Individual Details
John J. Lux (Lucks)
(26 Mar 1832 - 10 Mar 1907)
Acknowledgment and thanks to Jean Trenkle Forney, then of Newport Beach, California, a great granddaughter of John Lux who compiled “The Story of John Joseph Lucks and Louisa Krosinsky Lucks” in 1987. Theresa and I met with Jean and her father, Richard Trenkle, when Jean was in Hudson doing research for her book. After a morning at the courthouse and visiting the cemetery, Richard treated to us an enjoyable lunch at the Lowell Inn in Stillwater.Richard and Theresa were second cousins, born within a year of each other. Richard died in 1989 at the age of 87. For more than 25 years Jean and I have continued to correspond.
Josef and Franziska’s oldest son, John Lux, was born 26 Mar 1832 in New Altmannsdorf. In 1853, when he was 21 years old he left New Almannsdorf for America. His occupation on his emigration record is mechanic.
The Industrial Revolution and over population contributed to German emigration in the mid 1800's. Mass manufacturing threated the liveihood of the craftsman, immigration which had been illegal prior to 182 was legalized, and the voyage to America had become more convenient and less expensive. A great number of skilled craftsman left Germany during this period.
We don’t know much of John Lux’s first years in the U.S. We do know that his oldest son, Oscar Lux, was born in St. Peter, Nicollet county, Minnesota on October 12, 1858, and that he participated in the Battle of New Ulm in August 1862 as a Private in the St. Peter Frontier Guard in Captain Charles E. Flandrau’s company. Following the battle he returned to St. Peter but in 1865 he is in Oshawa township, still in Nicollet County, Minnesota.
In her book, Jean Forney says “Grandma Louisa recounted the saga of the war many years later to her 10 year old grandson Richard. During the long week of the war she kept and cared for the wound Indians and soldiers in her home. The Indians were restricted to the kitchen and the soldiers to the parlor and dining areas.”
Jean speculates that several events may have played a part in the relocation of the Lux family from St. Peter, Minnesota to Hudson. First, on May 17, 1865, grasshoppers invaded the St. Peter area by the tens of millions; second, Hudson’s ”great fire of 1866” that destroyed more than 60 businesses and 25 residences; and third, there may have been family members already in the Hudson area.
While we haven't been able to find family in Hudson prior to John Lux's coming here, he likley was the reason the rest of the family came here. John and Louise are in Hudson when daughter Louise Lux is born in 1868. He also became affiliated wtih Colfax Lodge No. 85, I.O.O.F. in February of that year. The following year, John's half-brother, Albert Karras, emigrates and in the 1870 census, is residing with John and Louisa. Another half-brother, Robert Karras, emigrated in 1875. John's nephew, Max Friend, son of Augusta Lux and Robert Friend came to Hudson from New Baltimore, Michigan in 1886. The next year Augusta and Robert Friend, Anna, Robert Jr. and Tillie came to Hudson.
John and Louisa Krosinsky were presumably married in Nicollet county. Their first child, a son, Oscar J. Lux, was born in St. Peter, Nicollet conty, on October 12, 1858.
Jean Forney believes it was sometime between 1865 and 1868 that the name of LUX was changed in spelling to LUCKS. This was while the family was living in Hudson and buying property.
In the 1870 census, John Lucks is living in Hudson, Wis.; he lists his occupation as "grocer (ret)"; he has personal property valued at $200; he is age 38; living in the household are his wife, Eliza, age 34; and children, Oscar, age 11; Amanda, age 9; Francis, age 7; Tillie, age 5; Lizzie, age 2, and Albert [his half brother, Albert Karras], age 18, a farm laborer born in Prussia.
In May, 1871, the Star-Times reported "Last week we stated that there was to be a dance at the Wild Hunter on the 29th. Know all ye, that the Wild Hunter shall be known no more forever on Bucykeye street. Lux's house is now called the St. Croix House."
John and Louisa lost a son in December 1873. The paper reported "A little daughter of Capt. Kelley was buried on Monday, and a child of Mr. J. J. Lucks, on Tuesday, both victims of the prevailing epidemic." This would be his three year old son, Augustus. He is buried in the family lot in Old Willow River Cemetery.
In his book, "It Happened in Hudson," Oswald Solheim writes that "J.J. Lucks built a two-story brick building in 1879 at a cost of $3500. The first floor housed his grocery, while the upstairs was rented to Dr. Cavin. Robert Friend, about 18 years of age, drove a delivery wagon for the Lucks store. The Lucks home was on the corner of Seventh and St. Croix streets, and next door to the Lester Nash home. These two properties abutted the James Bunker lots to the north and were traversed by the first railroad entering Hudson from the east."
In 1882, the paper reported that "J. J. Lucks, our thrifty grocer was over to Minneapolis last week looking for a golden opportunity to open a branch store, but he didn't dind any location that pleased him like the pure, moral atmosphere of Hudson. He enjoyed the trip, however, and it gave him a needed rest from business cares . . ." His son, Oscar, who has been working in the Hudson business, marries in 1883 and establishes his own grocery in Minneapolis the same year.
