Biography - Frederick Law
FREDERICK LAW. There is a pithy Western saying: "It is not rank, or wealth or State, But 'git-up-and-git that makes man great." The rapid and precocious growth of the Central and Western States, and the building up of commercial and social relations have necessitated an energy bare of other elements that would be considered impossible in the Old World. Our subject is one of the men who has made himself a name and position in consonance with this Western spirit, and that without many other advantages.
Mr. Law is the leading harness and saddle manufacturer of Nokomis. He is of German birth and parentage, having been born in the city of Baden, Germany, June 17, 1843. His father was Henry Law, a weaver by trade. His mother was Maria Law. When the subject of this sketch was but eight years of age his parents made the change from Germany to the New World, settling at Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Here the youth grew up, having but small opportunity to develop in an intellectual direction, but intuitively grasping those better principles of life which help one to a natural growth and mental development.
At the age of eighteen, the gentleman whose name is at the head of this sketch began to learn the harness-maker's trade at Mount Pleasant, Canada, and just as Peace was spreading her white wings over the disturbed States, he determined to cross the line and make a home for himself as a citizen of the Union. He first engaged in his trade in New York State, working also in Pennsylvania for a year, and in 1865 he came to Illinois and was at once prepossessed in fay or of Montgomery County. Two years later he established himself in business at Nokomis, and since that time has been actively engaged in the same line. He is a pioneer in his trade, and during the years that have passed his business principles, as well as industry, have made him the best kind of returns a large and prosperous business.
Mr. Law is a Democrat in his political faith, and has the strength of his convictions in regard to the principles of his party Free Trade and all. He has played a prominent part in local politics, having generously given of his time and ability to the municipal government, and has acceptably filled a number of the local offices. The confidence of his fellow-citizens in his integrity and ability is shown by his recent election to the Presidency of the Board of Education, he having received this honor by a large and flattering majority. Socially, our subject is a prominent member of the Odd Fellows' lodge, and is a strong advocate of fraternal support.
Mr. Law became a benedict in 1868, soon after becoming a citizen of the States. His nuptials were solemnized at Nokomis, his bride being Miss Susannah Jane Barringer, a native of this county. Death, however, robbed him of his companion three years later, leaving him as the pledge of their love two children, Rosina and Nellie. The former is now the wife of Charles Hill, of Pana, this State.
Without the presence of a deft-handed, tactful and tasteful woman, home lacks its chief element. This Mr. Law felt, and on March 5, 1873, he prevailed upon Miss Amanda Mallina Cole r a native of this State, to take his name and become the head of his house. This union has been blessed by the advent of three children; death claimed one of the little ones, however, when at the most fascinating baby age, when the problems of life are just opening out before the childish mind. The two surviving children are, Dora Belle and Charles Jesse.
Extracted 10 Jan 2017 by Norma Hass from 1892 Portrait and Biographical Record of Montgomery and Bond Counties, Illinois, pages 446-447.
