"An Illustrated history of Baker, Grant, Malheur and Harney Counties : with a
brief outline of the early history of the state of Oregon." Chicago?: Western
Historical Pub. Co., 1902.  Page 629.  Malheur County.

JAMES A. LACKEY

     Among the leading stockmen of the entire country must be placed
conspicuously the name of the subject of this article since he has charge of the
largest horse ranch in the United States, managing the same with great skill and
wisdom, and ever manifesting that fine executive force of which he is so richly
possessed, while commensurate therewith are the integrity and stanch principles
of worth and uprightness that characterize him.
     James A. was born in Rockbridge county, Virginia, near the town of
Lexington, on May 22, 1858, being the son of Anderson and Elizabeth (Miller)
Lackey.  He received his education in the district schools of the county and
village and remained with his parents until the spring of 1875, when he
journeyed to Kern county, California, and engaged in mining for a time and also
in the stock business, continuing his efforts there until 1880, at which time he
came to Malheur county.  He engaged here in stock raising, settling near Malheur
City.  There were few inhabitants of this land and no railroad and he had to
drive his stock across the mountains to Wyoming.  He has made many such trips
and his energy and vigor surmounted every obstacle and won success in a
brilliant measure.
     On April 7, 1885, Mr. Lackey married Miss Addie M., daughter of Cyrus T.
and Mariah Locy, the nuptial being celebrated at Malheur.  The fruit of this
union is as follows:  Mamie, deceased; Chester T., Hazel C., and James Russell.
Mrs. Lackey's parents reside near Ironsides at the present time.  In 1890 Mr.
Lackey sold out his possessions and removed to Seattle, taking land on the
sound.  While living there he shipped several carloads of horses to New York.
In 1892 he transferred his residence to Ontario and here he took charge of the
business of the Oregon Horse and Land Company, supposed to be the largest
company handling horses in the United States.  In this capacity is manifested
the real worth of the wisdom, executive ability, and experience of Mr. Lackey.
He has charge of many thousands of dollars of property and does a mammoth
business.  In addition to this he owns in his own right a farm of two hundred
acres two miles out from Ontario, a fine residence in Ontario, and much other
valuable property in various places.  He always manifests great interest in
educational matters, having given his services for nine years as clerk of the
district.  Mr. Lackey is active and zealous in building up the interests of
Ontario and has acted as councilman for many years.  He is affiliated with
Acacia Lodge, No. 118, A. F. & A. M., also with the A. O. U. W., while he and
his wife are members of the Eastern Star.  Mr. Lackey spends much of his time,
perhaps a majority, in Ontario, directing his business from that point, but he
also is occupied much in traveling to various parts of the United States and
adjacent countries in marketing stock.  He is respected by all and his ability
is recognized and properly appreciated, although he is too busy to accept public
office other than mentioned.

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Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in February 2006 by Diana Smith. Submitter
has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned
above.