Jr. with 1m 26-45 and 1 female 16-27
Isaac Lawson Sr, 2m 16-26, 1m +45; 2f 10-16, 1f +45
It is notable that the older Robert, James, & David all lived in close proximity. David Jr was on the same census page but not really close to the others. The younger Robert was located some pages away. Isaac was listed closer to the younger Robert. Also Nicholas Spring who married Margaret's sister Jane Hicks was near the young Robert Lawson.

6 May 1811 Lawsuit. Robert Findley against Robert Lawson for debt. [The surname is probably either Findler, or Findley - see the case by Andrew Findler above] The defendant brought into court a schedule of his Estate [what he owned] having taken the oath prescribed for the insolvent. Discharged from custody. Court Order Bk 1809-1812, p.236

In 1812, this young Robert Lawson was not on the tax records of Rockbridge Co. I believe he suffered severe financial embarrassment in the preceding years and this was very likely what convinced him to leave and make a new start. There is nothing to indicate the lawsuits for debt would have been against the elder Robert who still had tracts of land.

Find A Grave Memorial# 29453104, claims that he is the Robert Lawson who served as an officer in Capt. William Christian's Company of Colonel John Brown's Regt of East Tennessee Militia from Oct. 13, 1813, to Jan. 13, 1814, during the War of 1812. He was a blacksmith by trade. There is a broken grave marker, Morgan-Pippin Cemetery, Cookeville, Putnam, TN - birth readable as 9 Sep 1776, death in June, but the year is missing.

The following could be Robert Lawson but no proof that it is. This is a response to an inquiry placed by Barbara Lawson Shackelford.
There is only one land grant for the name Robert LAWSON dated earlier than the two 1828 land grants in Jackson County:
LAWSON, Robert - 1812
20 acres, East TN District
Book 4, Pg. 331, Grant #2798
Ordinarily, I would suggest that you search the early deed records of Jackson County to see when or if Robert LAWSON purchased property. Unfortunately, my sources show that there were fires at the Jackson County courthouse in 1872 and 1926. The earliest surviving deeds for this county are dated in 1872.
Ronald A. Lee
Tennessee State Library & Archives


By 1820 Robert Lawson was in Jackson Co TN with 1m -10 [Elijah], 1m 16-18, 1m 16-26 [could be the same - prob Joshua about age 16], 2m 45+ [one would be Robert], 1f -10 [Margaret], 2f 10-16 [Jane & Elizabeth], 1f 26-45 [Margaret]. Possibly an older male living with the family. Some have considered this to be Robert Sr but there's no real indication that it was. Some say it was perhaps Joshua Hicks. Could also have been the schoolmaster boarding with the family, or someone unrelated....

Jackson Gazette, Jackson, TN, 19 Aug 1826, Saturday, p.3
Sheriff's list of properties with tax owing.
Robert Lawson, 40 acres, 9th district, Entry #1588, range 3, Section 7.

From RICHARD F. COOKE'S SURVEY OR PLAT BOOK; 1825-1839
8 Mar 1827. Entry #1109 for 50 acres. Richard F. Cooke had surveyed for Robert Lawson 50 acres on the waters of Blackburns Fork of Roaring River, boundary line of Randal Gibsons 100 acres tract, crossing the Creek, to a stake near Lawsons fence to include part of Lawsons improvements. Surveyed 21 Jul 1827. Burkett Carnard & Thomas McBride, Chain Carriers
14 May 1827 Entry #1159 for 50 acres dated 14 May 1827. Surveyed for Robert Lawson 50 acres on waters of Blackburns Fork of Roaring River. East boundary of Randal Gibson's 100 acre tract, Gibsons corner. To include a spring. Surveyed 21 Jul 1827. Richard F. Cooke. Burkett Carnard & Thomas McBride, Chain Carriers

10 Sep 1828 TN land grant #798 for 50 acres on Blackburn's Fork of Roaring River, Jackson Co TN; description of land is for Entry 1159, above.
10 Sep 1828. Had land grant #837 for 50 acres on Blackburn's Fork of Roaring River, Jackson Co, TN. Entry 1109 dated 8 Mar 1827.

