Lawson, Alfred W. (Alfred William), 1869-1954

After a career in professional baseball, Lawson became interested in aviation and, after settling in Milwaukee in 1917, built an 18-passenger plane that completed a round-trip flight from Milwaukee to Washington, D.C. When he was unable to secure sufficient financing to keep his airline solvent he espoused his ideas on economic reform in "Direct Credits for Everybody."

From the description of Alfred W. Lawson books and ephemera, 1890-2000. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 173694748

Epithet: Collector of Customs at Whitehaven

British Library Archives and Manuscripts Catalogue : Person : Description : ark:/81055/vdc_100000000133.0x00021c

Alfred W. Lawson was born in London, England in 1869. After moving to America Lawson played professional baseball, was a pioneer aviator, aviation manufacturer, writer, and editor. He is credited for editing the first popular aviation magazine, "Fly" in 1908. Lawson established an aircraft manufacturing company in Green Bay, Wisconsin, from 1917-1918. His practical achievements in aviation include building and flying one of the first airliners, (which Lawson billed as the first airliner) and being awarded several of the first air mail contracts.

Lawson retired from aviation in 1928 to further his work in social reform and philosophy. Lawson founded numerous organizations, including the Direct Credits Society, Des Moines University of Lawsonomy, and the Humanity Benefactor Foundation. Additionally, he propounded his own metaphysics based philosophy, Lawsonomy, and established the Lawsonian Religion. Lawson died in Texas in 1954.

From the description of Alfred W. Lawson papers, 1904-2004, (bulk 1931-1989) (University of Wyoming, American Heritage Center). WorldCat record id: 46837385

Alfred W. Lawson was born in London, England in 1869. After moving to America Lawson played professional baseball, was a pioneer aviator, aviation manufacturer, writer, and editor. He is credited for editing the first popular aviation magazine, “Fly” in 1908. Lawson established an aircraft manufacturing company in Green Bay, Wisconsin, from 1917-1918. His practical achievements in aviation include building and flying one of the first airliners, (which Lawson billed as the first airliner) and being awarded several of the first air mail contracts.

Lawson retired from aviation in 1928 to further his work in social reform and philosophy. Lawson founded numerous organizations, including the Direct Credits Society, Des Moines University of Lawsonomy, and the Humanity Benefactor Foundation. Additionally, he propounded his own metaphysics based philosophy, Lawsonomy, and established the Lawsonian Religion. Lawson died in Texas in 1954.

From the guide to the Alfred W. Lawson papers, 1904-2004, (bulk 1931-1989), (University of Wyoming. American Heritage Center.)