The House of Ochiltree published in 1916 states, "The Lackeys took shipping from Londonderry, Ireland, and coming to America, settled in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, in 1748. Thomas Lackey, Sen., born in 1728, married in 1754, Agnes Leech, born 1730, elder sister of John Leech, Sen., with whom she came to America, at nine years of age. They were the only surviving members of a family of seven. Thomas and Agnes (Leech) Lackey came from Pennsylvania to Rockbridge County, Virginia, in 1768. Their home was two miles west of the Natural Bridge. The large outside chimney of the old house, still stands (1916). Thomas Lackey was a wheelwright, by trade; and he made the large and small spinning-wheels, in use in those days. They are said by a descendant, who remembers having seen some made by him, to have been fine specimens of workmanship, having his initials carved in the wood. Thomas Lackey is said to have been a fine looking man, of fine physique, six feet tall, and to have resembled George Washington. He possessed ability as a scribe, and had the confidence of his fellow-citizens, who came to him to get writing done, in matters which required ability and judgment. He died at his home near High Bridge church, Sept. 1, 1801, aged 73 years. Agnes (Leech) Lackey died Sept 23, 1814, aged 84 years. They were of the Scotch Presbyterian Faith. Nathan Lackey, a half-brother of Thomas Lackey, settled in Kentuckey. His children crossed the Ohio river, and settled in southeastern Illinois, near Vincennes, on the Wabash River, pioneers. One son went to Scotland County, Missouri, whose son, Nathan, has a family still living there (1916). They are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church.
The children of Thomas and Agnes Lackey were:
Our Lackey ancestors were Scotch-Irish Presbyterians as were a majority of the population of Rockbridge County. The County seat of Rockbridge - Lexington, Virginia - is still composed of many of the decendents of these early Scotch-Irish Presbyterian immigrants. These immigrants and their descendants moved down the Valley of Virginia from Pennsylvania in search of new land and new opportunities. Many settled in Augusta County and neighboring areas. The Valley of Virginia was a main travel route for early settlers who moved on to Tennesse, Kentucky, Ohio, and elsewhere. Some Lackey descendants settled in Ohio, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Oklahoma.
Thomas and Agnes Lackey remained in the Rockbridge County area known as Natural Bridge. Once owned by Thomas Jefferson, "The Natural Bridge" was advertised in Europe as one of the "Seven Wonders of the Natural World". Originally a part of Augusta County, Va. this area became a part of Botetourt County in 1770 again changed its "county name" with the formation of Rockbridge County in 1778 which took land from both Botetourt and Augusta. This new county included the Natural Bridge Area.
It is said that Thomas and Agnes Lackey are buried in unmarked graves in the church yard at High Bridge Presbyterian Church which is located a few miles from Natural Bridge. Thomas Lackey was said to be buried in 1801 and Agnes Leech Lackey in 1814. [However...While researching this family I have found no documents to support such a claim. There are no records for Thomas and Agnes as members of High Bridge Church although there are early church records from before Thomas's death. Below is Thomas Lackey's will which lists his wife, children, and Grandchildren. This will is dated 1814. It is suspected that Thomas and Agnes may be buried at the old Miller/Broad Creek Cemetery not far from Natural Bridge off Route 11.] There are a variety of surname spellings in the old documents, with LECKY believed to be the original. More research is needed.
I have been in contact with a Lecky in England who is a descendent of an old Lecky family from a farm near Portadown in Armagh, Northern Ireland. This appears to be a connection but we may never know. Due to the IRA holding and then burning the building that housed most of the records for Northern Ireland, all birth, death, and marriage records were burned in 1922.
Witnesses: Joseph Wilson Signed: Thomas Leckey
John McKnight
Wm. Wilson
Made 15 January 1814. Proven 3 October 1814.
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A. Thomas Lackey, II; b. 1755; m. Martha Anderson; lived on Timber Ridge.
B. Nathan Lackey; b. 1757; no record of wife; went to Lexington, Ky., in pioneer days. Their house was burned by the Indians, but the family escaped.
C.James Lackey, of James river; b. 1759; married Isabella Gilmore, dau. of James and Martha (Dennison) Gilmore, and sister of William Gilmore, who m. Martha Lackey.
D. Martha Lackey; b. 1761; m. William Gilmore, b. 1760.
E. Mary Lackey; b. 1763; m. Mr. Wilson; settled in West Va.
F. Elizabeth Lackey; b. 1763; m. William Miller, son of Henry and Rebecca Boggs Miller.
G. Margaret Lackey; b. 1767; m. Samuel Miller, brother of William Miller.
Rockbridge County was named for this landmark referred to at the time as "The Rock Bridge".
Photo prior to 1907
To Beloved wife Agness, house and all furniture to be divided with her and granddaughter Agnes Lackey.
To granddaughter Agness Lackey, 1 horse worth $70.00, 2 cows and $60.00 in money.
To grandson Samuel Lackey, 1 bed and furniture. Plantation. To take care of grandmother.
Any money or bonds at my decease to divide equally between Samuel, Thomas, and Nathan Lackey, sons of James Lackey.
$50.00 to each child 1 year after my decease, then $5.00 yearly till all are paid.
Wife Agness to receive $100.00, 2 cows which shall be returned to the said Samuel and Agnes Lackey my grandchildren, at her decease.
Said Samuel Lackey to give my beloved wife Agnes sufficient maintainence of grain and meat and everything she needs.
Samuel Lackey, my grandson, - Plantation where I now live, my shop and all tools belonging to it, all farming tools; stock such as cows, hogs and sheep.
Appoints James Lackey and Samuel Lackey executors.
(Rockbridge County, VA Will Book 4, p. 63: 1814
This is a list of the family as I have it to date. There are errors that are yet to be resolved. If you have additions, corrections or questions please sign the guestbook or send email.
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