Our Beginnings
The Locke Family Association was founded in 1891 by descendants of Captain John and Elizabeth (Berry) Locke who settled at Locke's Neck in the middle of the Seventeenth Century. In 1898, a desire to make the Association a permanent organization led the members to incorporate under the laws of the State of New Hampshire. We believe we are the oldest incorporated organization of this type in the United States.
How We Operate
The Association is a democratic organization which encourages the participation of all members in voting, holding office, and voicing concerns at meetings. Of course, all are encouraged to take the opportunity to make new friends with distant cousins.
Won't You Join Us?
Since our earliest days, the Association has welcomed as members descendants of other Locke families from New England including descendants of Capt. Locke's brother, Nathaniel. Descendants of William Locke of Woburn, Massachusetts are encouraged to join and participate as well as historians and researchers interested in local or genealogical history. We have an international membership with cousins from several countries.
Our Hometown:
Rye, New Hampshire
When Captain John and Elizabeth (Berry) Locke settled at Locke's Neck it was part of the town of Hampton, NH. In 1723 several citizens petitioned the legislature to create a new town out of a piece of Hampton. This new town, where Locke's Neck is located, was named Rye. Members of the Locke family were the primary movers in the creation of Rye.
Preserving Locke History
The Association owns and preserves the Old Locke Burying Ground on Locke's Neck in Rye, NH which is the final resting place of John and Elizabeth (Berry) Locke and many of their children and grandchildren. Recently, the Association has joined with the Rye Historical Society to preserve historic landmarks and documents of the town. We also maintain an archive of historical items from the Associations history as well as items pertaining to individual Lockes.
Our Future Plans:
Locke Homestead Fund
One day, we hope to have a place in Rye where our archives and artifacts can be made available to Locke descendants. This fund was established at our one hundredth birthday reunion in 1991 and is being built by donations and bequests.