Representative John Fletcher Lacey View All Years

HON. JOHN FLETCHER LACEY.

John Fletcher Lacey was born in what is now the state of West Virginia, May 4, 1841. With his father’s family he came to Oskaloosa in the year 1855, in which city he made his home up to the time of his death.

After attending select school he entered the law office of Sam’l A. Rice, who afterward became attorney general of Iowa. Before finishing his law studies the war of the rebellion broke out and he promptly enlisted in the Third Iowa infantry. After the battle of Blue Mills, in which he participated, he was discharged from the service to re-enter in the Thirty-third Iowa regiment of which his former instructor in law was colonel. He was made major of the regiment and served on the staff of General Steele in the campaign against Mobile and was engaged in several battles. In September, 1865, he was mustered out with the rank of brevet major.

He immediately entered into the practice of law in which he continued up to the time of his death. He took rank among the most eminent in the profession. He was engaged in many of the most important cases in the courts of Iowa and in the federal courts, and was author of “Lacey’s Digest of Railway Cases” which became a text book in nearly every state in the union. He was most untiring in the work of his profession and never abandoned a case in which he believed he was right until obtaining the judgment of the highest courts.

He was elected to the general assembly in the year 1869 and afterward was elected a member of the Fifty-first congress from the Sixth district of Iowa. With the exception of one term he continued to represent his district in the national legislature until the year 1907. He immediately took high rank in the national house of representatives, ranking with the acknowledged leaders of that body.

He died at his home in Oskaloosa on the thirtieth day of September, 1913, a man of unquestioned integrity and acknowledged ability. He enjoyed the confidence and esteem of his friends and neighbors and was on familiar terms with the leading statesmen of this country. His death has deprived the state of a most estimable citizen, a distinguished lawyer and statesman.

Resolved, That this House take this occasion to express its high regard of his character and public service and extend to his family their sincere sympathy in their sorrow; and be it further

Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be entered upon the Journal of the House and an engrossed copy be sent to the family of the deceased.

THOS. J. WILSON,

GEO. W. CROZIER,

W. F. KOPP,

Committee.

Adopted unanimously.