Born in France, Lucas happened to meet Benjamin Franklin, the U.S. Ambassador to the French court. Fascinated by Franklin’s conversations on the new democracy & the vast opportunities of a new frontier, he decided to emigrate to America. He arrived in 1784 & moved to St. Louis in 1805 where he was appointed Commissioner of Land Claims & Judge of the Terrirorial Court by Thomas Jefferson. Judge Lucas was the father of 6 sons & 1 daughter. One of his sons was killed in a duel with Thomas Hart Benton & another was killed in the War of 1812. Judge Lucas continued to increase his real estate holdings & developed a large legal practice. (bio by: Connie Nisinger)  Family links:  Spouse:  Anne Sebin Lucas (____ – 1811)*  Children:  Charles Lucas (1792 – 1817)*  Anne Lucas Hunt (1796 – 1879)*  William Lucas (1798 – 1837)*  James H. Lucas (1800 – 1873)* *Calculated relationship