Law, John, 1743-1811

Born in 1743, John Law Sr. emigrated from Belfast, Ireland to Albany, New York in 1773. He purchased land south of Salem, NY and established himself as a miller and land speculator. He also sold household goods, farm equipment, and made loans to local farmers. He died in Salem at the age of 68 on June 9, 1811. His third son, John Law Jr. was born in Albany in 1773 and attended the Salem Academy. His first business experience was in Camden Valley after which he became cashier of the Sterling Iron-works of New Jersey. He later became a grocer in New York where he married Elizabeth Law, his first cousin, in 1798. With the outbreak of yellow fever in 1799 the newlywed couple left New York and returned to Salem where they opened a store. During this time John Law Jr. engaged in land speculation and financing new settlers to the area. He was also a partner in the dry goods business Law & Todd. The other partner in the business was likely James L. Todd whose name appears several times in the Law & Todd cashbook. After 17 years in business John Law Jr. closed his store and purchased a farm in the Camden Valley. He died on June 15, 1836 in Brockport, NY.

From the guide to the John Law business records, 1799-1838, (Baker Library, Harvard Business School)