More About Us:
Our Beginnings
The Locke Family Association was founded in 1891 by descendents 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.
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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:
The 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.
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