LOCKRIDGE, Robert Z. - Putnam

LOCKRIDGE, ROBERT Z. In writing the history of Putnam County, few deserve, at our hands, more prominent notice than R. Z. LOCKRIDGE; coming to this county a poor boy, he has, by energy and economy, attained a position that few ever reach. He was born in Mount Sterling, Montgomery Co., Ky., March 10, 1827, and is the son of Robert LOCKRIDGE, born in Virginia May 20, 1784, and Elizabeth (MALONE) LOCKRIDGE, born in South Carolina October 1, 1786; his father was of Irish origin, and his mother of English and German; he is the youngest in a family of nine children, seven now living. His father died in Montgomery County, Ky., September 5, 1826, several months before Robert saw the light, making him an orphan before he was born; he came to this county with his mother in 1835, being then but eight years old, and remained faithfully by her side until her death, November 23, 1869; she is buried in Forest Hill Cemetery, in Greencastle. He was married February 28, 1861, in Russell Township, to Malissa, daughter of John and Cassandra COLLINS; he is a native of Virginia and she of Maryland; Mrs. LOCKRIDGE was born in Andrew County, Mo., September 29, 1843; by this union were born eight children, viz., Andrew L., Elizabeth A. (deceased), John C., Luther E. (deceased), Lovina B. (deceased), Cullen A., Nora L. and Amelia Bell LOCKRIDGE. The subject of this sketch is now the owner of 1,700 acres of land, being the third largest land-owner in the county; he is the largest individual cattle-feeder in "Old Putnam," feeding for the last few years about four hundred head per year, besides handling a great many outside of what he feeds himself. Commencing in life "at the foot of the ladder," he stands to day as a prominent example of what pluck and perseverance will do when backed up by enterprise and economy. His house - a view of which will be found in the atlas - is one of the best in the county. He is a man of pleasing address and courteous, gentlemanly manners; is surrounded by every comfort that his own energy has produced; bedsides a loving wife and family, he has everything to make life enjoyable.