Thomas Jefferson Laird was a resident of Lorenzo for many years, coming to the town in 1915. He as a very successful doctor and surgeon during this practice at Lorenzo. By his loving kindness he made himself an indispensable citizen, one loved and honored for his usefulness and service.Dr. Laird was born in Newton County, Mississippi, September 1, 1858, son of Jefferson and Amanda Flannagan Laird. His father was a farmer. He lost both parents when he was a child and for many years he had to struggle to maintain himself. One means of getting an education was digging stumps at five cents each. His schooling was obtained in an old log schoolhouse in Jasper County, Mississippi. He studied medicine in Dallas, graduating in 1906. He entered medical school without money. He bought a cot and rented a space in a hall for five dollars per month and ate one meal a day for the first two years that he attended college. He bought two cheap suits from a pawnbroker which lasted him through his graduation.
Dr. Laird never sent out statements to his patients; they could pay him what they believed his services were worth. From those he believed unable to pay, the widow, and the poor, or the oppressed, he refused to accept anything for his services.
Dr. Laird married Miss Rosa Ladner, May 1, 1879; to them were born ten children. He voted for the man, not the party, though he was affiliated with the Democratic party. He was a Baptist, a Mason and a Woodman.
He practiced for several years in Erath County, coming to Crosby County in 1915. His untiring efforts with the flu epidemic will never be forgotten. He went day and night, sleeping in his buggy as a man drove for him, giving his famous flu remedy. Though it was the worst epidemic ever known, Dr. Laird was said to have never lost a case. Out of his appreciation, the people of Lorenzo bought him two Ford cars.
Source: Through the Years, A History of Crosby County, Texas by Nellie Witt Spikes and Temple Ann Ellis
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Crosby County TXGenWeb Project
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