In the subject of this article we have a supporter of good schools, good morals, and a laborer for good roads and progress in all lines, and to just such men we owe the marked development and progress of the reservation portion of Nez Perces County, which has really been one of the finest examples of transformation from nature’s wilds to the abode of civilization in the northwest.
Lee Lucas was born in Fremont County Iowa, on April 22, 1868, being the son of John L. and Lucinda (Keeler) Lucas. The father was born in Green County, Ohio, on April 22, 1819, and is still living in Palouse. He was one of the very first settlers in Fremont County. The mother of our subject was born in Indiana in 1842 and died in 1807, and her parents were also pioneers in Fremont County. Lee grew to the age of fourteen and received his education in the public schools in his native place. Then the father sold out and in 1883 landed in Spokane, and then went to the vicinity of Steptoe Butte and farmed for one year. Then he bought land near Palouse and there he remains.
At the age of twenty-three, our subject took up the occupation of his father, rented a farm in the neighborhood and labored there until the opening of the reservation: in April, 1896, he came hither and settled on his present place, about five miles southeast from Melrose. He has followed the diversified plan in handling his farm and has shown excellent results of his labor and skill. Mr. Lucas is highly respected on account of his excellent standing, his integrity, his wisdom and substantiality.
In Whitman County, on November 13, 1892, Mr. Lucas married Miss Sallie K., daughter of Y. K. and Susan Lewis, natives of Virginia. Mrs. Lucas has two brothers and four sisters, Volney, John, Minnie, Susie, Jinnett and Nettie. Mr. Lucas has the following brothers and sisters, Henry, Riley, Ezekiel, Elizabeth, Clara, Ruth, Samantha. Four children have come to gladden the household, Ethel, Gay, Phelis and Irene.
Mr. Lucas is a member of the W. W. and of the M. W, A., both at Melrose, lie and his wife are consistent members of the Church of Christ at Melrose and are liberal in their support of the same. Mr. Lucas is road supervisor and in politics is a stern Republican, always ardent in the support of the principles set forth by that party.
Back to: Nez Perce Biographies
Source: An Illustrated History of Northern Idaho, Embracing Nez Perce, Idaho, Latah, Kootenai and Shoshone Counties, Western Historical Publishing Company, 1903