Born in France, Lucas happened to meet Benjamin Franklin, the U.S. Ambassador to the French court. Fascinated by Franklin's conversations on the new democracy and the vast opportunities of a new frontier, he decided to emigrate to America. He arrived in 1784 and moved to St. Louis in 1805 where he was appointed Commissioner of Land Claims and Judge of the Terrirorial Court by Thomas Jefferson. Judge Lucas was the father of 6 sons and 1 daughter. One of his sons was killed in a duel with Thomas Hart Benton and another was killed in the War of 1812. Judge Lucas continued to increase his real estate holdings and developed a large legal practice.
Born in France, Lucas happened to meet Benjamin Franklin, the U.S. Ambassador to the French court. Fascinated by Franklin's conversations on the new democracy and the vast opportunities of a new frontier, he decided to emigrate to America. He arrived in 1784 and moved to St. Louis in 1805 where he was appointed Commissioner of Land Claims and Judge of the Terrirorial Court by Thomas Jefferson. Judge Lucas was the father of 6 sons and 1 daughter. One of his sons was killed in a duel with Thomas Hart Benton and another was killed in the War of 1812. Judge Lucas continued to increase his real estate holdings and developed a large legal practice.
Bio by: Connie Nisinger
