Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1901 - 1974 (Creation)
Level of description
Collection
Extent and medium
15 boxes
Context area
Name of creator
Biographical history
Joseph Alexander Lawson was born on 27 July 1893, to James Bell Lawson and Mary Beattie. Lawson grew up in Kanyapella, Victoria (VIC) and attended Deniliquin public school after which he was briefly home-schooled by his grandmother, Johanne Beattie in Echuca, VIC. On 12 June 1917, he married Mary Linus Gain and had 5 children together.
Lawson worked on his family farm after his schooling, after which he purchased a mixed farming property called ‘Oakwood’, near Deniliquin. In 1915, he volunteered for the First Australian Imperial Force (AIF), however was not accepted. In the early 1920s, Lawson became a stock and station agent in Deniliquin. He was active in the community, participating in the local debating society, Australian Wheatgrowers Federation (1931), Pastures Protection Board member, Victorian Producers Co-operative Society member (1923) and Director of the Deniliquin Hospital Board. He was also a member of executive council (1930-1931) and served as vice-president (1932) of the Farmers and Settlers Association.
In local government, Lawson was elected as an alderman of the Deniliquin Council (1925-1932) and became mayor from 1931 to 1932. During his service as member of the New South Wales (NSW) Legislative Assembly (1932-1973) and member for Murray (1932-1973), Lawson served as councillor of the Country Party in 1933.
Joseph Lawson died on 14 August 1973, in North Sydney, NSW.
Archival history
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Office subject files, diaries, correspondence, newspaper clippings, election material, and maps.
Accruals
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
OPEN to public access.
Conditions governing reproduction
Items in this collection may be protected by copyright. Contact the Reference Archivist for more information.
Language of material
Script of material
Language and script notes
Physical characteristics and technical requirements
Finding aids
An accession list is available. Click on 'Download Accession List' above to view.