Augustus Easton, in his "History of the St. Croix Valley", tells that Christian Birkmose, upon his retrn to Hudson from a stint of farming in Otter Tail countu in 1883 "entered the employ of J. J. Luck." Birkmose later became the leading member of the firm of Birkmose, Wiberg and Company, proprietors of a large department store in Hudson but is best known as the "Father of Hudson Parks" for his purchase and donation of the Birkmose Park property.
The March 25, 1887 paper reported "J. J. Lucks was in the excitement of building a house and barn for his who was on her way over from Germany. Mr. Andy Kees and crew were workmen for the job." The home was for my great-grandparents, Augusta Lux and Robert Friend.
The grocery business received a carload of 1500 water melons, fresh from the south, in 1891. The Star-Times reporting that "if they were all as luscious and filling as the ones the Star force surrounded, Herr Lucks has a contented lot of customers. That same year, a neighbor, Olive Nash had the misfortune to fall from one his' horses while riding, and broke her left arm below the elbow. The newspaper reported "Dr. King dressed the member and she is doing well."
Upon his arrival in Hudson in 1886, Max Friend had gone to work for John in his grocery store. The April 21, 1893 Star-Times reported on the front page that "The old firm of J.J. Lucks & Son has changed into Lucks and Friend. Max has been an active silent partner in the busy establishment for some times past."
Max Friend died in December of the following year (1884) and the next June (1885), the Star-Times repoted that "Everything is in good shape about the grocery so long managed by J.J. Lucks. He has sold lots of goods in this city and no face is more familiar on our streets. At present J.G. Johnson is in charge and appears to know just what to do and how to do it, showing a previous knowledge in handling groceries. "
The Lucks family left Hudson near the end of the 1890s, John leasing his home at the corner of Seventh and St. Croix to E. J. Cave, the retiring sheriff. The Star-Times reported the sale of the Lucks home Seventh and St. Croix to David Hanna in September 1902.
In 1900 the family resides at 212-10th Avenue, Minneapolis, Minnesota. John J. , now 67 years old, has been continiously employed during the past year as a grocer. Daughters Frances and Mabel are listed in the household. In her book, Jean Forney writes of J.J. and Louisa that their sonin-law, William Trenkle and wife Louise Lucks, "had a house built for Louisa and J.J. directly behind the Trenkle residence on Oakland Avenue." Grandson, Richard Trenkle recalled the childhood delight of going to his grandma's house for cokkies and playing in the dining room, turning over the chairs and covering them with blankets to build forts and caves.
John's health failed and he died in Chicago in 1907 at the home of his daughter, Matilda Logan.
From the newspapers:
True Republican, 12 Sep 1872, p4
On last Saturday afternoon, a German named Alois Kromauer, while laboring under mental derangement caused by sickness during the previous two weeks, committed suicide by cutting his throat with a razor in such a manner as to cause immediate death. He had during his sickness been stopping with Mr. John Lucks, and chose the loft of the barn on the premises occupied by Mr. Lucks as the place from which to make his exit from this life. The deceased was about fifty years of age, and had been in this country only four weeks, coming directly here from Germany, where he left a wife and one child.
Hudson Star-Times, 15 Mar 1907
The funeral of J. J. Lucks, who died in Chicago Sunday, was held from the M.E. Church, Tuesday afternoon, the Rev. Mr. Campbell officiating.
The Odd Fellows attended in a body. Mr. Lucks was born in Prussia, March 26, 1832, came to Hudson in the spring of 1887 and left here ten years later. He is survived by a wife and seven children. He was a brother of Mrs. Robert
Friend, Sr., and a half brother of City Clerk Karras.
True Republican, 14 Mar 1907
Mr. John J. Lucks, once well known in Hudson, died this week at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Logan, at Chicago. He had been an invalid for several years. Deceased was born in Germany, but came to America while young.
He enlisted during the Indian outbreak in Minnesota and spent sometime in the service there. He afterwards came to Hudson and went into the mercantile business conducting a grocery store for many years. He went out of
business about 1895 and with his son, Oscar, conducted a small store in Minneapolis.
For about ten years he has lived with his children.
The remains were brought to Hudson on Tuesday, services being held at the Methodist Church. Those who have been employed by him speak highly of his integrity. He leaves two sons, Oscar and George, and five daughters, all of whom, except Francis, are married. All the children except Oscar and Tillie (Mrs. Logan) were present at the funeral.
I.O.O.F.
IN MEMORIUM
WHEREAS, John J. Lucks a member of Colfax Lodge No. 85, I.O.O.F., departed this life on the 10th days of March, A.D. 1907, in the city of Chicago, Illinois, his remains were brought to Hudson and buried with Odd Fellows' ceremony, March 12th, 1907. Our departed brother, John J. Lucks joined the order of Odd Fellows in the city of St. Peter, Minn., May 20th, 1861, and affiliated with Colfax Lodge No. 85 by card, February 8th, 1868 and at the time of his death was seventy-five years of age.
RESOLVED: That in the death of Brother John J. Lucks, Colfax Lodge has lost a respected member, the order a true Odd Fellow, and the community a worthy citizen. Often it may be truly said that he was one "who kept the noiseless tenor of his way along the quiet path of life" with true Christian fortitude, he was always cheerful, and his genial and kindly nature seemed in perfect harmony with the teachers of Odd Fellowship, his name will be revered and many a kind act and many a cheerful word will be the subject of grateful
remembrance.
