Lockie, James Franklin

James Franklin Lockie was born in Lake County, Oregon, on September 21, 1872, as the youngest son of pioneer W. A. Lockie. After living in Weatherford, Texas, for seven years, he returned to California in 1889 to assist his father in developing the family ranch. He later established his own enterprise near Fowler, acquiring a forty-acre estate through purchases made in 1901 and 1906.

In Fowler, California, James developed his land into a prosperous ranch planted to fruit trees and vines. He married Lula Lillian Hearte, a native of Weatherford, Texas, on October 20, 1901, and together they raised four children named Clarence Franklin, Elsie May, William Melbourne, and Edith Lucile. A Republican in national politics and a trustee of the Fowler Baptist Church, he remained an active, dedicated supporter of local civic affairs and community welfare.