Alcester Lucas
One of the representative and public-spirited citizens of Fayette county is the well known gentleman whose name appears above. He has made his influence felt for good in his community in Union township, being a man of sterling worth whose life has been closely interwoven with the history of the community in which he resides and whose efforts have always been for the material advancement of the same as well as for the social and moral welfare of his fellow men. The well regulated life he has led, thereby gaining the respect and admiration of all his fellow citizens, entitles him to representation in a biographical work of the scope intended in the present volume.
Alcester Lucas, who is putting the best of his ability into the successful raising of hogs on his one-hundred-acre farm in Union township, Fayette county. Ohio, is a native of this same countv, born on March 24. 1861, on the old Dewitt farm. He is the son of W. M. and Jeanelte (White) Lucas, the former of whom was born in Ross county, this state, and was brought to this county by his parents while still a small boy. Practically his entire life has been passed in this county as he received his education mostly in the local schools, later being engaged in farming in this same locality. W. M. Lucas is the son of Richard Lucas, one of the pioneers of this section. When he obtained his farm it was covered with virgin forest and he set about the laborious task of clearing the land and winning a home for his family. In all of this he was eminently successful, being regarded as one of the leading men of his day in this section.
The subject was the eldest of a family of eight children, the others being Sherman, Clara, Lela, Sina, Cora, Jesse and Orbin. When a lad he attended the Stewart school, receiving a good practical education, and during his school days he assisted the father with the work of the farm during all his spare time. After leaving school, he worked for three years in Washington C. H., later devoting his entire time and attention to farming. In the spring of 1913 he again returned to the farm, after having spent three years in the butcher business. It is now his desire to devote all his time to raising hogs for the market and in this venture he gives every indication of attaining most gratifying success. His farm, located on the Bogges road, is admirably adapted for this branch of business.
In February, 1887. Mr. Lucas was united in marriage with Leota Jane Snyder, daughter of William and Harriett (Lease) Snyder, born in this county in 1864. Her education was obtained mainly in the schools of Washington C. H., her entire life having been passed within the borders of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Lucas are the parents of four children, two of whom, Ona and Lona. twin daughters, are deceased. Walter, the oldest son, married Gale Margaret Brown and has one child, Helen. William, the youngest son, still remains at home with the parents, attending school.
Politically, Mr. Lucas is identified with the Republican party and has long been known as one of its most active members in this locality. He is at present serving Union township as trustee and for a number of years was a member of the school board. He is known as a public-spirited man, being anxious to promote the welfare of the neighborhood along social, moral, material and educational lines and is willing to back up his theories by active service if need be. While not a member of any church organization, Mr. Lucas' excellent principles of life are founded on the teachings of same and he gives both moral and financial support to the various church societies. Mr. Lucas has during his hfe tinie shown himself worthy of the high esteem in which he is held. His life has been filled with activity and his efforts have secured for him a conspicuous and honorable place among the citizens of the community. His integrity and unpretending bearing have elevated him in the confidence of his fellow citizens and his influence has always been exerted in the interest of the best things of life.
From History of Fayette County Ohio - Her People, Industries and Institutions by Frank M. Allen (1914, R. F. Bowen & Company, Inc.)