Bio of LAIRD, Robert M. (b.1878), Hennepin Co., MN
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EXTRACTED FROM: History of Minneapolis, Gateway to the Northwest; 
Chicago-Minneapolis, The S J Clarke Publishing Co, 1923; Edited by: Rev. 
Marion Daniel Shutter, D.D., LL.D.; Volume I - Shutter (Historical); 
volume II - Biographical; volume III - Biographical
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Vol II, pg 796-797
ROBERT M. LAIRD
A progressive development and expanding interests have marked the business
career of Robert M. Laird, founder and sole owner of the Laird Electrical
Company and the president of two other companies in Minnesota. Beginning in a
very humble position in the electrical business at the age of eighteen, he has
always taken advantage of every opportunity to increase his efficiency in his
work. Realizing that it is skill and industry that count in the long run, he
devoted his spare time to the study of the various phases of electrical
engineering and construction work in the early years of his manhood. Long before
he was thirty he was engaged in a business of his own, which has since become
one of the principal electrical supply companies of this city.
Robert M. Laird was born on the 18th of March, 1878, in Bellefont, Pennsylvania,
the son of Robert A. and Charlotte (Grosse) Laird, of Scotch descent. He was
educated in the public schools of his birthplace and came to Minneapolis at the
age of eighteen. Entering the employ of the Electric Engineering Company of this
city, he obtained a thorough practical training in the business. In 1904, with a
capital of three hundred and fifty dollars, his knowledge of the electrical
business and a goodly supply of enthusiastic determination, Mr. Laird embarked
in business for himself, establishing the Laird Electric Company, jobbers and
distributors of electrical supplies. This firm is now one of the largest and
best known in the city. Thirty people are regularly employed and in January,
1923, the business had so completely outgrown the old premises at 223 South
Fifth street that it had to be moved to larger quarters at 215-217 South Fourth
street. As sole owner of this company, Mr. Laird is charged with the entire
responsibility for the conduct of its affairs. He has also branched out into
other work in the electrical field, and is now president of the Pioneer Electric
Company of St. Paul. Nor has he limited his interests strictly to this line of
work, for he is an important stockholder in the Cannon Ball Alarm Company, of
which he is the president and treasurer.
Mr. Laird's wife was Miss Madge E. Loomis of Minneapolis before her marriage.
One child has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Laird, a daughter, Margaret Loomis
Laird.
Mr. Laird has long been prominently identified with various business and trade
organizations of this city, including the Builders Exchange, the Manufacturers
Club, the Civic & Commerce Association, and the Rotary Club, of which he was the
president during 1921. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Benevolent
Protective Order of Elks. His religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church
and in politics he votes with the republican party. His name is found on the
rolls of the Minneapolis Athletic and Interlachen Golf clubs, and he is a patron
of all the outdoor sports. Personally he derives much pleasure as well as good
exercise from golf, while the woods of the northern part of the state afford him
an ideal opportunity of indulging his fondness for hunting. During the hunting
season he always plans an excursion to the wild country, where he is sure of a
few days or weeks of good sport.