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Lawton Family Genealogy & History

Discover the Global Legacy of the Lawton Surname

The Lawton surname has its origins in England, where it first appeared in historical records. The name is likely derived from a place name, signifying an early connection to specific geographic locations. Over time, the Lawton family tree has grown, branching out to various regions and countries, reflecting the family's deep-rooted history and dynamic evolution through the centuries.

In its early days, the Lawton surname was primarily found in England, gradually expanding its presence. By the late medieval period, the name had become more frequent not only in England but also in Wales. This expansion indicates the adaptability and growth of the Lawton family, paving the way for its members to establish themselves in new territories, including a significant migration to the United States during the colonial era. This transatlantic movement enriched the global reach of the Lawton genealogy.

According to YourRoots data, the Lawton surname has maintained a consistent presence in England since its inception, confirming its early origins. The YourRoots dataset complements historical records by highlighting the surname's expansion during the medieval period and its subsequent migration patterns. This alignment between traditional records and YourRoots insights offers a comprehensive view of the Lawton family's journey across centuries and continents.

Today, Lawton genealogy records underscore the surname's lasting legacy, with the YourRoots database providing valuable resources for researchers interested in tracing the Lawton family tree. By connecting historical data with modern records, YourRoots enriches our understanding of the Lawton lineage, offering a robust framework for genealogical exploration.

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Tracing Your Lawton Family Lineage

Origin of the Lawton Family: Where does the Lawton surname come from?

The Lawton surname has its earliest recorded appearance in England, marking the beginnings of a rich genealogical history. This origin connects to the roots of numerous family trees that would later branch out across various regions and countries. Understanding this foundation provides a glimpse into the early identity of Lawton families and their subsequent development through the centuries.

Genealogy and Early Family History of Lawton

In the early centuries, the Lawton family began to establish itself primarily within England, where its presence was notably concentrated. As families grew and dispersed, key regions emerged as significant hubs for the Lawton surname, allowing for the formation of distinct family branches. This expansion laid the groundwork for a lineage that would continue to evolve and adapt through time.

Throughout the following centuries, the Lawton family lines began to flourish, with notable increases in their presence. During the late medieval period, the surname saw a rise in frequency, particularly in England and later in Wales, indicating a dynamic family structure that was expanding its reach. These developments contributed to a diverse tapestry of family trees, each representing unique branches of the Lawton heritage.

Tracing the Lawton Family Tree Through the Centuries

As the centuries progressed, the Lawton surname expanded beyond its English roots, reaching new shores and territories. In the early modern period, families bearing the Lawton name began to establish themselves in Wales, followed by a significant migration to the United States during the colonial era, which marked a pivotal shift in their global presence. This transatlantic movement further enriched the Lawton family tree, connecting branches across continents and cultures.

By the 19th century, the Lawton surname found a substantial foothold in the United States, where it became increasingly prevalent. This period saw families spreading across various states, further diversifying their lineage and contributing to the broader genealogy of the surname. The global expansion of the Lawton family illustrates a remarkable journey of adaptation and growth through the centuries.

Where to Find Lawton Genealogy Records Today

In modern times, the Lawton surname continues to be recognized and recorded across multiple regions, reflecting its historical journey and ongoing family connections. During the 20th and 21st centuries, the presence of Lawton families has been noted in both the United States and England, showcasing a sustained interest in genealogy and family heritage. For those seeking to explore their own connection to the Lawton family tree, the YourRoots database offers a wealth of resources to uncover individual family histories and branches.

Famous People with Lawton (and Their Family Tree)

Larry Lawton

Lawrence Robert Lawton, born on October 3, 1961, in North Hempstead, New York, is a renowned American figure known for his transformation from a notorious jewelry thief to a motivational speaker, author, and YouTuber. After serving 12 years in prison for a series of high-profile jewelry store robberies along the Atlantic Seaboard, he emerged as an advocate for prison reform and established the Reality Check Program to guide at-risk youth. Lawton's compelling life story and expertise in crime prevention have made him a sought-after speaker and media presence.

Lawton's early life in New York was marked by exposure to organized crime through his father, a metal worker connected with the mafia. His tumultuous upbringing included serving as an altar boy, where he suffered abuse, and later involvement in criminal activities, influenced by his environment and familial connections.