RESOLVED: That this resolution be inscribed upon the memorial book of our lodge, and a copy forward to the widow of our departed brother.
Louisa Krosinky Lucks was born in Germany in June 1838 and immigrated to the U.S. at the age of 15 in 1853, arriving at the Port of New York on January 24th. She traveled with her mother Wilhelmina Krosinsky and a sister. The ship was the Gutenberg. The Krosinsky's were steerage passengers.
After the death of J.J. in 1907, Louisa remained in Minneapolis for a year or two before going to Seattle where several of the Lucks children were living. She died there on November 4, 1914 and was buried in the family lot in Hudson.
HST, 27 May 1871, p1
Last week we stated there was to be a dance at the Wild Hunter on the 29th. Know all ye, that the Wild Hunter shall be known no more forever on Buckeye street. Lux's house is now called the St. Croix House. NOTE: True Republican, 26 Sep 1872, p1, "Hudson Business Directory:- St. Croix Hotel, corner First and Buckeye streets. William Lux, Proprietor."
.
HST, 19 Dec 1873
A little daughter of Capt. Kely was buried on Monday, and a child of Mr. J.J. Lucks on Tuesday, both victoms of the prevailing epidemic.
.
Solheim, Oswald J., "It Happened in Hudson", ed. by Willis H. Miller, Star-Observing Publishing Co., 1862, p35-36.
J. J. Lucks built a two-story brick building in 1879 at a cost of $3500. The first floor housed his grocery, while the upstairs was rented to Dr. Cavin. Robert Friend, about 18 years of age, drove a delivery wagon for Lucks' store. The Lucks home was on the corner of Seventh and St. Croix streets, and next door to the Lester Nash home. These two properties abutted the James Bunker lots to the north and were traversed by the first railroad entering Hudson from the east.
.
HST, 25 Sep 1885, p4
Married--by the Rev. S. W. Trousdale at the residence of the bride's father, John Lucks, in Hudson, September 16, Mr. Ruben W. Logan of Minneapolis and Miss Martilda [sic] Lucks.
.
HST, 22 Jan 1886, p4
The following officers of the encampment of the I.O.O.F. were installed January 1: A. Swanson, C.P,; John Muncy, S.W.; J.J. Lucks, H.P.; J. Bench, Treasurer; J. Weston, Secretary; J. H. Harrington, J.W.
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HST, 1891
J. J. Lucks received a carload of water melons, last week, fresh from the south. It contained 1,500, and if there were all as luscious and filling as the ones the Star force surrounded, Herr Lucks has a conttented lot of customers.
.
HST, 4 Sep 1891, p4, c1
Olive Nash had the misfortunate to fall from one of J. J. Lucks' horses while riding, last Monday afternoon, and broke her left arm below the elbow. Dr. King dressed the member and she is doing well.
.
HST, 21 Apr 1893, p1
The old firm of J. J. Lucks & Son has changed into Lucks and Friend. Max has been an active silent partner in the busy establishment for some time past.
.
HST, 22 Mar 1895
J. J. Lucks was forced to yeld to the financial stringency of the times, last week. This was precipitated by a claim of $1,100 in favor of John C. Johnson, a Minneapolis operator. Sheriff Wheeler took possession last Saturday morning. Mr. Lucks has been in trade here more than a quarter of a century. He has always been an accommodating and entertaining merchant. His many old friends and customers hope to see him on his feet again soon and on the way to more prosperous experiences.
HST, 14 Jun 1895, by S. Curtiss Simonds
Everything is in good shape about the grocery so long managed by J.J. Lucks. He has sold lots of goods in this city and no face is more familiar on our streets. At present J.G. Johnson is in charge and appears to know just what to do and how to do it, showing a previous knowledge in handling groceries.
.
HST, 25 Nov 1898, p5
E. J. Cave has leased the Lucks tenement, corner Seventh and St. Croix streets, which he will occupy on retiring from the sheriff's office next Sunday.
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HST, 12 Sep 1902
David Hanna has bought the J. J. Lucks residence property, St. Croix and Seventh streets.
.
HST, 15 Mar 1907
The funeral of J. J. Lucks, who died in Chicago Sunday, was held from the M.E. Church, Tuesday afternoon, the Rev. Mr. Campbell officiating.
The Odd Fellows attended in a body. Mr. Lucks was born in Prussia, March 26, 1832, came to Hudson in the spring of 1887 and left here ten years later. He is survived by a wife and seven children. He was a brother of Mrs. Robert
Friend, Sr., and a half brother of City Clerk Karras.
.
True Republican, 14 Mar 1907
Mr. John J. Lucks, once well known in Hudson, died this week at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Logan, at Chicago. He had been an invalid for several years. Deceased was born in Germany, but came to America while young.
He enlisted during the Indian outbreak in Minnesota and spent sometime in the service there. He afterwards came to Hudson and went into the mercantile business conducting a grocery store for many years. He went out of
business about 1895 and with his son, Oscar, conducted a small store in Minneapolis.
