BIOGRAPHY: moved to Chariton, Mo then moved to Snyder, Mo in 1893
BIRTH: It is unclear whether Margaret Marling/Marlin/Merlin/Meslin was ever married to John's father, or if the relationship with Robert Lawson and Sarah Marlin/Martin was a legal adoption of John, or possibly relations who were allowing Margaret to stay in their home.
BIRTH: Researcher has found no evidence other than word of mouth claims to support the rumors of John Marlin Lawson's adoption. Researcher believes that the family simply followed the trend of the time in naming their child (use of the mothers maiden name as the childs middle name). When John is referred to as John Marlin, it may be to avoid confusion, given the many John Lawson's in the family. I have decided that, unless evidence is found to the contrary, I will treat this individual as a biological member of the Lawson family.