LUCAS, THOMAS ALVA. - Agriculture is one of the oldest occupations in the world, and will continue to be one of the most important as long as men require foodstuffs. Many of the leading Cass County men are devoting their energies towards supplying the need of the nation for the products of the farm, and among them is Thomas Alva Lucas , of township 17, range 11. He was born near Chandlerville, this county, September 7, 1885, a son of Thomas and Elsie Lucas, natives of Cass County, the latter of whom died in 1897. The father was a farmer for many years and still owns a rural property seven miles east of Chandlerville, but he now lives retired at Chandlerville.

Thomas Alva Lucas was the eighth child in the family of eleven children born to his parents and was brought up on the farm, and educated at the Oak Grove district school. He remained on his father's farm until his marriage. This occurred May 18, 1903, when he was united with Emma Hofrock, born in Cass County, in Beardstown Precinct, a daughter of Henry and Mary (Trone) Hofrock, natives of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Lucas have had the following children: Harry, Ella, Stella and Floyd.

After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Lucas moved to the farm of 120 acres on which she was born, which is now owned by them. Mr. Lucas produces large crops of watermelons, has about sixty acres in grain, and, as he raises both cattle and hogs, keeps fifty acres for pasturage. In politics he is a Democrat, but has held no official positions. For years he has been a consistent member of the Baptist church of Oak Grove. An intelligent farmer, excellent citizen, and public spirited man, Mr. Lucas is steadily forging ahead and deserves the success which has come to him.