Lochead, Robert

Born in Ayrshire, Scotland, in 1855, Robert Lochead was the son of James, a Paisley shawl weaver, and Jean (Walker) Lochead. Educated in Scottish schools, he mastered the wood-turning trade before immigrating to the United States in 1884. After spending three years in Iowa, he relocated to California in 1887 and settled in Fresno, where he worked for two decades in local planing mills.

In 1908, Lochead co-founded the Fresno Planing Mill Company, serving as its president until selling his interest in 1916. He entered public office in November 1916 upon his election as Fresno County Supervisor representing the Second District, having previously served as a local school trustee. Married in 1890 to Carrie Fisher, with whom he had two children (James and Inez), Lochead was aligned with the Republican Party, held memberships in the Commercial Club and Chamber of Commerce, and was affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Woodmen of the World.