Be careful not to confuse him with William J. Lawson, born June 1856 in Morgan Co., Ky, son of Daniel Lawson and Frances “Fanny” Lawson (a cousin marriage), who was also living in Menifee Co., Ky in the 1870 census.

Menifee Co., Ky, marriage book 2, p. 46, records the marrriage on 18 Dec 1876 of William Lawson, age 21, born in Menifee Co., father born in Menifee Co., mother born in Bath Co., farmer, to Feby America Clear, age 18, born in Wolf Co., Ky, both parents born in Smith Co., Va, first marriage for both, both residents of Menifee Co., to be married at Leander Clear’s, actually married at Hiram Kite’s, bond surety by Leander Clair, by Sarrill King, witnesses George Swatz and Leander Cler.

The bond and the license both say that the marriage is to take place on Dec 8, but the minister’s return says it took place on Dec 18. (The return also spells the bride’s name as “Feb Marca Cler”. The bond spells it Feby America Clair, and the license as Feby Merica Clear.)

1880 census of Menifee Co., Ky, Frenchburg precinct, enumerated 1 June, lists on p. 2 as family #12/15:
Lawson, Wm, 22, laborer; Merica, 18, wife; Clarie, 11/12, b. Apr, dau. All born Ky Ky Ky.

They are living with William’s mother and stepfather, recorded as household #12/14.