Transcribed by Mary Ann Kaylor

Page 1383

LAW, MATHEW - Among the native born residents of Sangamon County, who are members of pioneer families, Matthew Law deserves a prominent place. He as born September 30, 1839, son of Benjamin and Jane (McCleece) Law, natives, respectively, of Pennsylvania and Kentucky. Benjamin Law was a farmer and one of the early settlers of Lanterman Settlement, in Springfield Township, where he lived until 1840, then moved to the farm now occupied by is son, in Clear Lake Township, where he died in 1878, his widow surviving until 1893 and dying on the home farm. There were three sons and seven daughters in the family, and six children now survive: Mathew and his twin brother, Mark, the latter of whom lives in Springfield; Thomas, a farmer of Sangamon County; Mrs. Rebecca Harwood, of Minneapolis; Mrs. Jane Lovelace, who lives with her brother Mathew; Catherine married Henry Haynes, of Springfield.

Mathew Law secured his education in the public schools of Sangamon County and early began to help with the work on the home farm, which he has continued to the present day. He owns forty acres of fine land in Clear Lake Township, which he has brought to a high state of cultivation. He is a prominent member of the Old Settlers Association and is a public-spirited, useful citizen. He is a Republican in politics and cast his first Presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln. He belongs to a family that has been prominent in Sangamon County history and affairs for more than eighty years, and whose members have always stood for the best interests of their communities. HE was personally acquainted with Abraham Lincoln, of whom he has some interesting recollections. Mr. Law is unmarried.