Benjamin W. Lacy

Benjamin Watkins Lacy (January 27, 1839 - May 15, 1895) was an American politician and jurist. Lacy was born in New Kent County, Virginia, the son of Richard Terrell Lacy, a lawyer. He received his early education from his mother, Ellen, after which he attended Pike Powers Academy in Staunton and Brown and Tebbs Academy in Albemarle County. Completing his formal education at the University of Virginia, he then studied law with his father.

Lacy enlisted in the Confederate States Army on April 19, 1861, a week after the bombardment of Fort Sumter. He rose to a company command in the 3rd Virginia Cavalry, and was wounded three times. Lacy remained on duty until the Army of Northern Virginia surrendered at Appomattox Court House.

After the war, Lacy reviewed his studies, was admitted to the bar and practiced with his father. He was appointed to the county court of Charles City and New Kent Counties in 1870 and remained there for three years. He served in the Virginia House of Delegates from 1874-1881, and was Speaker from 1879-1881. While still a delegate, he was elected, in 1880, to the Eighth Circuit Court. In 1883, he resigned when he was elected to the Supreme Court of Appeals where he remained until January 1895.

Lacy died at his New Kent County home, Marl Springs, on May 15, 1895.

References