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William Lucas (1792–1828)

William Lucas was officially recorded as William Gaskins while living on Norfolk Island. Like his older sister he was illiterate but was a skilled tradesman. He was recorded as a boatbuilder in his early years. In 1812 he married Sarah Squire. That same year he started business as a publican in Sydney.

In 1816 he went to Launceston looking for business as a builder with his brothers Nathaniel and John. William later purchased 900 acres of land from Robert Campbell south of Launceston where the family grew wheat and some barley for the Squire brewery. By 1826 his businesses were failing and the family returned to Sydney. He set up as a builder again with his brother John but the business continued to fail.

* further information: Peter McKay, A Nation Within a Nation: The Luca Clan in Australia (2004), pp 354-55

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Citation details

'Lucas, William (1792–1828)', People Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://peopleaustralia.anu.edu.au/biography/lucas-william-25608/text33923, accessed 10 September 2024.

© Copyright People Australia, 2012

Life Summary [details]

Alternative Names
  • Gaskins, William
Birth

7 January, 1792
Norfolk Island, Australia

Death

July, 1828 (aged 36)
at sea

Cause of Death

drowned

Cultural Heritage

Includes subject's nationality; their parents' nationality; the countries in which they spent a significant part of their childhood, and their self-identity.

Religious Influence

Includes the religion in which subjects were raised, have chosen themselves, attendance at religious schools and/or religious funeral rites; Atheism and Agnosticism have been included.

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