For about ten years he has lived with his children.
The remains were brought to Hudson on Tuesday, services being held at the Methodist Church. Those who have been employed by him speak highly of his integrity. He leaves two sons, Oscar and George, and five daughters, all of whom, except Francis, are married. All the children except Oscar and Tillie (Mrs. Logan) were present at the funeral. .
.
I.O.O.F. Memorial Book, U of W-River Falls, Area Research Center
IN MEMORIUM
WHEREAS, John J. Lucks a member of Colfax Lodge No. 85, I.O.O.F., departed this life on the 10th days of March, A.D. 1907, in the city of Chicago, Illinois, his remains were brought to Hudson and buried with Odd Fellows' ceremony, March 12th, 1907. Our departed brother, John J. Lucks joined the order of Odd Fellows in the city of St. Peter, Minn., May 20th, 1861, and affiliated with Colfax Lodge No. 85 by card, February 8th, 1868 and at the time of his death was seventy-five years of age.
RESOLVED: That in the death of Brother John J. Lucks, Colfax Lodge has lost a respected member, the order a true Odd Fellow, and the community a worthy citizen. Often it may be truly said that he was one "who kept the noiseless tenor of his way along the quiet path of life" with true Christian fortitude, he was always cheerful, and his genial and kindly nature seemed in perfect harmony with the teachers of Odd Fellowship, his name will be revered and many a kind act and many a cheerful word will be the subject of grateful
remembrance.
RESOLVED: That this resolution be inscribed upon the memorial book of our lodge, and a copy forward to the widow of our departed brother.
Minneapolis City Directories
1883 Lucks& Son (J.J. and O.J.) grocers, 509 N. Washington
Lucks,J.J. (Luck & Son), r. Hudson, Wis.
Lucks,O.J. (Luck & Son), r. 509 N. Washington av. N
1885 Lucks,J.J. (Lucks & Son), r. Hudson, Wis.
Lucks,J.J. & Son (J.J. and O.J.), grocers, 509 Washington av. N.
Lucks,O.J. (Luck & Son) r. 509 Washington av. N.
1886 Lucks,J.J. (J.J. Luck & Son)
Lucks,J.J. & Son (J.J. Lucks and O.J. Lucks), grocers, 503 Washington av. N.
Lucks,Lou Miss, Bkpr (J.J. Lucks & Son), r. 801 N. Dupont ave.
Lucks,Oscar J. (J.J. Luck & Son), r. 801 N. Dupont ave.
1888 Lucks,J.J. & Son, 219 Washington av. N.
1895 Lucks,George, moved to Hudson, Wis.
Lucks,Oscar J., slsmn, J.C. Johnson & Co., r. 51 Royalston ave.
1898 Lucks,Frances, b. 1218 ne 2d
Lucks,Mrs. Jennie E., grocer, 1621 Nicollet av, r. 1724 Clinton av.
Lucks,John J., grocer, 1229 NE Main, r. 1218 NE 2d
Lucks,Mabel, b. 1218 NE 2d
Lucks,Oscar J., mngr, Mrs. J.E. Lucks, r. 1724 Clinton av.
1899 Lucks,Jennie E., 1621 Nicollet av.
Lucks,J.J., 1229 NE Main
1900 Lucks,George, clk, Mrs. Jennie Lucks, r/ 560 7th av N
Lucks,George E., student, Archibald Bus Coll, b. 560 7th av N.
Lucks,Mrs. Jennie E., grocer, 1621 Nicollet ave, r. 1824 Clinton ave.
Lucks,John J., grocer, 1229 NE Main, r. 212 10th ave NE
Lucks,Oscar J., mngr, J. E. Lucks, r. 1724 Clinton av.
1902 Lucks,Frances, housekpr, 212 10th av. NE
Lucks,George E., Clk (John C. Johnson Co.), b. 212 10th av. NE
Lucks,John J., r. 212 10th av. NE
Lucks,Mabel, b. 3715 Portland av.
Lucks,Oscar J., agt, r. 1724 Clinton av.
1905 Lucks,Joseh J., r. 3748 Oakland av.
Lucks,Mabel, b. 3745 Portland av.
1910 Lucks,Louise (wid John), r. 2841 Chicago av.
Josef and Franziska’s oldest son, John Lux, was born 26 Mar 1832 in New Altmannsdorf. In 1853, when he was 21 years old he left New Almannsdorf for America. His occupation on his emigration record is mechanic.
The Industrial Revolution and over population contributed to German emigration in the mid 1800's. Mass manufacturing threated the liveihood of the craftsman, immigration which had been illegal prior to 182 was legalized, and the voyage to America had become more convenient and less expensive. A great number of skilled craftsman left Germany during this period.
We don’t know much of John Lux’s first years in the U.S. We do know that his oldest son, Oscar Lux, was born in St. Peter, Nicollet county, Minnesota on October 12, 1858, and that he participated in the Battle of New Ulm in August 1862 as a Private in the St. Peter Frontier Guard in Captain Charles E. Flandrau’s company. Following the battle he returned to St. Peter but in 1865 he is in Oshawa township, still in Nicollet County, Minnesota.
