John Law, naturalization challenge, 1889

LAW, RIPLEY, GREEMP

Posted By: Winnebago co. Volunteer
Date: 11/5/2007 at 13:29:25

He was not Naturalized.

Forest City, Iowa, Nov. 24 - At the late election, John Law of this place was supposed to be elected as Representative from the Eighty-fifth District, composed of Hancock and Winnebago Counties. There were three candidates, John Law, Republican; W.C. Ripley, Democrat, and W.F. Greemp, Granger. Law received 60 more votes than Ripley, the next highest, and was given the certificate. Now, however, it turns out that Law has never been naturalized, and is still an allien. There is no doubt of this, or that Law is ineligible to hold any office. It is said that the case that can be made against, Mr. Law is so strong that he will not defend it. The case is of special interest for the reason that with Law a sitting member, the House is a tie.

~New York Times, November 25, 1889

~Notes: John Law served in the 23rd General Assembly of the State of Iowa (Jan 13, 1890-Apr 15, 1890). Neither Ripley nor Greemp are listed as a State Representative for any year. It appears that the 'challenge' to Mr. Law's naturalization status was not successful!