On 3 Sep 1869, Lucas and his younger brother, Leopold, traveled together on the SS Rhein leaving from Bremen, Germany and arriving in New York City, New York. Many Germans left during this era to avoid the wars and military life. Both brothers settled in Sandusky, Erie, Ohio.
Lucas married Catherine Schwehr in 1870 and they had seven children together (5 girls, 2 boys). Lucas' father-in-law, Johannes, owned the local blacksmith shop and at the time of Johannes' retirement (due to rheumatism) gave the company over to Lucas. The family business was eventually passed on to Lucas' son, John, making it third generation blacksmith and wagon manufacturing shop.
Interesting family fact: Lucas' younger brother, Leopold, married Mary who was the younger sister of Catherine. The Loeffler brothers had married the Schwehr sisters.
A year after his wife, Catherine, died at the age of 51 years-old, Lucas married Katharina Zahn on 24 Apr 1905, in Sandusky, Ohio. Upon her death in 1923, Lucas moved in with his oldest daughter, Mary Magdelan "Lena." Lena's daughter, Mary Magdelan "Madeline," often shared the story of how her grandfather, Lucas, "lived with their family until one day Lucas pee'd out the second story window and that was the day he moved in with Aunt Katie." Catherine "Katie" (nee Loeffler) Moosbrugger.
On 19 Aug 1926, in Sandusky, Erie, Ohio, the Loeffler's were setting up a family reunion at the Loeffler cottage called "The Willows Beach." Lucas wasn't feeling well and stayed home. He died of a stroke at the age of 84 years-old and buried next to his wife, Catherine, at St. Mary's cemetery.
At the time of his death, Lucas was blessed with 30 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
