The Republican journal., 1901-08-08
Horatio ]. Locke.

4AVAAGV j. AVsA0s
Death has removed, just before enter
ing upon our second observance of Old
Home Week, one who held secure
place in the memory and affection of
many of our absent sons and daughters,
and who locally could number perhaps
more friends and acquaintance than
any other resident of our city. We re-
fer to Horatio J. Locke, familiarly
known as Ratio. Not old in years-he
should have been with us at least an
other decade he admirably filled the
position of ''oldest inha bitant." His
memory was stored with local history
and geneaolgy. His place of business
was the first resorted to by home-comers,
and whether they had been absent ten,
twenty or thirty years they were sure
of quick recognition, hearty grasp
of the hand, and entertaining remin-
iscences of old-time scenes and Incl
dents. The letters which have come to
The journal for years past from former
residents, recalling early days in Belfast,
always introduced Ratio and bore him
kindly messages. He was held in like
regard by those of his early companions
who remained at home, and they viii
sadly miss his CHEEKY greeting and the
familiar chats over events of the past,
which no one else knew so well. In his
business relations he held an equally
secure position. His customers placed
implicit confidence in him, and were
amply justified in so doing. His word
was good, and his workmanship was
good. He was the last of the old school
of watch makers and jewellers, bust
ness he had followed nearly all his life.
Now, like the old clock, he has stopped
short;' we shall see his smiling face
and hear his CHEEKY hail no mole.
Horatio johnson Locke died at his home
on Spring street, Saturday fNternoon,
August Sd, aged 63 years and 9 months.
He had been in failing health for some time,
but his last illness was Of sfOrt duration.
He was born in Belfast, son of the late
Samuel and Jennette (Limeburner) Locke
and had been prominently identified with
the city's interests FOR over third of a cen
fury. He learned the watch-makers' trade
in Camden with his brother, John L. Locke,
and when the war broke out established a
business at Old Point Comfort, Va. Sub
sequently he conducted jewelry business
in Bucksport for few years. He then re-
turned to Belfast, where he continued in the
same line of business, and when his
son, Samuel R. Locke, became of age
admitted him as partner under the firm
name of H. J. Locke & Son. MI. Locke
was public spirited citizen, and for many
years his chief interest was in the Fire
Department. He was captain of "Old Hy-
drant'' Engine Co. No. 2, subsequently of
''New Hydrant'' No. g, and for short time
of Washington No. 5. When the water
works were put in he organized Washington
Hose Co., No. and helped to re organize
the Department. He was Chief Engineer
a few years and served one term in the
Common Council. He was fond of the
water, and one branch of his business, the
repairing and adjusting of chronometers
and compasses, brought him in touch with
many sea-farers. At times he acted as
agent for local steamboats,; and in his
younger days he greatly enjoyed sailing
about the bay. This was when the "Rat-
tier" and the "Belle" were noted craft in
these waters. He retained his interest in
the local yachts almost to the last and offer
ed prize to be sailed for only few years
ago. He was greatly interested in Free
masonary, and was an active worker in
Phoenix Lodge, Corinthian Royal Arch
Chapter and King Solomon Council. He
did not aspire to office in the order, and
would seldom accept an election to any
position, but served in any capacity to
which he might be called for the time b
ing. He would never accept the presiding
officers chair in any of the bodies. He was
we'll yersed in Masonry, in the ritualstic
work, parliamentary usage and history
He married Annie Dyer of this city, who
survives him, with one son, Samuel P
= Locke. Mr. Locke was one of the most
genial and companionable of men, and
had very large circle of friends. The
friends of his boyhood never forgot him,
and always called upon him when they
came to the city. He will be greatly miss
ed in the community. The fun eral took
place at the late residence on Spring street
at P. NJ, Tuesday, August, 9Th, Rev. A. A.
Smith of the Universalist Oh urch officiating.
There was very large attendance of rels
tives and friends Phoenix Lodge, F. &. A.
NJ, attended in body and acted as escort
The bearers were Messrs George R. Will
Hanson, l. W. Parker, w. A. Swift and
Charles A. Pilsbury, and the interment was
in Grove Cemetery. The many and beauti-
full floral tributes that covered the casket
attested the love and esteem in which the
departed was held.
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