LACY, W. H.

LACY, JAHU, BUELL, JOHNSON

Posted By: Jean Kramer (email)
Date: 1/27/2004 at 08:41:37

Biography reproduced from page 194 of Volume II of the History of Kossuth County written by Benjamin F. Reed and published in 1913:

W. H. Lacy, long identified with the business interests of Algona and also the proprietor of a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres near Marshall, Minnesota, was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, August 17, 1865, his parents being J. F. and Elizabeth (Jahu) Lacy. His father was born in the state of New York, from which he removed at an early date to Wisconsin. Later he journeyed to Salt Lake City, Utah, and shortly thereafter went to California and a little later to Montana. Tiring of Montana, Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Lacy made the trip overland in a covered wagon to Omaha and afterward in a two-seated surrey to Wisconsin. In 1883 the family settled at West Bend, Iowa, where they resided for three years and then removed to Algona. The father is still living with his only other child, Rena, the wife of H. O. Buell, of Burt, Iowa. The mother was born in Wales and came to the United States with her people when a child of ten years. She passed away in 1910 at the ripe age of three score years and ten.

Although the early childhood of W. H. Lacy was passed in the far west, he was educated in the common schools of Wisconsin. He later attended the Davenport Business College at Davenport, Iowa, and remained with his parents until twenty-five years of age. At that time he embarked in the boot and shoe business in Algona, a vocation which he followed about four years. Disposing of that business, he became a dealer in grain and live stock, following this calling about three years. He then took up the livery and feed business, devoting four years of his life to that work. At the end of that time he purchased the Algona Steam Laundry, which he thoroughly overhauled, improved and added to, having become the proprietor of the building as well as the plant.

W. H. Lacy was married in 1895 to Miss Carrie Johnson and to them one son was born, Harlem J., now fourteen years of age and a student in the Algona high school. Politically he has always been affiliated with the republican party, in which he has taken a comparatively active interest, though never thirsting or asking for public honors at its hands. Mr. and Mrs. Lacy are consistent members of the Baptist church of Algona, being prominently identified therewith. The former is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America at Algona. Having long been a resident of this city, actively engaged in business and taking a lively interest in its municipal and social as well as material affairs, Mr. Lacy has contributed in no small degree to the prosperity and progress of Algona. He is always ready to assist in advancing the best interests of his home town and is one of its most respected and valued citizens.