The area I seem to be pulled to includes Huntingdon PA, Porter township (about 1790-1825 period area), Franklin PA, Tyrone PA, Bell's Mills PA, Fostoria PA, and Alexandria PA. Would like some elaboration on a recent find, if anyone can assist.
We just recently got information that leads toward making an identification of the parents of Jacob Laird, and I would like some help in confirming this data.

John Alexander Laird apparently migrated with his wife Martha Osborn from Ireland and settled on a farm in Porter Township. According to the Biographical Encyclopedia of the Juniata Valley published in 1897, it says he was buried in Alexandria PA. (published source, not confirmed by documentation)
Is this accurate? Who were their children? What were their names? Did these children remain in the area, and where did they live?

In this same biographical sketch, outlining a man named Robert Alexander Laird, who was a judge and purportedly a great-grandson of John A. Laird, it states that John A. Laird and Martha Osborn had a son named Jacob, who "died young." The account goes on to say that Jacob's son William Laird eventually inherited the "old Laird place", under the provision that he care for an aunt after his maternal uncle's death (Samuel Isop), who resided on the same tract of land, and lived there through his life. (again - all unconfirmed)

The information WE have on OUR Jacob Laird indicates he died on or about 1 Oct 1791 "siezed in his demense" probably at his home (Huntingdon?) [ref: Huntingdon Orphan's Court 1792]. He died about the age of 36 if the 1755 birth date we have for him is correct.
He was a 1st Lt. in the Bedford county militia in the RW. He married Jane Johnston in 1777 or 1778 as soon as he was mustered out of service, and had 7 children with his wife, all of whom were under twelve when he died. His wife Jane requested the appointment of a "friend" named Patton for guardian in 1792, later there was the appointment of William Johnston and Thomas Johnston as the legal guardians for her children. Jane died in the spring of 1796 according to later records. The Orphan's court records continue to include mention of the Laird children until about 1812.
According to other records, Jacob had a tannery and some lots at Huntingdon, was a supervisor of highways in 1782, an overseer of the poor in 1786, was one of the principal officers of the twp of Henderson, including those of the old twp of Huntingdon. He was an old resident of Huntingdon Allegheny Street, south side. He also subscribed to the Huntingdon Presbyterian Church in 1789 where six of his seven children were married by Rev. Johnston between 1798 and 1824.

Son William Laird was born 14 March 1779 and was married to Ann Drennan in 1799 (7 children before she died in 1821), and later married to Elizabeth Alexander (8 additional children).

Son David Laird was born about 1780, married Ann Law in Huntingdon 12 Jun 1805, and had at least 2 children, daughters Rachel and Lydia. He was last found on an 1840 Missouri census for Lincoln county, near Troy MO.

Son Thomas Laird was born 23 June 1782, married to Mary Ann Lapsley and lived at Erie with his wife and 11 children.

Son Johnston (John) Laird was born about 1785 and removed about 1812 to 1816 to Canton Ohio where he married Elizabeth Raynolds (5 children).

Daughter Sarah Laird was born about 1789, was married to Samuel Hemphill (7 children), reportedly lived in Ohio.

Daughter Anne Laird was born about 1785, was married to Thomas Hemphill, brother of Samuel Hemphill, (2 children), reportedly lived in Ohio.

Daughter Margaret Laird was born about 12 December 1791, was married to John Saxton or Sexton (8 children), reportedly lived in Ohio.

Also looking for information on "Thomas The Elder" Johnston, William Johnston, Thomas Johnston, Mary Patton, Samuel Isop, and others related to Jane Johnston, 1750 to 1850. Jane is believed to be born in 1755.