David Lacey
1814-Feb. 12, 1876
Niles Democrat, Saturday, February, 19, 1876, page 3, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library
Death of David Lacey
Again it becomes our duty to record the death of another of our oldest and most respected citizens. DAVID LACEY, who died in this city, on Saturday last, at the age of 82 years, was probably as well and favorably known as any other man in the county. Mr. Lacey, with his father, brother and sister, came to this city--then a small settlement--in 1829, and, as we are informed, assisted his father and older brothers and brother-in-law, Mr. Walling, in their efforts to improve the water power at the mouth of Dowagiac creek, they having erected the second saw-mill built in the county. A year of two later a grist mill was built by them, and from then up to the time of his death, Mr. Lacey had been prominently identified with the milling interests of our city.
Mr. Lacey possessed sound judgment, great energy and industry; was eminently practical in his business habits, and scrupulously honest and just in his dealings, possessing such qualifications--and having the unlimited confidence of the community, it is not singular that he was frequently selected for and importuned to accept positions of trust and honor by his fellow citizens.
Being of a retiring, sensitive disposition, and having no political ambition, he usually declined, preferring rather as a private citizen to assist in promoting the interest of the city with his counsel, influence and material aid, than to occupy a prominent position to which the people, as an evidence of their appreciation of his worth, might wish to elevate him. In 1872 he consented to allow his name to be used as a candidate for Alderman, and although the ward which he resided in usually gave a very large majority against the party with which Mr. Lacey was affiliated, yet he was elected by a majority nearly as large. After two years of faithful and efficient service, his failing health compelled him to decline the use of his name in connection with any public position: Since that time Mr. Lacey has given his attention wholly to his business, when well enough to do so.
Mr. Lacey was never married, and while he had no immediate family, yet among his old acquaintances he had established many and strong attachments. His friends were numbered among the rich and poor alike, and many among the latter can attest to his kindness of heart and his open handed, unostentatious[sic] liberality.
The funeral services were conducted by the Rev. Dr. Eddy, pastor of the Presbyterian Church. The remarks made by him on the occasion were very pertinent and impressive and were attentively listened to by a large number of persons. A long procession of carriages, and persons on foot, followed the remains to their last resting place. The many sorrowing friends who with tearful eyes, lingered around the grave, gave evidence of the sincere esteem entertained for, and the great loss sustained by the death of DAVID LACEY.