In her book, Jean Forney says “Grandma Louisa recounted the saga of the war many years later to her 10 year old grandson Richard. During the long week of the war she kept and cared for the wound Indians and soldiers in her home. The Indians were restricted to the kitchen and the soldiers to the parlor and dining areas.”
Jean speculates that several events may have played a part in the relocation of the Lux family from St. Peter, Minnesota to Hudson. First, on May 17, 1865, grasshoppers invaded the St. Peter area by the tens of millions; second, Hudson’s ”great fire of 1866” that destroyed more than 60 businesses and 25 residences; and third, there may have been family members already in the Hudson area.
While we haven't been able to find family in Hudson prior to John Lux's coming here, he likley was the reason the rest of the family came here. John and Louise are in Hudson when daughter Louise Lux is born in 1868. He also became affiliated wtih Colfax Lodge No. 85, I.O.O.F. in February of that year. The following year, John's half-brother, Albert Karras, emigrates and in the 1870 census, is residing with John and Louisa. Another half-brother, Robert Karras, emigrated in 1875. John's nephew, Max Friend, son of Augusta Lux and Robert Friend came to Hudson from New Baltimore, Michigan in 1886. The next year Augusta and Robert Friend, Anna, Robert Jr. and Tillie came to Hudson.
John and Louisa Krosinsky were presumably married in Nicollet county. Their first child, a son, Oscar J. Lux, was born in St. Peter, Nicollet conty, on October 12, 1858.
Jean Forney believes it was sometime between 1865 and 1868 that the name of LUX was changed in spelling to LUCKS. This was while the family was living in Hudson and buying property.
In the 1870 census, John Lucks is living in Hudson, Wis.; he lists his occupation as "grocer (ret)"; he has personal property valued at $200; he is age 38; living in the household are his wife, Eliza, age 34; and children, Oscar, age 11; Amanda, age 9; Francis, age 7; Tillie, age 5; Lizzie, age 2, and Albert [his half brother, Albert Karras], age 18, a farm laborer born in Prussia.
In May, 1871, the Star-Times reported "Last week we stated that there was to be a dance at the Wild Hunter on the 29th. Know all ye, that the Wild Hunter shall be known no more forever on Bucykeye street. Lux's house is now called the St. Croix House."
John and Louisa lost a son in December 1873. The paper reported "A little daughter of Capt. Kelley was buried on Monday, and a child of Mr. J. J. Lucks, on Tuesday, both victims of the prevailing epidemic." This would be his three year old son, Augustus. He is buried in the family lot in Old Willow River Cemetery.
In his book, "It Happened in Hudson," Oswald Solheim writes that "J.J. Lucks built a two-story brick building in 1879 at a cost of $3500. The first floor housed his grocery, while the upstairs was rented to Dr. Cavin. Robert Friend, about 18 years of age, drove a delivery wagon for the Lucks store. The Lucks home was on the corner of Seventh and St. Croix streets, and next door to the Lester Nash home. These two properties abutted the James Bunker lots to the north and were traversed by the first railroad entering Hudson from the east."
In 1882, the paper reported that "J. J. Lucks, our thrifty grocer was over to Minneapolis last week looking for a golden opportunity to open a branch store, but he didn't dind any location that pleased him like the pure, moral atmosphere of Hudson. He enjoyed the trip, however, and it gave him a needed rest from business cares . . ." His son, Oscar, who has been working in the Hudson business, marries in 1883 and establishes his own grocery in Minneapolis the same year.
Augustus Easton, in his "History of the St. Croix Valley", tells that Christian Birkmose, upon his retrn to Hudson from a stint of farming in Otter Tail countu in 1883 "entered the employ of J. J. Luck." Birkmose later became the leading member of the firm of Birkmose, Wiberg and Company, proprietors of a large department store in Hudson but is best known as the "Father of Hudson Parks" for his purchase and donation of the Birkmose Park property.
The March 25, 1887 paper reported "J. J. Lucks was in the excitement of building a house and barn for his who was on her way over from Germany. Mr. Andy Kees and crew were workmen for the job." The home was for my great-grandparents, Augusta Lux and Robert Friend.
The grocery business received a carload of 1500 water melons, fresh from the south, in 1891. The Star-Times reporting that "if they were all as luscious and filling as the ones the Star force surrounded, Herr Lucks has a contented lot of customers. That same year, a neighbor, Olive Nash had the misfortune to fall from one his' horses while riding, and broke her left arm below the elbow. The newspaper reported "Dr. King dressed the member and she is doing well."
Upon his arrival in Hudson in 1886, Max Friend had gone to work for John in his grocery store. The April 21, 1893 Star-Times reported on the front page that "The old firm of J.J. Lucks & Son has changed into Lucks and Friend. Max has been an active silent partner in the busy establishment for some times past."
Max Friend died in December of the following year (1884) and the next June (1885), the Star-Times repoted that "Everything is in good shape about the grocery so long managed by J.J. Lucks. He has sold lots of goods in this city and no face is more familiar on our streets. At present J.G. Johnson is in charge and appears to know just what to do and how to do it, showing a previous knowledge in handling groceries. "
The Lucks family left Hudson near the end of the 1890s, John leasing his home at the corner of Seventh and St. Croix to E. J. Cave, the retiring sheriff. The Star-Times reported the sale of the Lucks home Seventh and St. Croix to David Hanna in September 1902.
