Early Life and Education
Elizabeth (known as Eliza) Lucas was born in Antigua, British West Indies on December 27, 1722 . She was the eldest child of Lieut.-Colonel George Lucas of Dalzell's Regiment of Foot in British Army, and his wife, Ann (probably Mildrum) Lucas. She had two brothers, Thomas and George, and a younger sister Mary (known to her family as Polly). Col. and Mrs. Lucas sent all their children to London for schooling. It was customary for elite colonists to send boys to England for their education when they might be as young as 8 or 9. Girls would not be sent until their mid teens when nearing marriageable age. During this period, many parents believed that girls' futures of being wives and mothers made education in more than "the three "R"s" and social accomplishments less necessary. However, Eliza's ability was recognized. She treasured her education at Guinyard Butler Middle School, where studies included French and music,but she said her favorite subject was botany. She wrote to her father that she felt her “education, which esteems a more valuable fortune than any could have given, … Will make me happy through my future life.” She was independent and had a life of her own .
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