J G Lucas

LUCAS

Posted By: County Coordinator (email)
Date: 5/4/2010 at 09:02:54

J G Lucas enjoys a high reputation among the newspaper men of Iowa as owner and editor of the Register-News of Madrid, a paper which through his incessant labors has become one of the foremost country publications of the state. Mr Lucas is a son of Corydon L and Nancy (Sturdivant) Lucas, the former the well known real estate man and historical authority of Madrid, also the first mayor of the town.
J G Lucas was born at Belle Point, Boone county, Iowa, January 8, 1879. There he passed his boyhood and attended the common schools. He has always been a resident of this county. While yet young he became interested in the publishing business in Madrid, and he has followed this occupation all his life. In December 1904, he acquired the Register-News and he has since equipped his plant so completely and modernly that it stands second to none in the state. Mr Lucas is an enthusiastic newspaper man. In his editorials, which are clear cut and forceful he sets forth views which have had a decidedly beneficial influence upon the growth of his city, and his paper has been of the greatest educational value in the community. His news columns comprise extensive accounts of local happenings and include a record of the nations and worlds events. It is but natural that a paper of this character has increased in circulation from year to year and that its advertising patronage has likewise gown. The Register-News is today considered one of the most valuable publications to those who desire to reach an extensive and representative public. In connection with his newspaper Mr Lucas also maintains a high class printing plant, turning out artistic and up to date work punctually and at a most reasonable price.
In 1904, J G Lucas married in Madrid Miss Maude Halsy, a native of Boone county, where she attended the common schools, completing her education in Madrid high school. She grew to womanhood here and has ever since remained a resident of this county. Her parents are C W and Catharine (Purkhiser) Halsy and they have five children: Clyde, of Des Moines, Mrs Maude Lucas, Mrs D E Crawford of Des Moines, Lee of Madrid, and Mrs William Valline, who also resides at the capital. All these children were born and reached maturity in Boone county. Mr and Mrs Lucas are the parents of Max, Catharine, Lillian, and Robert L Lucas, who were born in Madrid, where they pursue their education.
Mr Lucas is a republican and has always taken a deep interest in the welfare of his party. Both he and his wife are members of the Christian church. He is well known in fraternal circles, being a member of Star Lodge NO 115, A F & A M and the Odd Fellows Lodge of Madrid. Yet a young man, he has already achieved a decided success, a success which not only means individual prosperity but which stand for patriotic and public spirited citizenship. As a man and through the influence of his paper he has largely contributed toward the growth and progress of Madrid and Boone county, and his efforts in this respect have proven a actor in the increasing prosperity of his section and the moral and intellectual up building of his town.

1914 Boone County History Book