1830, Jackson Co TN: 1m 5-10, 1m 10-15, 1m 50-60, 1f 10-15, 1f 30-40, 1f 40-50. [this could possibly be a second, younger wife - or an error]


Land Entry Book in Jackson Co Land Office
John Bean entered 250 acres on Blackburns Fork of Roaring River, NE corner of Montgomery Keinard Jr. 300 acres on which his mother Polly Keinard lives; running West to Robert Lawson's line. 3 Jun 1836.

1840, Jackson Co TN: Robt Lawson 1m 15-20, 1m 60-70, 1f 50-60

"Jackson County Cemetery Inscriptions 1801-2003" by Larry Earl Mabry and Reda Knight Bilbery. The book not only includes what is written on the head stone but the names of spouses and sometimes the names of the parents of the husband and wife. On page 820 is Robert Lawson born 09 Sept 1776 Died 26 June 18??. This is written by his name: "Grave is under a large Cedar Tree. Stone is broken and 3 small pieces are lying on the ground, all I can see is the above written. Robert Married Margaret Hicks/Hix." This grave is located in the Morgan Pippin Cemetery in Putnam Co., TN.
Another researcher has read the stone and says the death date is 26 Jun 1856. Since he was alive in 1840, but not found in 1850 in the census, likely that isn't the correct year.



There does not seem to be any direct proof that this Robert Lawson is the same as the Robert Lawson Jr. back in Rockbridge Co VA. The close association with the Hicks family seems to indicate this Robert is the same.
I do know that Elizabeth Lawson Pippin, daughter of Robert in Jackson Co TN, stated in 1880 that she was born in Virginia [1809], as were her parents. Also Elijah H. Lawson, son of Robert, declared in both 1880 and 1900 that he was born in Tennessee [1818] and his parents born in Virginia. They were the only two children that lived long enough to give this indication. Joshua also gave his place of birth as Virginia, according to descendants.
The Lawsons in Rockbridge were not the only Lawsons in the state of Virginia. I do concede that Robert Lawson of Jackson Co TN, formerly of VA did name a daughter Margaret [could have been for his wife if he's the same Robert that married Margaret Hicks, but he also named daughters Jane (for Margaret Hicks' mother? or for his sister?) & Elizabeth (for Margaret's sister? his sister?)] and he named a son James [Robert Lawson of Rockbridge-Shelby Co KY did also have a son named James & this Robert had a brother James]. He did not pass along the names Robert nor David unless there were sons that died, but Joshua, firstborn, could have been named for Joshua Hicks. None of these given names are particularly distinctive but I certainly admit the cluster adds some credence that this man is the same as the younger Robert Lawson in Rockbridge.

Birth	9 Sep 1776
Marriage	30 Jan 1800	Rockbridge County, Virginia - MARGARET Hicks
Death	26 Jun 1850	Jackson County, Tennessee
Burial		Morgan-Pippin Cemetery, Cookeville, Putnam County, Tennessee

Spouse	MARGARET Hicks (1780 - 1840)
Child	Joshua Lawson (1804 - 1862)
Child	Jane Ann Lawson (1807 - 1847)
Child	ELIZABETH LAWSON (1809 - 1891)
Child	Margaret Lawson (1817 - 1883)
Child	Elijah Harvey Lawson (1818 - 1905)
Child	James Lawson (1820 - 1870)

Father	Isaac Lawson ( - 1821)
Mother	Agnes "Nancy" [surname unknown] ( - 1823)
Sibling	Isabella Lawson (1780 - )
Sibling	Elizabeth Lawson ( - )
Sibling	David Lawson (1785 - )
Sibling	Agnes "Nancy" Lawson ( - )
Sibling	Isaac Lawson (1789 - )
Sibling	James Lawson (1790 - )
Sibling	Rebecca Lawson ( - )
Sibling	Andrew K. Lawson (1795 - )
Sibling	Jane R. Lawson ( - )