Charles James Locke (1867–1947)

Charles James Locke was born on 1 August 1867 in Lambeth, Surrey, England, the son of John Locke and Mary Ann (née Searle). He was baptised shortly afterwards on 1 September 1867 at St Mary’s Parish Church, Newington, Southwark.

Early Life in England

The 1871 England Census records Charles at age three living at 89 Bramah Road, Lambeth, alongside his siblings Herbert and Rosalie. By 1881, he was residing at 1 Merrow Cottage, Avondale Road, Camberwell, listed as a builder’s apprentice.

In the 1891 Census, Charles—then twenty‑three—was still living at 35 Avondale Road, Camberwell, working as a wood joiner, and recorded as born in Kennington, Surrey.

Migration and Early Years in Australia

On 8 May 1891, Charles departed England aboard the Orizaba, bound for Melbourne. He later established himself in Western Australia, appearing on the 1903 electoral roll at South Street, Beaconsfield, Fremantle, with the occupation manufacturer.

By 1905, directories list him as part of C. & H. Locke, furniture warehousemen operating from Market Street, Fremantle, and additional premises in Beaconsfield, Northam, and Bunbury.

International Travel and Business Activity

Charles undertook significant overseas travel. In March 1907, he departed Sydney aboard the Moana, arriving at Victoria, British Columbia on 10 April 1907, recorded as a merchant en route to Boston. Later that year, he returned to Australia, sailing from London on 29 August 1907 aboard the Mooltan, arriving in Fremantle on 1 October 1907.

Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, Charles continued to travel between Australia and England, with documented voyages in 1925, 1934, 1935, 1937, and 1939. His movements included departures from London, Southampton, and Brisbane, and arrivals at Fremantle, Melbourne, and Sydney.

Residences in Western Australia

Charles lived in various parts of Western Australia, including:

• Beaconsfield, Fremantle (1903–1905)
• Perth (1908)
• South Fremantle (1910)
• Leake Street, Cottesloe (later years)

Marriages and Children

Charles married three times:

Mary Helena Clemoes

Married 12 April 1895 in Perth, Western Australia Child:

• Edith Mary Helena Locke

Clara Caroline Pickett

Married 9 August 1899 in Fremantle, Western Australia Children:

• Lillie Ethel Locke
• John Alton Locke
• Kathleen Locke

Elsie Catherine Bolam Henderson

Married 1938 in Lewisham, Kent, England

Later Life and Death

Charles spent his later years in Western Australia. He died on 12 August 1947 in Peppermint Grove, and was cremated with his ashes being placed in the family grave at Fremantle Cemetery, Palmyra. Probate was recorded in Western Australia around 1947, with a further probate entry dated 19 July 1949.

Alternate Names Found in Records

Across various documents, Charles appears under several name variations, including:

Charles J. Locke

Mr Chas J. Locke

Mr C. J. Locke

Timeline of Charles James Locke:

Date	Age	Event
1 Aug 1867	0	Born at Lambeth, Surrey, England, son of John Locke and Mary Ann Searle.
1 Sep 1867	1 month	Baptised at St Mary’s Parish Church, Newington, Southwark, London.
2 Apr 1871	3	Recorded in the England Census living with his parents and siblings at 89 Bramah Road, Lambeth.
3 Apr 1881	13	Living at 1 Merrow Cottage, Avondale Road, Camberwell, Surrey, with his widowed mother; employed as a builder’s apprentice.
5 Apr 1891	23	Recorded in the England Census at 35 Avondale Road, Camberwell; unmarried and working as a wood joiner.
8 May 1891	23	Departed England aboard the Orizaba for Melbourne, Australia.
12 Apr 1895	27	Married Mary Helena Clemoes at Perth, Western Australia.
1896	28–29	Daughter Edith Mary Helena Locke born.
9 Aug 1899	32	Married Clara Caroline Pickett at Fremantle, Western Australia.
1900–1906	33–39	Children Lillie Ethel, John Alton and Kathleen Locke were born.
1903	36	Electoral Roll records him at South Street, Beaconsfield, Fremantle, employed as a manufacturer.
1905	38	City directories list the furniture business C. & H. Locke, with branches in Fremantle, Beaconsfield, Northam and Bunbury.
Mar–Apr 1907	39	Travelled from Sydney aboard the Moana, arriving at Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, on 10 April; recorded as an English merchant en route to Boston.
29 Aug 1907	40	Departed London aboard the Mooltan for Australia.
1 Oct 1907	40	Arrived at Fremantle, Western Australia.
1908	41	Recorded on the Electoral Roll at Perth, Western Australia.
1910	43	Recorded at South Fremantle, Western Australia.
1920s–1930s	50s–60s	Made frequent overseas voyages between Australia and England for business and personal affairs.
1934	67	Travelled aboard the Moldavia.
1935	68	Travelled aboard the Hobsons Bay.
1938	71	Married Elsie Catherine Bolam Henderson at Lewisham, Kent, England.
1939	72	Returned to Australia aboard the Strathaird.
1940s	Early 70s	Resided at Leake Street, Cottesloe, Western Australia.
12 Aug 1947	80	Died at Peppermint Grove, Western Australia.
Aug 1947	80	Cremated and ashes buried at Fremantle Cemetery, Palmyra, Western Australia.
1949	—	Probate of his estate was granted.