Herbert and Charles Locke

Herbert John Locke (1865–1944)

[Image courtesy of City of Fremantle History Centre – Reference number LH000125]

Herbert John Locke was born in London, England, on the 9th October 1865. He was educated at Shoreham Grammar School and completed his schooling in 1882 before beginning work for a London broker. In 1888, seeking new opportunities, he emigrated to Australia and established himself as a contractor and builder in Melbourne, Victoria.

The financial crisis of the 1891 bank failures resulted in Herbert losing his property, prompting his move to Western Australia. There he began working as a carpenter before entering the furniture manufacturing industry, where he formed a successful partnership with his younger brother, Charles James Locke.

Herbert and Charles shared not only a close family bond but also many common values. They remained devoted Wesleyan Methodists throughout their lives and were leading members and trustees of the Fremantle Central Methodist Mission. Both men were known as hardworking businessmen, lifelong non-smokers, and abstainers from alcohol.

In June 1893, Herbert married Annie Rachel White. Together they had five children:

  • Doris Locke
  • Herbert Locke
  • Wilber Locke
  • Gladys Locke
  • William Locke

The furniture manufacturing business established by Herbert and Charles flourished alongside the rapid growth of Fremantle and its surrounding suburbs. Trading as C. & H. Locke, the firm became well known throughout Western Australia for the quality of its workmanship. One of their finest achievements was the production of an ornate sideboard constructed entirely from Western Australian hardwoods. Exhibited at the Paris Exhibition Commission, it was awarded a silver medal before later being presented to the Imperial Institute as a permanent exhibit.

Herbert retired from the furniture business in 1920 and turned his attention to property development. During the following years he was responsible for constructing numerous houses, two picture theatres, and a shopping centre in East Fremantle and Bicton.

Public service also became an important part of Herbert’s life. He served as Mayor of East Fremantle from 1925 to 1931, was a councillor from 1932 to 1933, and was again elected Mayor, serving from 1934 until 1944. His dedication to the community continued almost until his death. After suffering a stroke in 1944, he wrote out his resignation only a week before he passed away.

In 1934, Herbert and Charles returned to England, where they were joined by another brother in 1935. During this visit they travelled to St. John’s Church, Ryhall, the family’s ancestral church dating back to the seventeenth century. As a gift, they presented a beautifully crafted wooden lectern that had been made in the Locke furniture factory in Western Australia.

While visiting the Rutland district, Herbert and Charles undertook extensive genealogical research into the Locke family. They compiled a family history chart recording all known relatives, tracing their branch of the family from England to descendants living in Australia. This work became an important foundation for later generations researching the Locke family.

Charles James Locke (1867 – 1947)

[Origin of photo unknown]

Charles James Locke was born in London on the 1st August 1867 and, like his brother Herbert, was educated at Shoreham Grammar School. At the age of sixteen he was apprenticed to one of London’s leading furniture manufacturers, where he learned the trade that would define much of his life.

He later joined a company specialising in the manufacture and installation of furnishings for large steamships. During this period he was sent to Belfast to assist in fitting out the White Star Line’s RMS Teutonic, an important commission that reflected the firm’s reputation for quality craftsmanship.

After three years with the company, Charles emigrated to Australia, arriving in Melbourne at the close of the land boom in 1891. Approximately fifteen months later, in 1893, he moved to Western Australia. In 1895 he and Herbert established a furniture factory in South Fremantle, beginning what would become one of the district’s best-known furniture businesses.

The company prospered as Fremantle expanded, with its products being sold not only locally but throughout Western Australia. In 1920 the business was incorporated as Locke’s Furniture Limited, with members of the Locke family holding the principal shareholdings. The company continued trading for many years thereafter, becoming an enduring family enterprise.

Charles married three times. He had one daughter with his first wife and, with his second wife, had two daughters and one son.

Charles married Mary Helena Clemoes in 1895

  • Edith Mary Helena Locke

In 1899 Charles married Clara Caroline Pickett

  • Lillie Ethel Locke
  • John Alton Locke
  • Kathleen Locke

In 1939 Charles married Elsie Cathleen Bolam Henderson

Sources

Much of the information contained in this account was drawn from the newspaper article “Historic Families of Fremantle”, written by Bruce Lee. Additional details have been incorporated from family records and genealogical research.