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Below is a family biography included in The Portrait and Biographical Record of Randolph, Jackson, Perry and Monroe Counties, Illinois published by Biographical Publishing Co. in 1894.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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J. L. LUCIER is engaged in the grocery business in Murphysboro, and is enjoying a large trade. He has a well- stocked store, complete in all its appointments, and by fair and honest dealing and courteous treatment he has secured a liberal patronage, which is well merited. He is also a Director in the Murphysboro Savings Bank. Enterprise and industry are numbered among his chief characteristics and have been the essential factors in his success.

Mr. Lucier was born near Montreal, Canada, September 18, 1848, and his grandfather and father, both of whom bore the name of Michael, were natives of that country. The father was a farmer and served in the Canadian Rebellion. He married Clara Danan, who was born in that country, and who is of French descent. His death occurred at the age of sixty-five, but his widow is still living in her native land, at the advanced age of eighty-one. Of their fifteen children, eleven grew to manhood and womanhood, while five sons and five daughters are yet living.

In the usual manner of farmer lads, J. L. Lucier was reared. He was educated in English and French, and in 1864 came to Murphysboro, joining his brother, Medor. He here attended school for two years, after which he spent some time in traveling in northern Illinois, and later went to Canada. Subsequently we find him engaged in clerking in Haverstraw, N. Y., and afterward carrying on business for himself. While living there he chose as a companion and helpmate on life’s journey Miss Winnefred Fay. They were married in 1874, and became the parents of eight children, seven of whom are still under the parental roof, namely: E. M., James L., Ludger, Winnefred, Clara B., Eugenia and Charles. William died at the age of seven years.

In the fall of 1877, Mr. Lucier again came to Murphysboro, and was employed as salesman in his brother’s grocery store until the autumn of 1885, when he began business for himself. He secured a small stock of groceries and afterward added a stock of general merchandise. Through his earnest efforts he steadily increased his trade, and at length bought a two-story brick block located on the square. There he carried on business until the fall of 1898, when he built a large and handsome store and removed to his present location, at the corner of Main and Locust Streets. His store is 29x93 feet, and two stories in height, with a basement. He handles general merchandise and ships produce quite extensively to St. Louis. He also carries on a feed store. In addition to his stores he owns a fine residence and other city property.

Mr. Lucier is a stockholder and Director in the Murphysboro Savings Bank, and a stockholder in the Southern Illinois Mill and Elevator Company, and is a Director of the branch of the East St. Louis Safety Homestead and Loan Association of Murphysboro. He was one of the organizers and is a Director of the Catholic Knights of Illinois. He has contributed liberally to various organizations that have materially advanced the best interests of the city, and is recognized as one of its valued citizens. He is a member and liberal supporter of St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, and in politics is a Democrat.

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This family biography is one of 679 biographies included in The Portrait and Biographical Record of Randolph, Jackson, Perry and Monroe Counties, Illinois published in 1894.  View the complete description here: The Portrait and Biographical Record of Randolph, Jackson, Perry and Monroe Counties, Illinois

View additional Jackson County, Illinois family biographies here: Jackson County, Illinois Biographies

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