James O. Law

James Owen Law (March 14, 1809 – June 6, 1847) was an American politician and merchant. He served as Mayor of Baltimore from 1843 to 1844.

Early life

James Owen Law was born on March 14, 1809, in Baltimore, Maryland to Elizabeth (née Davies) (1774–1838) and James Law (1768–1830). His parents were Presbyterian Irish immigrants. His father was from Bally Shannon in County Donegal. He received a classical education and worked at a counting house owned by his cousin Jacob G. Davies.

Career

Law entered business on his own and became a Baltimore merchant. He was a member of the Independent Greys. In 1837, he was elected captain of the company. In 1842, Law was elected a major in the Fifty-third Regiment of the Maryland Volunteers Infantry. He held this role until his death. Law became president of the Independent Fire Company in 1845.

After Solomon Hillen resigned as Mayor of Baltimore in fall of 1843, Law, the Whig candidate, was elected in a special election to replace him. He defeated Democratic candidate William H. Marriott by 332 votes. His term was short-lived, as he was defeated in the following election in October 1844, by his cousin, Jacob G. Davies, a Democrat, by a margin of 498 votes. His last day in office was November 4, 1844.

After being mayor, Law was appointed the state flour inspector. He held this role until his death.

Personal life

Law married Louisa Douglass of Alexandria, Virginia on January 21, 1836. They had four children.

Law died of typhus (or ship fever) on June 6, 1847, after ministering to sick Irish children in Canton, Maryland. He died at his home on West Lombard Street in Baltimore. Law was buried at Green Mount Cemetery in Baltimore.

Legacy

George Washington Musgrave, a Presbyterian clergyman of Baltimore and Philadelphia, published the sermon used at Law's funeral. The sermon entitled Sermon on the death of Maj. James Owen Law was published in 1847.