This biographical sketch of the life of Captain Albert Laws was written by C. David Engle in 2016. Engle, a descendant of Laws, document the life and military service of Captain Laws chronologically through photographs, clippings, and other documents that are reproduced throughout. The sketch focuses on his military service, beginning at West Point, then to two western forts in New Mexico and Utah, followed by the Spanish-American War in Cuba and the Philippines, and, finally, his death at Fort Ontario in 1908. A CD with files is included.

Albert Laws was born in Wango, Maryland on August 6, 1868, the son of William L. and Cornelia Laws. He was educated at Salisbury High School, Salisbury, Maryland, and received an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. He graduated in 1893, and was commissioned a lieutenant in the 24th US Infantry Regiment; one of the original four Buffalo Soldier regiments, composed of white officers and African American enlisted soldiers. Following service at Ft. Bayard, New Mexico and Ft. Douglas, Utah, the regiment saw action in Cuba during the Spanish American War. Laws was wounded and cited for bravery at the Battle of San Juan Hill on July 1, 1898. On his regiment’s return to the United States, it returned to Ft. Douglas, and then saw service at the Presidio in California. In 1899, Laws was temporarily commissioned a major of volunteers in the 35th Infantry Regiment, US Volunteers. The regiment saw action during the Philippine-American War. Seeking independence from the United States, Filipinos engaged in a protracted guerilla war against American troops. Laws was involved in counterinsurgency operations, and participated in heavy fighting at the Battle of Macahambus Hill on June 4, 1900. The 35th returned to the United States in 1901 and was mustered out. Laws returned to the regular army as a captain. He served as a recruiter in Richmond, Virginia, and at Columbus Barracks, Ohio before rejoining the 24th in the Philippines. The 24th returned to the United States in 1902, and saw service at Ft. Harrison, Montana, before returning back to the Philippines in 1906. Laws was cited for bravery in numerous skirmishes with insurgents. When the 24th returned to the United States in 1908, Laws was assigned to Ft. Ontario, New York. While there, he suffered an accidental fall and died on April 3, 1908.