Transcribed by Mary Ann Kaylor

Page 1384

LAW, THOMAS - One of the oldest settlers of Sangamon County, now residing there, is Thomas Law, who accompanied his parents to Clear Lake Township in 1836. He was born in Tennessee, September 23, 1831, a son of Benjamin Law, the former a native of Tennessee and the latter of Indiana. The father was a farmer by occupation and came to Illinois in an early day. He lived in Clear Lake Township a few years, then moved to a farm west of Springfield, but in 1852 returned to Clear Lake Township, where he purchased a farm and spent the remainder of his life. He and his wife had nine children, of whom five now survive, namely: Thomas, of this sketch; Mathew and Mark, twins, living on the home farm; Rebecca, widow of Henry Harwood, living in Minneapolis; Catherine, wife of Henry Harnes, of Springfield, and Mrs. Louisa J. Lovelace, living on the home farm with her brothers.

Mr. Law received a somewhat meager education in the country schools near his father's home, and in boyhood helped his father with the farm work. In the spring of 1891, he moved to the farm of 155 acres on Section 6 of Cooper Township, which he now owns, and where he has since carried on farming successfully. He has generally improved the condition of his land and buildings, and is held in high esteem by his neighbors and acquaintances. He and his wife are members of the Christian Church and he is a Republican in political views. He has always taken an active interest in public affairs and has given his approval and assistance to many worthy causes. Mr. Law was personally acquainted with Abraham Lincoln, and when the latter was living in Springfield hauled the wood to the city for his use.

Mr. Law was married in Springfield, October 16, 1861, to Louisa J. Gibson, a native of Sangamon County, born March 14, 1840, whose father, Samuel Gibson, a native of Virginia, was an early settler of Sangamon County and carried on farming until his death. His wife was a native of Indiana and they were parents of twelve children, of whom two sons and four daughters now survive. Eight children were born to Mr. Law and wife of whom four survive, namely: Clara, wife of William Laglo, a farmer of Cooper Township; Abigail, wife of Owen Jones, a farmer of Mechanicsburg Township; Samuel, of Oklahoma, and Frank, living at home with his father and mother. Mr. and Mrs. Law have fourteen living grandchildren, in whom they feel reasonable pride. They have witnessed radical changes in Sangamon County during the past seventy years and are able to recount may interesting anecdotes of the early days. The parents of both were members of the band of hardy pioneers who paved the way for higher civilization and for the present prosperity and well-being of Sangamon County, and were identified with the best interests of the people.