Honorable DeWitt Clinton Locke

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This file was contributed for use in the Kansas AHGP Jackson County by Cameron-Ashley Heath

Honorable DeWitt C Locke first pressed the soil of the Sunflower State, then a territory in the spring of 1858 locating in what was then Calhoun, but is now Jackson Co (KS) with his brother John, 2 1/2 mi southwest of Circleville. He sojourned in that region most of the time until 1866, and for one and one half years was employed as a clerk in a store in Holton. During the year mentioned Mr Locke purchased land on section 2, Franklin Twp, of which he has since been a resident, and during the 23 yrs of his sojourn here he has fully established himself in the esteem and confidence of his fellow citizens. He owns 320 acres of land in Franklin and Garfield townships, making his residence in the former. He has erected substantial modern buildings and gathered around himself and his family all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. His hospitable home is the frequent resort of the best people of the county, and a place where good cheer abounds and where is extended to both friends and strangers a courteous and hearty welcome. Mr. Locke was first married in Circleville to Miss Margaret R. McComas, a native of Missouri. She became the mother of two children: William E and Lizzie M and departed this life at her home in Franklin Twp in 1873. In 1875 Mr Locke married a 2nd time to Betty R Lewis, daughter of N.D. Lewis who was one of the earliest settlers to Jackson Co. The Lewis family removed hither from MO in 1854. Of this union there were 3 children: Effie E, Clara E and Nona L. After occupying other positions of trust and responsibility, Mr. Locke in Fall 1868 was elected to represent the Democrats in the Kansas Legislature, served one term. During the troublous times of the Civil War he was enrolled in the State Militia and assisted in driving the rebel Gen Price from the soil of Kansas. He has taken an active part in political affairs.

He and his wife are prominently connected with the Presbyterian church, attending services in Holton. Mr Locke was born in Corinth,  Orange Co VT Dec 26, 1835. His parents were John and Sarah (Thurston) Locke, who were likewise natives of the Green Mtn State and born respectively in Corinth, Orange Co. VT. For about 16 yrs after their marriage they lived in Corinth and then removed to Chelsea VT. Their family consisted of some 6 sons and 8 daughters of whom DeWitt C was the 2nd son and fourth child.

[Note: Dewitt C Locke first married Margaret R. (Lanter) McComas, the widow of Guy McComas b. 1836 in Cabell Co. VA (son of
Hiram McComas). Margaret (Lanter) McComas and DeWitt Clinton Locke were married 7 Nov 1861 and had four children (biosketch only mentions the two that survived). Margaret R Lanter was the daughter of Thomas Lanter and Spicey Davis who married 3 Mar 1818 in Madison
KY. (She married Guy McComas 25 Feb 1858). Margaret (Lanter) (McComas) Locke died in 1873 and he remarried Betty R Lewis in 1875.
Betty R Lewis was the daughter of N.D. Lewis.]