Laird was born in New Glasgow, Prince Edward Island, the son of Alexander Laird, and grew up there. He established himself as a farmer in Wilmot Valley. He married Rebecca P. Read in 1864. He ran unsuccessfully for a seat in the provincial assembly in 1882. In 1884, Laird married Ann Carruthers following the death of his first wife. Laird helped found the Agricultural Mutual Fire Insurance Company and served as its president. He was also president of the Farmers and Dairymen's Association. Laird was president of a Summerside newspaper, the Pioneer. He served in the provincial cabinet from 1891 until his death in Wilmot Valley in 1896.
Laird's brother David served in the House of Commons and as Lieutenant-Governor for the Northwest Territories. His brother William also served in the provincial assembly.
