Robert Lucas

As printed in 1912

Probably no family bore a more important part in holding events in the early history of Iowa than that bearing the name of Lucas, and foremost among its members was Hon. Robert Lucas, first territorial governor. He is remembered by all who knew him as a man of strong character and left a record of which his descendants may well be proud. A representative of the family who has won an honorable position in life through his ability and energy is Robert Lucas, of Iowa City, who was born in the old family home there, September 13, 1853, son of Col. Edward W. and Phoebe A. (Clark) Lucas, and a grandson of Hon. Robert Lucas, above mentioned. Col. Edward Lucas was born in Pipe county, Ohio, September 13, 1825, and his wife was born in Richardson county, Ohio, August 9, 1828. Children as follows were born to Col. Lucas and wife: Edward K., deceased, who died in Nebraska, 1886; Clark S., living in Iowa City; Isabell, died at the age of 10; Wm. W., died at age of 10; Robert, living on Kirkwood avenue.

In boyhood Robert Lucas attended the public schools of his native city, and after leaving the high school matriculated in the State University of Iowa. He graduated from the latter institution with the degree of LL. B., with the class of 1876, and since that time has practiced law in Iowa and Nebraska. Other than this he has spent his entire life in Iowa City.

Some years ago Mr. Lucas took up a homestead where Gordon, Nebraska, now stands, and during the years that he lived in the vicinity took a prominent part in politics and public affairs, helping to organize the democratic party in the counties of Cherry, Sheridan and Davis. For some time he edited the Chadron Democrat, the local party organ, and was most influential in the interests of this cause, serving for a time as county chairman, at the same time carrying on the practice of law. He returned to Iowa City in 1891 and has been farming part of the old Lucas place since his return. He has become interested in various other enterprises. He is well acquainted with land values in his native county and is an excellent judge of the future value of various pieces of realty in and around Iowa City. He has witnessed remarkable progress in Johnson county since he has reached an age at which he was interested in the chain of events which have resulted in the present condition of prosperity, and has a patriotic pride in his native locality. He has the esteem and confidence of all who have had dealings with him, and has a host of friends. He has serv-

As printed in Leading events in Johnson County, Iowa, history (1912). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.