Robert Lucas (1817 - 1876)

Born 1817 in Langport, Somerset, England

Ancestors

Descendants

Died 9 May 1876 at about age 59 in Nelson, New Zealand

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Biography

Parents: Samuel Lucas and Jane (Cox) Lucas.

New Zealand births from the Online registry ^[1]

1859/7533 Lucas NR (Elizabeth Annie Robert) (child died at birth)

1861/8885 Lucas Herbert Innes (Elizabeth Anne Robert)

1863/12092 Lucas Arthur Pritchard (Elizabeth Anne Robert)

1865/72 Lucas Albert Augustus (Elizabeth Annie Robert)

1868/20846 Lucas Alice Annette ( Elizabeth Annie Robert)

Mr. Robert Lucas was born at Langport, Somersetshire, England, in 1817, and was apprenticed to the printing trade. He was afterwards employed at Mr. Wright's printing office in Bristol, and was subsequently Mr. Wright's manager, and as such, he had frequently to pay visits of inspection to branch establishments throughout England. In 1843, Mr. Lucas joined the Wesleyan Mission at Sierra Leone as assistant missionary, and for some time he managed a small printing office in connection with the mission. He was, however, compelled by ill-hearth to return to England, where he carried on a printing business at Bristol on his own account till 1859, when he emigrated to Nelson. On arrival at Nelson he commenced printing at once, and in 1865, established the “Nelson Evening Mail.” Mr. Lucas was an active member of the Wesleyan Church, and was steward of the circuit for many years. He was a man of genial disposition, and was noted for his liberality in connection with the Church. His death, which occurred in 1876, was deeply regretted.

The “Nelson Evening Mail” was established in 1865 by the late Mr. Robert Lucas, whose sons now carry on the business. Since the first issue of the paper there has been a steady growth and increase, till at present the influence of the journal is exercised throughout the province. The “Mail” is the only daily evening paper published in the district, and it is to be found in every household. It was the first paper in Nelson to reduce the price to a penny per copy, and it continues to be circulated at that cost to the reader. The policy of the “Mail” is to be independent of all political parties, and to criticise all public affairs fearlessly. Its leading articles deal with every current topic of local, colonial and general interest. The paper employs a large staff of workers in its literary and mechanical departments. Modern machinery and type are used, and the aim of the conductors is to furnish subscribers with the latest news, and the fullest information concerning the events of the day all over the world. At the time of the death of Mr. Robert Lucas, in 1876, the business was in the hands of the late Mr. R. S. Lucas, who, seven years later, was joined by his brothers. Mr. R. S. Lucas retired in 1886, and since then, the business has been carried on by Messrs A. P. and A. A. Lucas

Death: May 9, 1876 Aged 59 years

Burial:

Wakapuaka Cemetery

Nelson, New Zealand

Tombstone
In affectionate remembrance of Robert Lucas who departed this life May 9th 1876 aged 59 years.
Also of Herbert James, infant son of Robert and Elizabeth Ann Lucas who died August 21st 1862 aged 18 months.
Also of Alice Annette, youngest daughter who died March 29 1890 aged 22 years.
Also of Elizabeth Anne widow of Robert Lucas who died April 30, 1915 aged 91 years.

Sources

1. ↑ [www.bdmhistoricalrecords.dia.govt.nz/Search NZ Registry of Births, Marriages and Deaths]

• http://nzetc.victoria.ac.nz/tm/scholarly/tei-Cyc05Cycl-t1-body1-d1-d1-d17.html