Newton Lucas driving his new auto with Ruth and Barbara in the back seat

The postcard sent by Barbara’s sister Sarah Frank to her when she heard about the car.

Newton Lucas must have been an adventurous person, with his trip to the Rocky Mountains in his twenties, and buying a car at age 71 in 1909! Henry Ford introduced the Model T in 1908.

Here is a timeline of his life: 1860 Trip to the Rocky Mountains

Dec. 25, 1860 While cutting firewood, a tree fell on him, crushing his hip and making him a cripple for life*

1866: Went with his brother William to Texas, bought 600 head of cattle and drove them back to Illinois. They crossed the Red River on April 22, and reached Quincy on Sept. 20, 1866. Apparently it was not a financial success.*

1872-1876 in the hay and grain business with his brother William, also operated a sawmill during these years.*

1882-1883 Operated a steam thresher in Mt Sterling*

1883 Bought his farm of 220 acres in Pear Ridge Township, Ill.*

1892 Was a delegated to the Republican State Convention. He had cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1860*

*From Lucas Genealogy by Annabelle Kemp, 1964