In 1900 the family resides at 212-10th Avenue, Minneapolis, Minnesota. John J. , now 67 years old, has been continiously employed during the past year as a grocer. Daughters Frances and Mabel are listed in the household. In her book, Jean Forney writes of J.J. and Louisa that their sonin-law, William Trenkle and wife Louise Lucks, "had a house built for Louisa and J.J. directly behind the Trenkle residence on Oakland Avenue." Grandson, Richard Trenkle recalled the childhood delight of going to his grandma's house for cokkies and playing in the dining room, turning over the chairs and covering them with blankets to build forts and caves.
John's health failed and he died in Chicago in 1907 at the home of his daughter, Matilda Logan.
From the newspapers:
True Republican, 12 Sep 1872, p4
On last Saturday afternoon, a German named Alois Kromauer, while laboring under mental derangement caused by sickness during the previous two weeks, committed suicide by cutting his throat with a razor in such a manner as to cause immediate death. He had during his sickness been stopping with Mr. John Lucks, and chose the loft of the barn on the premises occupied by Mr. Lucks as the place from which to make his exit from this life. The deceased was about fifty years of age, and had been in this country only four weeks, coming directly here from Germany, where he left a wife and one child.
Hudson Star-Times, 15 Mar 1907
The funeral of J. J. Lucks, who died in Chicago Sunday, was held from the M.E. Church, Tuesday afternoon, the Rev. Mr. Campbell officiating.
The Odd Fellows attended in a body. Mr. Lucks was born in Prussia, March 26, 1832, came to Hudson in the spring of 1887 and left here ten years later. He is survived by a wife and seven children. He was a brother of Mrs. Robert
Friend, Sr., and a half brother of City Clerk Karras.
True Republican, 14 Mar 1907
Mr. John J. Lucks, once well known in Hudson, died this week at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Logan, at Chicago. He had been an invalid for several years. Deceased was born in Germany, but came to America while young.
He enlisted during the Indian outbreak in Minnesota and spent sometime in the service there. He afterwards came to Hudson and went into the mercantile business conducting a grocery store for many years. He went out of
business about 1895 and with his son, Oscar, conducted a small store in Minneapolis.
For about ten years he has lived with his children.
The remains were brought to Hudson on Tuesday, services being held at the Methodist Church. Those who have been employed by him speak highly of his integrity. He leaves two sons, Oscar and George, and five daughters, all of whom, except Francis, are married. All the children except Oscar and Tillie (Mrs. Logan) were present at the funeral.
I.O.O.F.
IN MEMORIUM
WHEREAS, John J. Lucks a member of Colfax Lodge No. 85, I.O.O.F., departed this life on the 10th days of March, A.D. 1907, in the city of Chicago, Illinois, his remains were brought to Hudson and buried with Odd Fellows' ceremony, March 12th, 1907. Our departed brother, John J. Lucks joined the order of Odd Fellows in the city of St. Peter, Minn., May 20th, 1861, and affiliated with Colfax Lodge No. 85 by card, February 8th, 1868 and at the time of his death was seventy-five years of age.
RESOLVED: That in the death of Brother John J. Lucks, Colfax Lodge has lost a respected member, the order a true Odd Fellow, and the community a worthy citizen. Often it may be truly said that he was one "who kept the noiseless tenor of his way along the quiet path of life" with true Christian fortitude, he was always cheerful, and his genial and kindly nature seemed in perfect harmony with the teachers of Odd Fellowship, his name will be revered and many a kind act and many a cheerful word will be the subject of grateful
remembrance.
RESOLVED: That this resolution be inscribed upon the memorial book of our lodge, and a copy forward to the widow of our departed brother.
Louisa Krosinky Lucks was born in Germany in June 1838 and immigrated to the U.S. at the age of 15 in 1853, arriving at the Port of New York on January 24th. She traveled with her mother Wilhelmina Krosinsky and a sister. The ship was the Gutenberg. The Krosinsky's were steerage passengers.
After the death of J.J. in 1907, Louisa remained in Minneapolis for a year or two before going to Seattle where several of the Lucks children were living. She died there on November 4, 1914 and was buried in the family lot in Hudson.
HST, 27 May 1871, p1
Last week we stated there was to be a dance at the Wild Hunter on the 29th. Know all ye, that the Wild Hunter shall be known no more forever on Buckeye street. Lux's house is now called the St. Croix House. NOTE: True Republican, 26 Sep 1872, p1, "Hudson Business Directory:- St. Croix Hotel, corner First and Buckeye streets. William Lux, Proprietor."
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HST, 19 Dec 1873
A little daughter of Capt. Kely was buried on Monday, and a child of Mr. J.J. Lucks on Tuesday, both victoms of the prevailing epidemic.
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Solheim, Oswald J., "It Happened in Hudson", ed. by Willis H. Miller, Star-Observing Publishing Co., 1862, p35-36.
