Evander McIvor Law was born in South Carolina in 1836. After graduating from Citadel Academy he taught at several military schools. On the outbreak of the American Civil War he joined the Confederate Army. He was commissioned as captain of the 4th Alabama Regiment and served at at Bull Run (July, 1861). He was severely wounded at the battle but after he recovered he was promoted to the rank of colonel.

Law also fought at 2nd Bull Run (August, 1862), Antietam (September, 1862), Gettysburg (July, 1863), Chickamauga (September, 1863) and Wilderness (June, 1864). While commanding his brigade at Cold Harbor he was again seriously wounded. Law died in 1920.