Part 6 of Lucas family Obits. Victoria was the third wife of Thomas Martin Lucas. Although she was not from Greene County, Pennsylvania I felt that I should post along with her husband, Thomas Martin Lucas, who was. ****************************************************************************** Central City Republican - Central City, Nebraska - Thursday, December 7, 1922 MRS. THOMAS LUCAS LAID TO REST TUESDAY ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the death of Mrs. Thomas Lucas which occurred Sunday morning Dec. 3, 1922, at her home in the northern part of the city, the community lost another of the few remaining older residents who have been here since the early days. These people, who made farms and towns where they found a vast expanse of prairie, were extraordinary in many ways. Many came from the East in the late sixties and early seventies to make a home in a new country, They left comfortable abodes and easier ways in old established localities to come West. Here were poverty and hardships of which they had never dreamed. Many returned whence they had come. But the hardier spirits endured, built up prosperous surroundings, and reared their families to honorable manhood and womanhood. Such struggles as they endured, such difficulties as they overcame developed strong characters that have unconsciously shaped the character of the community. The influence they have exerted is over all of us who have grown up here. Much more than we realize do we owe to these early settlers, so many of whom have been called from us within the year just closing. Mrs. Lucas came in 1872 to take up a life on a Merrick County homestead, and there are few living in this locality to whom she is unknown. She was a woman of unusual personality. Possessed of a bright and vivacious manner, she was always one of the leading spirits on social occasions. And throughout life she retained the love of gaity that made her a welcome addition to every gathering. Full of energy and vitality she endured the storms and losses that beset her, keeping her interest in the affairs of the world about her to the end. Although she lived a long life, she was active and in possession of all her faculties until stricken with her last illness. The following facts in regard to her life will be of interest to the many who hold her in memory. Victoria Hammond was born in McConnelsville, Morgan Co., Ohio, October 22nd, 1842. She died December 3rd, 1922 at the age of 80 years, 1 month and 11 days. She was married to William Stevens in 1808. One child, Ada Stevens Martin, was born to this union. Mrs. Stevens was widowed not long after her marriage. In 1872 she was married to Elzy Fouts and came with him to Merrick County, Nebraska. Two children were born here: Berniece Fouts Pennoyer and Nancy Fouts Glatfelter. Her three daughters survive her, and for a number of years have lived in homes of their own not far from their mother's home. They were with her during her illness and when she passed away. Mr. Fouts passed away a good many years ago, and in 1912 the Widow married Thomas Lucas. Mr. Lucas is left to mourn her loss after ten happy years they spent together. They were very congenial couple, and much sympathy is felt for him in his bereavement. Besides her husband and children Mrs. Lucas leaves five grand children and three great grand children. The funeral services were held at the late home, at 10:00 o'clock Tuesday morning, and were conducted by Rev. A. E. Marsh of Blair an old friend of the deceased and her family. J. B. Skiff sang a beautiful solo, and a choir composed of Mrs. O. T. Bishop, Mrs. P Youngblut, Miss Nellie Jenkins, L. W. Carl J. B. Skiff and Herbert Lock rendered a few hymns. Many friends were present to pay their respects to the dead. Those from out of town were: Mrs. Blanche Bashlin of Hastings and Mrs. Loucks of Grand Island. Burial was made in the Central City cemetery. -- Steven W. Hornaday 783 Westfield Ct. Sumter SC, 29154 (803) 494-3027