From: "Jenny Cooper" To: Subject: LUCAS Family of MAIDWELL Date: Sunday, February 03, 2008 8:20 PM The earliest records I have so far of the LUCAS family in Maidwell, Northamptonshire is the marriage of Joseph LUCAS (b c 1735 = bur 1 Jan 1818) and Mary JOHNSON (bur 10 May 1809) on 31 Dec 1767. The known issue are: Anne 1774 Joseph 1776 Samuel 1778 m Frances GREEN Mary 1779 Samuel LUCAS (bap 26 Apr 1778 d 24 Nov 1855) married Frances GREEN (b c1781- 1846) in Draughton on 24 OCt 1805. Samuel was the schoolmaster of Maidwell Free School for over 40 years. He was also Parish Clerk during this time. The known issue: Ann b & d 1806 Ann (1808) m John BOTTRILL of Scaldwell and emigrated to South AUstralia in 1838 John (1810) m (1) Elizabeth BASELEY issue of 3 daughters (2) Fanny issue of 2 daughters Samuel (1811) m Jane POWER issue of 1 daughter Joseph (1813) m (1) Eliza Ann TURLAND issue of 3 sons and 3 daughters emigrated in 1851 to Australia (2) LOCKER nee HILL no issue Frances (1815) m (1) Thomas COX no issue emigrated to South Australia (2) HILL no issue Sarah (1817) m John BECK issue of 1 daughter emigrated to South Australia Mary (1819) Elizabeth (1821) m William SCULTHORPE no issue? William (1821) James (1822) ????? Eleanor (1818) ?????? Any connections or help with this family would be much appreciated. I would be very interested as to how Samuel was able to become the village schoolmaster in times of high illieracy. Samuel jnr, Joseph, Frances, Sarah, Mary and Elizabeth all had times in their lives whn they were also school teachers both in England and in South Australia. My own direct connection goes back to Joseph and Eliza Ann LUCAS who emigrated on "Slains Castle" which was nearly lost at sea three times on the vogage, the last time it was completely dismasted. When this happened the ships were usually lost for ever, but "Slains Castle" made it into Melbourne, Victoria unstead of Adelaide South Australia which was its initial destination. Most passengers left the boat there after their terrifying voyage and it was also the start of the gold rushes in Victoria. The ship did go back to Adelaide South Australia for those who stayed on board and it is believed the ship was declared unseaworthy and was towed to Sydney New SOuth Wales and wrecked. Eliza started a letter to send 'back home' if they had comversation with another ship enroute but fortunately for me it was never 'posted' and so I have a chronicle of life as they hd it on board ship. Posted by Jenny COOPER jennyc3@optusnet.com.au