This image and the biographical text are from the 1875 Atlas of Jackson County Ohio. Spelling and punctuation are as in the original book. The signature is in his own handwriting.
HON. JESSE W. LAIRD,
A prominent attorney of Jackson in this county, was born on the 20th of February, 1822, at Chillicothe, Ohio. He was the fourth of five children, whose parents were John Laird and Phoebe Ford. His father was a native of Alleghany County, Pennsylvania, followed though life the trade of hatter, coming to Ohio about the year 1810, and settling at Chillicothe where he lived till his death. His mother was a native of Delaware. The early education of Mr. Laird was very liberal. He was educated for a physician and attended a course of lectures at the Louisville Medical College in 1843. He immediately began the practice of medicine in Fayette County, Indiana, where he remained for about one year. In September, 1844, he came to Jackson and continued the practice of medicine for about three years. In 1847 he bought out the "Jackson Standard," and was connected with it as editor and in other capacities till about the year 1863. From this time till 1859 he was engaged in banking business. In 1859, he was admitted to the bar and commenced the practice of law. This profession has confined his attention ever since. He was Mayor of Jackson for four terms, and is now in the progress of his fifth term as Mayor of Jackson. Mr. Laird has been a candidate for various offices, for the constitutional convention in 1850, the Legislature in 1871. Politically, he is a republican; voted first for General Taylor. Religiously, he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, joined this church at the age of ten years. He was married on the 27th of March, 1843, to Mary Marshall, by whom he is the father of ten children. Mr. Laird has led an active life. His experience in life has been varied and eminently adapted him for the practice of law.