J. J. Lucks built a two-story brick building in 1879 at a cost of $3500. The first floor housed his grocery, while the upstairs was rented to Dr. Cavin. Robert Friend, about 18 years of age, drove a delivery wagon for Lucks' store. The Lucks home was on the corner of Seventh and St. Croix streets, and next door to the Lester Nash home. These two properties abutted the James Bunker lots to the north and were traversed by the first railroad entering Hudson from the east.
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HST, 25 Sep 1885, p4
Married--by the Rev. S. W. Trousdale at the residence of the bride's father, John Lucks, in Hudson, September 16, Mr. Ruben W. Logan of Minneapolis and Miss Martilda [sic] Lucks.
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HST, 22 Jan 1886, p4
The following officers of the encampment of the I.O.O.F. were installed January 1: A. Swanson, C.P,; John Muncy, S.W.; J.J. Lucks, H.P.; J. Bench, Treasurer; J. Weston, Secretary; J. H. Harrington, J.W.
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HST, 1891
J. J. Lucks received a carload of water melons, last week, fresh from the south. It contained 1,500, and if there were all as luscious and filling as the ones the Star force surrounded, Herr Lucks has a conttented lot of customers.
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HST, 4 Sep 1891, p4, c1
Olive Nash had the misfortunate to fall from one of J. J. Lucks' horses while riding, last Monday afternoon, and broke her left arm below the elbow. Dr. King dressed the member and she is doing well.
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HST, 21 Apr 1893, p1
The old firm of J. J. Lucks & Son has changed into Lucks and Friend. Max has been an active silent partner in the busy establishment for some time past.
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HST, 22 Mar 1895
J. J. Lucks was forced to yeld to the financial stringency of the times, last week. This was precipitated by a claim of $1,100 in favor of John C. Johnson, a Minneapolis operator. Sheriff Wheeler took possession last Saturday morning. Mr. Lucks has been in trade here more than a quarter of a century. He has always been an accommodating and entertaining merchant. His many old friends and customers hope to see him on his feet again soon and on the way to more prosperous experiences.
HST, 14 Jun 1895, by S. Curtiss Simonds
Everything is in good shape about the grocery so long managed by J.J. Lucks. He has sold lots of goods in this city and no face is more familiar on our streets. At present J.G. Johnson is in charge and appears to know just what to do and how to do it, showing a previous knowledge in handling groceries.
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HST, 25 Nov 1898, p5
E. J. Cave has leased the Lucks tenement, corner Seventh and St. Croix streets, which he will occupy on retiring from the sheriff's office next Sunday.
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HST, 12 Sep 1902
David Hanna has bought the J. J. Lucks residence property, St. Croix and Seventh streets.
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HST, 15 Mar 1907
The funeral of J. J. Lucks, who died in Chicago Sunday, was held from the M.E. Church, Tuesday afternoon, the Rev. Mr. Campbell officiating.
The Odd Fellows attended in a body. Mr. Lucks was born in Prussia, March 26, 1832, came to Hudson in the spring of 1887 and left here ten years later. He is survived by a wife and seven children. He was a brother of Mrs. Robert
Friend, Sr., and a half brother of City Clerk Karras.
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True Republican, 14 Mar 1907
Mr. John J. Lucks, once well known in Hudson, died this week at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Logan, at Chicago. He had been an invalid for several years. Deceased was born in Germany, but came to America while young.
He enlisted during the Indian outbreak in Minnesota and spent sometime in the service there. He afterwards came to Hudson and went into the mercantile business conducting a grocery store for many years. He went out of
business about 1895 and with his son, Oscar, conducted a small store in Minneapolis.
For about ten years he has lived with his children.
The remains were brought to Hudson on Tuesday, services being held at the Methodist Church. Those who have been employed by him speak highly of his integrity. He leaves two sons, Oscar and George, and five daughters, all of whom, except Francis, are married. All the children except Oscar and Tillie (Mrs. Logan) were present at the funeral. .
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I.O.O.F. Memorial Book, U of W-River Falls, Area Research Center
IN MEMORIUM
WHEREAS, John J. Lucks a member of Colfax Lodge No. 85, I.O.O.F., departed this life on the 10th days of March, A.D. 1907, in the city of Chicago, Illinois, his remains were brought to Hudson and buried with Odd Fellows' ceremony, March 12th, 1907. Our departed brother, John J. Lucks joined the order of Odd Fellows in the city of St. Peter, Minn., May 20th, 1861, and affiliated with Colfax Lodge No. 85 by card, February 8th, 1868 and at the time of his death was seventy-five years of age.
RESOLVED: That in the death of Brother John J. Lucks, Colfax Lodge has lost a respected member, the order a true Odd Fellow, and the community a worthy citizen. Often it may be truly said that he was one "who kept the noiseless tenor of his way along the quiet path of life" with true Christian fortitude, he was always cheerful, and his genial and kindly nature seemed in perfect harmony with the teachers of Odd Fellowship, his name will be revered and many a kind act and many a cheerful word will be the subject of grateful
remembrance.
RESOLVED: That this resolution be inscribed upon the memorial book of our lodge, and a copy forward to the widow of our departed brother.
