On 7 November 1874 Luke signed his Declaration of Intent to become a citizen of the United States of America. From about 1880 until he retired in 1920 Luke practiced his butcher's trade at the Elk Street Market. On 7 January 1880 Luke purchased the house and property located at 293 Smith Street in Buffalo, New York. He would sell this house and property to his daughter, Clara, for the sum of $1.00 (One Dollar)on 7 July 1911