Lacy, Milo 1841-1869

LACY, HINES

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 9/15/2023 at 18:18:59

DEAD - As we go to press (Friday) we learn that Milo Lacy died at 12 o'clock. Funeral services will be held at the Methodist Church, on Sunday morning at 10 o'clock.

~West Union Republican Gazette, Saturday, June 26, 1869; pg 2

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It is not often we are compelled to mourn the death of such a true and tried friend as Milo Lacy, who crossed the dark river on Friday, June 25th. As a printer, an editor and a man, Milo stood high with the craft; was terse and pointed in his writings, cautious in giving offense, and true to the principles which he advocated, and beloved by all who knew him.

He was born in Geauga county, Ohio, October 14, 1841, moved to Iowa in 1853, and shortly after entered the Pioneer office of this place, under John Gharky, Esq., and subsequently finished his trade in the TIMES office, McGregor.

In 1862 he enlisted in the Naval service, and after the expiration of his term of enlistment, in 1863, returned to McGregor and enlisted in the Seventh Iowa Cavalry.

While in this regiment, which was stationed on the frontier, Milo displayed an act of heroism, an account of which will better show his character than almost anything else we might say. We had it first through one of his company, and subsequently received the particulars, reluctantly, from his own lips, he characterizing it as "nothing more than any one else might have done under similar circumstances."

His company was stationed at one of the forts on the main thoroughfare across the plains, and one day a squad of a half dozen or so was sent up the road to look for Indians. They passed several miles before discovering the objects of their search, when suddenly about one hundred rose up before them. A few volleys passed and the scouts turned to retreat, the Indians following, but, either unable to gain on the cavalry horses or fearful of the carbines, they kept a good distance behind.

On the route to the fort was a stage station, where lived a man and his wife, and when the soldiers came hurrying by, crying "Indians! Indians!" the man mounted the only horse and fled with them, leaving his wife at the mercy of the savages.

Milo, who was behind, saving the strength of his horse, found the woman crying and begging piteously for him to take her with him. He tried in vain to get her on behind the saddle. Time was precious, and at last he sprung off, helped her to his seat, gave the animal a stroke, and was left alone, with several miles between himself and the fort.

He started on a run, the Indians pell mell after him. As they neared too close for comfort he observed a carcass of a buffalo near the road, sprung behind it, leveled his carbine, and the savages scattered beyond range. Here he held them at bay for hours, until help came from the Fort, and he was relieved from his perilous situation.

The suspense must have been awful - the doubts of assistance being sent him, the approach of night, and a possible charge by the red-skins at any moment, was no enviable position, and enough to strike terror to the heart of the bravest.

In December 1866, he was married to Miss Jennie Hines by Rev. Wm. Fawcett, who on Sunday last preached his funeral discourse, wherein he touchingly alluded to the happy occasion of their wedding, and the brief time that has since intervened. The result of this union is a little girl, now about six weeks old.

~West Union Republican Gazette, Saturday, July 3, 1869; pg 2

Transcripton note: Following the obit was a list of Resolutions adopted by a meeting of the printers of West Union - they have not been transcribed.

Notes: Milo Lacy is frequently mentioned in the North Iowa Times (McGregor) through-out the 1860's. He was employed by the TIMES when he enlisted from McGregor, first in the Naval service, and again in the 7th IA cav. He frequently sent letters to the newspaper telling of war events on the frontier, primarily involving the battles with Indians. He was postmaster at Julesburg, Colorado when two other McGregor soldiers were killed in an Indian battle there.

Although the obituary doesn't mention but one child of the Lacy's, they had a son, Clyde, who passed away in November 1867. The infant, Milo & Jennie are buried in the West Union cemetery.