JOSEPH LUCAS, merchant, was born in Jersey County, Ill., February 8, 1835, and was the third child born to Napoleon B. and Lydia Lucas. His paternal grandfather was twice Governor of Ohio, and the first Governor of the Territory of Iowa. His father was a farmer, and Joseph remained at home until he was twenty-three years old, attending the public schools until he was well advanced toward his majority, after which all his time was devoted to farm work.
In 1858 he started out for himself, going to Madison County, Ill., where he engaged in farming. While thus engaged the war broke out, and he enlisted for three months in Company F, Seventh Illinois Infantry. At the end of his term of service he re-enlisted for three years in Company G, Forty-ninth Illinois Infantry. His three-years' term of service expiring, he again re-enlisted, and served until September, 1865, when he was mustered out with his regiment at Paducah, Ky., after having served four years and six months.
He was present at, and took part in, the following engagements: Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth, Little Rock; was with the force that accompanied Gen. Sherman in his expedition into Alabama; also with Gen. Banks in his Red River expedition. He was engaged in the attack on Fort Darouche, the battles of Pleasant Hill, Tallahatchie, Franklin, Nashville, and several severe skirmishes. Upon his first re-enlistment he was appointed Third Sergeant; February 1, 1865, he was promoted to Orderly Sergeant; April 20, of the same year he was commissioned as Second Lieutenant, and in August, 1865, was appointed acting Adjutant of the regiment, which position he held when mustered out. Leaving the army he returned to Jersey County, Ill., where he resumed farming, and in 1868 moved to Kansas, settling in Jefferson County, locating on the quarter-section of land he purchased of the railroad company.
In 1877 he moved to Lawrence, Kan., where he became engaged in the hardware and implement business, in which he remained until April, 1878, when he sold out his business and became traveling agent for the McCormick Reaper Company. In December, 1879, he moved to Wakeeney, Trego County, where he is now engaged in the furniture business, and also that of boots and shoes. In October, 1881, he was appointed Sheriff of Trego County, to fill an unexpired term, and is now holding the position of Under Sheriff. In Jersey County, Ill., June 30, 1864, while at home on a veteran furlough, he was married to Miss Catherine Aulthouse, the issue of this marriage being Georgiana, born July 6, 1866, and died August 10, 1867; Elmer E., born May 19, 1868; William P., the survivor of twins, born February 3, 1870; Mary Alice, born January 3, 1872; Ross, born February 1, 1876, and died January 26, 1880; Albert M., born August 22, 1877, and Ethel May, born April 18, 1881.
