R. W. Laird (1830-1899) was born and died in Barnet, Vermont. He was the proprietor of the St. Johnsbury Granite Co., which was responsible for fabricating the granite monument for Asa Gilbert Eddy's grave at Park Cemetery, Tilton, New Hampshire. During the Civil War, Laird served in Company H of the Vermont 4th Volunteer Infantry regiment, rising to the rank of captain. After the war, he returned to Vermont where he patented several inventions related to the quarrying and fabrication of granite. He also helped found the Presbyterian church in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, where his son, Washington Robert Laird, served as pastor from 1880 to 1888.

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