REUBEN LANCASTER was born on a farm twelve miles north of Georgetown, Kentucky, June 14, 1842. His father, Lewis Lancaster, was a native of same locality, and his grandfather, Reuben Lancaster, for whom the subject of our sketch was named, was born in the State of Virginia, was reared and married in the Old Dominion and from there removed to Kentucky, locating in Scott county, where he purchased a tract of timber land, and out of the wilderness developed a fine farm. At the time of his settlement on it there were no railroads in Kentucky, and Cincinnati, sixty miles distant, was the nearest market and depot for supplies. Lewis Lancaster was reared to agricultural pursuits. After reaching his majority he bought a tract of partially cleared land near the old home, and at the time of his death, which occurred in September, 1852, had amassed quite a fortune in lands and negroes. His wife, Jane Mallory, was born in Scott county, Kentucky, the daughter of Charles and Mary Mallory, and died in August, 1852, about one month prior to the death of her husband, leaving seven children: Eliza, John, Bettie, Reuben, Thomas, James and Sylvester.

After the death of his parents, the subject of our sketch lived with an uncle, Abram Mallory, one year after that with another uncle, Green Mallory, three years. He then chose as his guardian Aaron Dills, of Harrison county, Kentucky, with whom he lived until September, 1861, when he enlisted as a private in Company B, Sixth Kentucky Cavalry, in the service of the Union. In 1864, he was commissioned Captain of his company, and remained in command until after the close of the war. He participated in the battles of Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, siege of Atlanta and all of the principal engagements of the army of the Cumberland. After the surrender of Lee, he was detached with his company to capture Jefferson Davis, and was only five miles distant when the rebel chieftain was captured, and saw him taken into Macon, Georgia, a prisoner. Captain Lancaster was honorably discharged with his regiment at Louisville, Kentucky, in September, 1865, and returned to his home in Harrison county, Kentucky. In February, 1866, he came to Cass county, Illinois, and engaged in farming near Ashland, continuing there till December, 1874, when he was appointed Deputy by Sheriff William Epler, and continued as such till December, 1876, the expiration of Mr. Epler's term of office. From that time till February, 1890, he was engaged in the livery business. In 1890, he received the appointment of Postmaster, at Virginia, which position he now holds.

In March, 1880, Captain Lancaster married Miss Sue Heaton, a native of Cass county, Illinois, and a daughter of John and Mary J. Heaton. They have two children, Earl and Iva.

Politically, he has always been a stanch Republican. He is a member of Dawning Post, No. 321, G.A.R., Department of Illinois. Mrs. Lancaster is a member of the Christian Church.