L.A. Mackey, LL.D., Lawyer, President of the Lock Haven National Bank, was born in White Deer township, Union county, Pennsylvania, November 25th, 1819. His parents were Thomas S. Mackey and Catherine (Augstatt) Mackey, both from Berks county, Pennsylvania. His preliminary education was received under the able guidance of the late Rev. David Kirkpatrick, then resident in Milton, Pennsylvania; when that divine, subsequently, removed to Westmoreland, Pennsylvania, L. A. Mackey followed him, and was prepared for Union College, at Schenectady, New York. Among the former students under the above-named scholarly and esteemed preceptor were Governors Curtin and Pollock, with many others who have since become men of note and eminence. So rapid was his progress that, before attaining his sixteenth year, he passed the required examination, and, when admitted to the college, was the youngest member in a class of one hundred and eight. He then took a two years' course, graduated with the highest honors of his class, and was selected to deliver the usual Greek Oration. Subsequently, he entered the law office of ex-Governor Pollock, where, during the ensuing year, he industriously pursued a course of legal studies; at the expiration of that period, he entered the law-school of Dickinson College, at Carlisle, Pennsylvania, that chair being then under the charge of Judge Reed, renowned for his scholarship and sterling abilities. While here, he was honored by receiving the degree of LL.D., graduated, and, in 1840, was admitted to the bar of Carlisle. Removing to Lock Haven, he commenced, in 1841, the active practice of his profession, continuing to prosecute it until 1855. At this date he became one of the chief movers in organizing the Lock Haven Bank, with a capital of $200,000-$120,000 [sic] paid in. Of this institution he was chosen President, and as such has continued to act down to the present time, while his management and operations have always given entire satisfaction to all connected with the institution. In 1865, the bank was merged into a National bank, and at present possesses the full esteem and confidence of its numerous depositors. In 1870--when Lock Haven became a city--he was chosen its first Mayor, and held that responsible office for three years, during which time he greatly assisted in its progress, and in the profitable development of its industries and resources. For many years he has been closely and importantly identified with all the leading interests in this section of Pennsylvania, and his actions have always been characterized by calm discrimination, matured judgment, and beneficial enterprise. He is President of the Bald Eagle Valley Railroad Company, which runs between Lock Haven and Tyrone, and has filled this office for the past ten years. He is also President of the Central Normal School Association of Pennsylvania, and President, moreover, of various other minor enterprises and institutions. In politics, he is of the old Democratic school; in 1868, was the candidate for Congress in his district; and at the present time is prominently named for the same position. He was married, in 1847, to Mary Hepburn, a daughter of Samuel Hepburn, of Milton, Pennsylvania, a distinguished and learned legal practitioner of that place.
Source: The Biographical Encyclopedia of Pennsylvania of the Nineteenth Century. Philadelphia: Galaxy Publishing Co., 1874, pp. 557-558.
Contributed by: Nancy.