John Lucas
WORKED FOR MONON R.R. FIFTY YEARS
JOHN LUCAS HAS BEEN CONTINUOUSLY IN EMPLOY FOR HALF A CENTURY
October 15, 1884, John Lucas began working for the Monon railroad company as a track man at Monticello. He remained there about three years when he was transferred to Chalmers, where he was promoted to foreman. Later he was sent to Bedford as foreman, and then to Lowell, where he was section foreman for a number of years.During the 50 years he has worked for the company, he has filled the position of track man, foreman and road master, and has always had the reputation of pleasing the company officials, which fact is evidenced by his long service. Two years ago he retired as foreman of the north section out of Lowell and was appointed flagman at the Commercial Avenue and Washington Streets crossings which position he now holds.
When Mr. Lucas began work for the company it was called the Louisville, New Albany & Chicago railroad and continued under that name until a number of years ago when it was changed to the Chicago, Indianapolis & Louisville Railroad.
Mr. Lucas went to work for the company at the time the road was built through Lowell. At that time, it was narrow gauge road from Rensselaer to Monticello. John helped to lay the third rail on the ties so that the road could be converted to a standard gauge road. The third rail remained for some time and Mr. Lucas was foreman of one gauge that helped take up the third rail when the company quit running narrow gauge trains over the tracks.
John will retire from active service for the company next February when, under the law, he will start drawing a pension under the act passed by the last Congress.
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