The Mackey Legacy

Charles W. Mackey was born in Franklin on November 19, 1842. He was in the Civil War from its beginning through July, 1863.  Before Mr. Mackey took his services to the Civil War, he attended the Venango Academy. He would end up embracing and learning the printer’s trade where he would then begin to publish newspapers.

Charles W. Mackey was a private in the eleventh Cavalry, One hundredth and Eighth Regiment, Company L. This courageous man was one of the first to offer his services to the war by taking time to help recruit soldiers for what would be the first company in the county. 

Charles Mackey was not only a soldier, but a student of the law.  He studied law with Charles E. Taylor, his brother-in-law.  Mackey was admitted to the bar on August 28, 1865 and thereafter became a partner in the firm of Taylor and Gilfillan. 

Charles W. Mackey did not stop there. He continued his military services as he participated in the PA National Guard and in 1872 and would gain his captain’s commission.  On Dec. 5, 1875 Mackey would be accepted by Hon. Jeremiah S. Black to practice within the Supreme Court of the United States. Mackey had become quite successful and had many large business clients. Later in his career, he would practice in both New York and Franklin. 

His House is now the office of Wilson, Thompson and Cisek, LLC. Charles W. Mackey’s hard work and dedication shown to not only his clients but to the community has set the high standard of professionalism Wilson, Thompson and Cisek use in their firm’s practice each and everyday. 

Babcock, Charles. Venango County, Pennsylvania Her Pioneers and People. 1. Chicago: J.H. Beers & Company, 1919. 413. 
History of Venango County. I1. Chicago: Brown, Runk & Co., 1890. 773.