Tommy Lawton

Tommy Lawton, an iconic English footballer, was celebrated for his illustrious career spanning the 1930s to the 1950s. Lawton started professionally with Burnley, later moving to Everton for £6,500, where he became the First Division's top scorer in 1938 and 1939, aiding in their Football League championship win. Post-war, he joined Chelsea and set a club record for goals scored in a season. Notably, he transferred to Notts County for a British record fee, leading them to promotion. Lawton's international career was equally impressive, scoring 22 goals in 23 appearances for England. His legacy was cemented with his induction into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2003.

Born on October 6, 1919, in Farnworth, Lancashire, Tommy Lawton was the son of Elizabeth Riley and Thomas Lawton Senior. His father, a railway signalman, left when Lawton was only 18 months old, prompting his mother to return to her parents' home in Bolton. Lawton was raised by his grandfather, James Hugh "Jim" Riley, who became a pivotal figure in his upbringing. Elizabeth worked as a weaver, providing for the family. Lawton's natural football talent emerged early, earning him a spot on the Bolton Town Schools team and later Lancashire Schools, setting the stage for his remarkable football career.

J. F. Lawton

J. F. Lawton, born Jonathan Frederick Lawton on August 11, 1960, is a renowned American screenwriter, producer, and director. He gained fame for his work on blockbuster films like "Pretty Woman," "Under Siege," and "Chain Reaction." Lawton's screenplay for "Pretty Woman" became Disney's highest-grossing live-action film, earning him nominations for a Writers Guild of America Award and a British Academy Award. His unique blend of storytelling is further showcased in cult favorites like "Cannibal Women in the Avocado Jungle of Death" and "Pizza Man," created under the pseudonym J.D. Athens. Lawton's career is marked by a successful transition from independent films to Hollywood hits.

J. F. Lawton was born to author and novelist Harry Lawton and pianist Georgeann Leona Lawton (née Honegger) in Riverside, California. His parents met at the University of California, Berkeley, before moving to Riverside, where Harry became a reporter for The Press-Enterprise. This family background provided a creative environment that influenced Lawton's early exposure to storytelling and filmmaking, especially during the filming of his father's novel adaptation, "Tell Them Willie Boy Is Here."

Henry Ware Lawton

Henry Ware Lawton was a distinguished U.S. Army officer known for his service in the Civil War, Apache Wars, and Spanish–American War, earning a Medal of Honor for his Civil War heroism. Lawton holds the notable distinction of being the only U.S. general officer killed during the Philippine–American War and the first general officer of the United States to die in overseas action. His legacy endures in the naming of Lawton, Oklahoma, and a borough in Havana, Cuba, as well as the former Plaza Lawton in Manila, Philippines.

Born on March 17, 1843, in Maumee, Ohio, Henry Ware Lawton was the son of George W. Lawton, a millwright, and Catherine Daley. The family relocated to Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 1843. Henry's early education took place in Florence Township, Ohio, and he later lived with the Barney family and his aunt, Marie Lawton, in Sandusky, Ohio. His father ventured to California in 1850, returning in 1853, shortly before Catherine's death in 1854.

Matt Lawton

Matthew Lawton Jr., born on November 30, 1971, is an American former professional baseball player renowned for his 15-season career, including 12 years in Major League Baseball (MLB). Lawton, an accomplished outfielder, played for teams such as the Minnesota Twins, New York Mets, Cleveland Indians, and Seattle Mariners. He achieved a .267 batting average with 1,273 hits and 138 home runs. Lawton's career highlights include two MLB All-Star selections and being named the Minnesota Twins Player of the Year in 2000. Despite a successful career, he faced controversy in 2005 with a suspension for performance-enhancing drugs, to which he admitted and apologized.

Lawton Surname Meaning, Origin, and History

The surname "Lawton" is associated with a diverse group of notable individuals across various fields, including military, politics, arts, and sports. Prominent figures with this surname include Alexander Lawton, a division commander in the American Civil War, and Barbara Lawton, an American politician. The name spans different professions and nationalities, highlighting its widespread presence and influence.

Where to Find Genealogy Records for Lawton

We’ve analyzed YourRoots tree and records data to uncover where genealogists are finding key sources such as census, birth certificates, marriage records, and obituaries for the Lawton family. Explore our most popular genealogy record sources for the Lawton surname to learn more.