Family and Census
In the second page, the main topic is going to be the background information and census of Lawson Brooks. Going into the family and life of Brooks, we will understand how an African American homeowner lived in this era of racial disparity and inequality. Something that is unique in the census for Lawson Brooks search is that there are 2 census results: the census displayed at 1910 and the other at 1900 that both refer to Lawson Brooks.
In the 1900 census, there is Lawson W. Brooks (Husband), Annie (Wife), and the two daughters that were birth from both of them: Lizzie Brooks and Mattie Brooks. There is also a hired butler of some sort, who is Charles Fells. It is stated that the Lawson and Annie were married in 1864 and were married for 36 years. However in the 1910 census, it is unclear as they were still shown to be married at 66 years old for both of the husband and wife [2]. It is recorded in 1900 census that the race of Brooks was Mulatto and later in 1910, he is referred to Black [1]. We do now know that Lawson Brooks’ parents were of the mix of European and Black that gives us more of an idea of how Brooks obtained his property.
At the time of this census, Brooks was 57 years old and his birthdate was in February 1843, with his house located in Centerville, Fairfax, VA (present-day) [1]. His occupation was a preacher. This information helps us decipher how Brooks still gained favorable mention in regards to being an individual of Black descent [2]. The house was also fully owned by him and Mattie A. Brooks, and consequently, Brooks was the had of the land. Both individuals can also read and write, so it is rather easy to assume that they were of educated background [1].
However due to the discrepancy of both the 1910 and 1900 census records, it is much harder to assume any correlation between the two. Both give fine details and have similarities in terms of names and the similarity of the birth places and spouse. Apart from that, it is harder to assume whether or not one is accurate than the other. Due to the given information, it is most notable that the 1900 census is more accurate of Lawson W. Brooks and his family.
[1] Brooks, Lawson. 1900. “LW Brooks in the 1900 United Federal Census.” HeritageQuest. https://www.ancestryheritagequest.com/discoveryui-content/view/71519259:7602?tid=&pid=&queryId=a68524d957eb444a530b22b605ff74c7&_phsrc=BMe49&_phstart=successSource
[2] Brooks, Lawson. 1910. “Lawson W. Brooks in the 1910 United Federal Census.” HeritageQuest. https://www.ancestryheritagequest.com/discoveryui-content/view/199761929:7884?tid=&pid=&queryId=f881cd0ff50ef9097930afcbe3be2c63&_phsrc=BMe53&_phstart=successSource
Mohit Darla