Shaver, F. A., Arthur P. Rose, R. F. Steele, and A. E. Adams, compilers.  "An
Illustrated History of Central Oregon." ("Embracing Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam,
Wheeler, Crook, Lake, & Klamath Counties")  Spokane, WA: Western Historical
Publishing Co., 1905.  p. 771.
 
JAMES LAWSON

     who follows the substantial calling of the agriculturist and farmer, being
located some thirteen miles up from Prineville on Mill creek, was born in
Kentucky, on August 28, 1828. From worthy ancestors, he inherited a name
untarnished and honorable and has kept it in the same way during a long and
eventful life. He is one of the sturdy pioneers of the great state of Oregon and
has done a lion's share in making it what it is today. Nathan Lawson, the father
of our subject, was born in Georgia and came to Kentucky with his parents when a
small boy. He followed farming all his life and died in the Blue Grass State,
being prominent and wealthy. He married Amy Smith, a native of Virginia, who
came with her parents to Kentucky in pioneer days. From the public schools of
the Blue Grass State, our subject received his education and grew up on a farm.
When of the proper age, he married and moved on west to Missouri. In 1863, he
joined the tide of emigration to the Pacific coast and with his wife and two
children, crossed the plains with ox teams. After an ordinary trip, they found
their way to Linn county and there he purchased land and engaged in farming. In
1870, he decided to try the country east of the Cascades and accordingly sought
out a location in Crook county. The same rear, he purchased a quarter section of
land and has since added another quarter, having now a half section of choice
agricultural land. The same is well improved and displays the thrift and
sagacity of our subject. In Missouri, Mr. Lawson was a member of the state
militia during the Civil War.
     In 1849, occurred the marriage of Mr. Lawson and America Calavan, who was
born in Kentucky, the daughter of James Calavan, a native of Tennessee. Mr.
Lawson and his wife have labored long and hard in this western country and have
not only accomplished much for themselves but have inspired many in the same
good work. They are estimable people, have many friends and have well earned the
honorable position which they have occupied in this community.


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Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in August 2011 by Diana Smith.  Submitter
has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.