Person:Ira Lackey (1)

IRA LACKEY IS DEAD! He departed from his residence, in the vicinity of Cambridge City, Wayne County, Indiana, on the morning of Sunday, the 9th inst., after a painful affliction, brought on by exposure, about the opening of last winter, which terminated in the Dropsy. If it is true that the unerring Archer loves a shining mark, this time, his victim was stricken down with an exquisite, yet stern delight, that could hardly be repeated in the Whitewater Valley.

Ira Lackey was a business man in the largest and best sense of the phrase - long, extensively, and no less favorably known and regarded. In the bright noon of his days, and in the full tide of successful enterprise, he has fallen - fallen, as the oak, with his leafy honors, green and thick around him, falls - when the storm-spirit, sweeping over the forest, threads upon it. As the shock that shatters the arms and prostrates the trunk of the forest monarch is felt and echoed through all the wilderness of trees - so does a cold and shivering sensation agitate the bosoms of all who knew the deceased, when they learn that he is no more. So long and an intimately had he connected himself with the trade and public enterprise of this region - and so prominently marked were all his doings, that the demise of this man has created a sensation of loneliness and destitution in the public mind, for which there is no present remedy. Time alone can remove it.

As an extensive, thorough going and liberal dealer in the surplus productions of this fertile valley - who will the Farmer find to supply the place of Ira Lackey? As a Director of the White Water Valley Canal Company - a sturdy friend, from first to last, in sunshine and in storm, of that great enterprise, that is destined shortly to thread this valley, and connect the Ohio river with the National Road, at Cambridge, - who can fill the seat he has vacated? Where is the majestic and manly form - the enterprising and high-toned public spirit - the free and generous heart, that can stand up, and stand out, and walk forth so nobly as he, amid the busy throngs of life? - Time alone can determine. Agonizing is the void at his family hearth-stone - it is not alone there - painful as is the void amongst his kindred, his neighbors and immediate friends - it is not alone there. With not a little of that agony and that pain - all the country around feel and lament the terrible void in the midst. Respected and esteemed by all who knew him - beloved by all who knew him well - and most by them who knew him best. Admired by his friends ; and idolized by wife, children and relatives. Death has frozen his energies and the grave hid him from view forever! Amid the thousand sighs heaved to his memory - the thousand tears poured out upon his tomb, who is there that knew him, and is now told that Ira Lackey is dead, that does not
"Feel like one,
Who treads alone,
Some banquet-hall deserted;
Whose lights are fled,
Whose garlands dead,
And all but he departed."

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.