Minneapolis City Directories
1883 Lucks& Son (J.J. and O.J.) grocers, 509 N. Washington
Lucks,J.J. (Luck & Son), r. Hudson, Wis.
Lucks,O.J. (Luck & Son), r. 509 N. Washington av. N
1885 Lucks,J.J. (Lucks & Son), r. Hudson, Wis.
Lucks,J.J. & Son (J.J. and O.J.), grocers, 509 Washington av. N.
Lucks,O.J. (Luck & Son) r. 509 Washington av. N.
1886 Lucks,J.J. (J.J. Luck & Son)
Lucks,J.J. & Son (J.J. Lucks and O.J. Lucks), grocers, 503 Washington av. N.
Lucks,Lou Miss, Bkpr (J.J. Lucks & Son), r. 801 N. Dupont ave.
Lucks,Oscar J. (J.J. Luck & Son), r. 801 N. Dupont ave.
1888 Lucks,J.J. & Son, 219 Washington av. N.
1895 Lucks,George, moved to Hudson, Wis.
Lucks,Oscar J., slsmn, J.C. Johnson & Co., r. 51 Royalston ave.
1898 Lucks,Frances, b. 1218 ne 2d
Lucks,Mrs. Jennie E., grocer, 1621 Nicollet av, r. 1724 Clinton av.
Lucks,John J., grocer, 1229 NE Main, r. 1218 NE 2d
Lucks,Mabel, b. 1218 NE 2d
Lucks,Oscar J., mngr, Mrs. J.E. Lucks, r. 1724 Clinton av.
1899 Lucks,Jennie E., 1621 Nicollet av.
Lucks,J.J., 1229 NE Main
1900 Lucks,George, clk, Mrs. Jennie Lucks, r/ 560 7th av N
Lucks,George E., student, Archibald Bus Coll, b. 560 7th av N.
Lucks,Mrs. Jennie E., grocer, 1621 Nicollet ave, r. 1824 Clinton ave.
Lucks,John J., grocer, 1229 NE Main, r. 212 10th ave NE
Lucks,Oscar J., mngr, J. E. Lucks, r. 1724 Clinton av.
1902 Lucks,Frances, housekpr, 212 10th av. NE
Lucks,George E., Clk (John C. Johnson Co.), b. 212 10th av. NE
Lucks,John J., r. 212 10th av. NE
Lucks,Mabel, b. 3715 Portland av.
Lucks,Oscar J., agt, r. 1724 Clinton av.
1905 Lucks,Joseh J., r. 3748 Oakland av.
Lucks,Mabel, b. 3745 Portland av.
1910 Lucks,Louise (wid John), r. 2841 Chicago av.
Events
| Birth | 26 Mar 1832 | Neu Altmannsdorf, Kreis of Munsterberg, District of Breslau, Prussia |  | ||
| Immigration | 1853 | | |||
| Marriage | Abt 1859 | U.S. - Louisa (Eliza) Krosinsky | | ||
| Military | Aug 1862 | Battle of New Ulm - St. Peter Frontier Guards | | ||
| Occupation | 1898 | Grocer - 1218 NE 2nd, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota | | ||
| Burial | Mar 1907 | Willow River Cemetery, Hudson, St. Croix County, Wisconsin, United States | | ||
| Death | 10 Mar 1907 | Chicago, Cook, Ill. | |
Families
| Spouse | Louisa (Eliza) Krosinsky (1838 - ) |
| Child | Oscar J. Lucks (1858 - ) |
| Child | Amanda Lucks (1860 - 1944) |
| Child | Frances Amelia Lucks (1862 - 1928) |
| Child | Mathilda "Tillie" Lucks (1864 - 1923) |
| Child | Louise Lucks (1868 - ) |
| Child | Augustus Lucks (1870 - ) |
| Child | George Emerson Lucks (1876 - 1951) |
| Child | Mabel Lucks (1878 - 1932) |
| Father | Josef Lux (1801 - 1844) |
| Mother | Franziska Hauer (1812 - ) |
| Sibling | Anna Lux (1833 - ) |
| Sibling | Augusta Lux (1835 - 1918) |
| Sibling | Theresie Lux (1838 - ) |
| Sibling | Johanna Lux (1839 - ) |
| Sibling | Franziska Lux (1842 - ) |
Endnotes
1. Archiwum Archidiecezjalne, ul. Kanonia 12, 50-328 Wroclaw., Letter to Nancy Hawkinson, 6 Mar 1991.
2. 1900 U.S. Federal Census; Enumeration began 1 Jun 1900, Minnesota, Hennepin Co., Minneapolis, Household of John J. Lucks.
3. 1900 U.S. Federal Census; Enumeration began 1 Jun 1900, Minnesota, Hennepin Co., Minneapolis, Household of John J. Lucks.
4. Book, Roster of the St. Peter Frontier Guard (Captain Charles E. Flandrau's Co., War of 1862.
5. Ancestry.com. U.S. City Directories, 1821-1989, John J. Lucks, Minneapolis, 1898.
6. Find-A-Grave (www.findagrave.com), #102050487.
7. Death Certificate, John J. Lucks, Department of Health: City of Chicago..