Catherine Merritt Lackey died at the home of her sister-in-law, Mrs. ? Kendall, in this place on January 6, 1866, after a brief illness. The deceased was born near Harrison, O., February 6, 1805, and lived to the ripe old age of 93 years and 11 months.
In 1822 she was married to Ira Lackey at Cincinnati, who was conducting a large merchant tailoring establishment in that city. They remained there until 1823, when they removed to Milton. While there her husband bought what is now known as the Meredith stock farm, and built the present brick buildings thereon. In 1832 they moved to this farm, and continued to live there until 1854, when it was bought by Solomon Meredith. Her husband opened the first dry goods store in Cambridge City in the house now owned by J.L. Richey, in East Cambridge, which then bid fair to be the town.
In 1836 Ira Lackey, Sanford Lackey, George Graham, William Peity and others were the proprietors of that part of Cambridge City west of the river. He was also one of the prime movers in the organization and construction of the Whitewater canal, from this place to Cincinnati. But he did not live to see it completed, as he died in 1843.
There house was the home of many prominent people in the early days and also many of the students attending the Hoshour seminary. For ten years after her husband's death she managed the farm until sold. She made this place her home until thirty years ago, when she went to Bloomington, Ill. Five years ago, she and her son, Richard Lackey, returned and have made their home with Mrs. Kendall.
The deceased was a kind mother, dearly beloved by all - unassuming in her nature, but always thoughtful of the pleasure and comfort of others. She was remarkably well preserved and aside from the long afflictions of deafness, always enjoyed good health. She was the mother of three daughters and five sons, of which only three, Richard, Robert and Ira, survive her.
Funeral services were conducted at the family residence on Sunday afternoon by Rev. Wilcox. Interment in Capitol Hill cemetery by the side of her husband and children.
