Randolph  County,  Indiana

John  E. Lacey


            It makes a great difference in one's life whether he earns his property by severe toil or by easy methods, or has it bequeathed to him by some industrious kinsman, for our personal habits are determined in no small measure by the manner in which we become the possessor of material things. People of all occupations should be thrifty enough to take care of what they have, no matter how they obtained it, for they have others to consider-children who have the right to demand of their parents that they save the property left to them by ancestors. Such is a family inheritance, which no member has the right to dissipate. One of the thrifty families of Randolph county who have been careful both as to how they secured their property and its retention are the Laceys, of whom John Edwin Lacey, well known real estate dealer of the town of Lynn, is a worthy representative.
            Mr. Lacey was born January 3, 1862 in White River township, this county. He is a son of John A. and Mary S. (Butterworth) Lacey. The father was born in Wayne county, Indiana, May 2, 1839. John A. Lacey received very little schooling. When a young man he learned the painter's trade, and, being by nature an excellent penman he taught penmanship in White River township, also Greensfork and Washington townships for a number of years. He owned eighty acres of land in Greensfork township which he farmed. His death occurred on July 30, 1913. He married Mary S. Butterworth. She was born in Randolph county, Indiana, and here grew to womanhood and received a meager education in the early-day schools. Her death occurred April 1, 1890. She was a representative of one of the old families of this county, and both the Butterworths and Laceys have been known in this section of the state for a number of generations.
            John E. Lacey grew to manhood on the farm in his native community and received his education in the common schools of his locality. After working on the farm some time he learned the painter's trade and worked as a painter and contractor for a number of years in Lynn. In 1903 he opened an insurance office here, also began dealing in the real estate business, conducting both with much success until 1911 when he sold out the insurance end of his business and has since devoted his attention exclusively to real estate, and he is a very busy man in this connection. He is regarded as one of the best judges of property both city and farm, to be found in Randolph county, and, dealing honestly and promptly with his fellow men, has won their good will and confidence.
            Politically, he is a Progressive and religiously he belongs to the Christian church.
            Mr. Lacey was married July 7, 1888 to Nora Dell Carter, a daughter of Thomas W. and Lydia Carter. She was born October 22, 1871, in this county and here grew to womanhood and received a common school education.
            To our subject and wife one child has been born, Lena E. Lacey, widow of Charles E. Cloud.
Past and Present of Randolph County, Indiana, 1914.
Contributed by Gina Richardson

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