Rash's Surname Index
Notes for John Bates LUKENS
"IN whatever business or branch of life he was engaged, John B.
Lukens, the subject of this biography, devoted his full powers to the
proper discharge of his duty and to the accomplishment of the
business object in view. His success as a contractor is due to the
energy and continuity of his efforts and his eminence in the political
field is attributable, in no small degree, to the same characteristics.
Straightforward, honorable and manly in all his dealings, he had
earned for himself a popularity which many other public men might
well envy. Practical in all that he does and directs, alert and decisive
in his manner, he is thoroughly well equipped for political conflict;
yet, withal, Mr. Lukens is less the politician than the business man.
JOHN BATES LUKENS was born in Philadelphia, December 5,
1848. His parents were John M. Lukens, of Philadelphia, and Jane
(Bates) Lukens, who was born in France. His paternal ancestors for
several generations lived and died in that section of Philadelphia
known as the Northern Liberties. He attended the Harrison Public
School until he was nine years of age, when he went to work with a
butcher and learned that trade. At the age of fifteen years he secured
an employment in a brick-yard. There he remained until he had
thoroughly learned the trade and had risen to the position of
foreman, in the meanwhile conducting a butchering business
throughout the winter time. Mr. Lukens was not satisfied with these
lines of employment, and, at the age of twenty-three years, he
started as a contractor and builder in the building of bridges and the
construction of sewers and in street paving. He built the well-known
bridge in Greenmount Cemetery and was the constructor of several
of the largest sewers in Philadelphia. Mr. Lukens, during a portion of
the time that he was engaged as a contractor, also carried on an
extensive feed business. Always a Republican, he early took much
interest in politics and soon became an important factor in his ward.
He served a term as School Director, and was, in 1879, elected to
represent the Twenty-fifth Ward in Common Council. He was
Chairman of the Committee on Bills and also served on other
important committees. He remained in Councils but one year, at the
beginning of 1881 accepting the office of Deputy Harbor Master. He
resigned the position at the close of that year, in order to devote
more of his time to his many business interests. Mr. Lukens declined
other offices until 1888, when he was induced to take the position of
Superintendent of Hunting Park, now one of the prettiest and most
attractive places of recreation in the city. At the time Mr. Lukens
took charge of the Park it had never been improved, and he
succeeded in making it what it is to-day. He changed and beautified
it in many ways, including the making of macadam roads, new paths
and the erection of new pavilions, etc. The many thousands who visit
Hunting Park owe much of the enjoyment they there obtain to Mr.
Lukens' improvements. He continued as Superintendent of that Park
until 1894, when he was made the choice of the Republicans of
Philadelphia for the magistracy. Mr. Lukens is still one of the city
magistrates. He has, ever since he reached his majority, taken an
active interest in municipal affairs and particularly in the public
schools. In the extension and improvement of the city's educational
system he has taken a very prominent part. He was a School Director
in the Thirty-third Ward for three years.
Mr. Lukens is a member of numerous societies and clubs, in all of
which he is a leading figure, including the Corinthian Chapter and
Richard Vaux Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons. He is also Past
Grand Master of Evening Star Lodge, Independent Order of Odd
Fellows; Past Counsellor of Liberty Council, Order of American
Mechanics, and a member of Young America Council, junior Order of
American Mechanics. Mr. Lukens is, of course, a member of several
political organizations and is prominent in their management. These
include the Union Republican Club, Anti-Cobden Club, Thirty- third
Ward Republican Club and the Tom Reed Republican Club, of
Philadelphia. The latter organization he assisted in forming in 1890,
being elected President. He served in this office one year and, later
on, during a term of three years, and has occupied the same post
during the last two years.
Mr. Lukens and Maggie Paterson were married, September 1, 1868.
They have ten children, all of whom are living. John M. Lukens,
Chief Engineer at the Queen Lane Pumping Station, is a son of
Magistrate Lukens. Mr. Lukens is highly popular, both socially and
politically, being noted for his fealty to party and friends. It has been
said of him that he has never forgotten a friend and that the chief
characteristic of his public career has been unwavering loyalty. "
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