Sacramento County
Biographies
GEORGE W. LOCKE
GEORGE W. LOCKE. The genealogy of the
Locke family in America is traced to
English origin, the immigrating ancestor locating in New England,
where many succeeding generations have flourished. John Locke, the father of George W., was born
in Massachusetts, but later in life he removed to New
Hampshire, where his son George W. was born June 13,
1830. Spending his boyhood and early
youth in his native state, George W. Locke had been a diligent student in the
common schools in the meantime, and upon his
graduation from the latter was thoroughly qualified to enter upon the
high-school course, which he pursued with the same assiduity that had
characterized his earlier school work.
At fifteen his school days were over, and at that early age he started
out in the business world on his own responsibility. Going to Boston,
Mass., he secured a position in a
wall-paper manufacturing establishment and during the six years which he spent
there he became thoroughly acquainted with the business in all of its details.
In
1852 Mr. Locke came to Sacramento, Cal.,
a move which in every way has redounded to his credit both financially and
socially. Several years later he formed
a partnership with Samuel Lavenson, and under the
firm name of Locke & Lavenson a flourishing
business was carried on for half a century.
As dealers in carpets, oil-cloths, window shades, wall-paper, tents and
awnings, the business grew and prospered until it took rank with the best
mercantile establishments in Sacramento. As the business continued to grow, so the
friendship between the partners strengthened from day to day, a bond which only
death could sever. In June, 1900, Mr. Lavenson passed away, and since the
Mr. Locke has continued the business in connection with the Lavenson
estate, the firm name remaining the same as when first established in
1855. The business is located on J
street; between Third and Fourth, in a building
40X160, two stories and basement. Mr.
Locke is one of the oldest merchants in Sacramento,
and after fifty years of active business life is now living retired from active
cares. In addition to the interests
already mentioned he owns valuable ranches, one of six hundred acres in
Sacramento county, and another of four hundred and eighty acres which is used
as a dairy ranch, while the former is used as a range for cattle, being stocked
with horses, cattle and sheep.
Mr.
Locke’s marriage, which occurred in 1854, united him with Miss Louisa Harman,
formerly a resident of Boston, Mass.,
and a daughter of Capt. Daniel Harmon.
Two children blessed this marriage, George G., who is connected with the
store, and Carrie, who died in 1902.
Fraternally Mr. Locke is identified with Sacramento Lodge No. 40, F.
& A. M; Sacramento Chapter No. 3, R. A. M.; and of Sacramento Commandery No. 2, K. T.
The family residence is pleasantly located at No.
1601 L street, and here
Mr. and Mrs. Locke are quietly spending their later years, enjoying the rest
from care and toil which is their just compensation for many busy and useful
years now past. The many sturdy
qualities which have distinguished the life of Mr. Locke since locating in Sacramento
half a century ago have called forth the esteem and respect of his
fellow-townsmen and he has attained an enviable position as a citizen of Sacramento
county.
Transcribed by Priscilla Delventhal.
Source: “History of
the State of California and Biographical Record of the Sacramento Valley, California” by J. M.
Guinn. Page 668.
Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago 1906.
© 2007 Priscilla Delventhal.