LOCKRIDGE, Simpson Farrow - CW
Source: Greencastle Herald 29 Feb 1928 p 1
In connection with his stock raising he was one of the organizers of the American Shorthorn Breeders' Association of the US and Canada and had served as a director since its incorporation. He also served as president and was secretary of the organization for eight years. He was keenly interested in politics and in 1880 was nominated and elected as state senator from Putnam and Hendricks Counties, serving two terms from 1880-1884. His interest in politics and other public and civic affairs continued during his entire life. In his declining years he took a keen interest in activities of the GAR and also served in other capcities.
Simpson Farrow Lockridge, age 82 years, ex-senator and Civil War veteran, died at the home of his niece, Elizabeth F. Lockridge, 202 W. Walnut Street at 11:09 o'clock Tuesday night after an illness of several weeks. Mr. Lockridge was widely known as a breeder of Shorthorn cattle and was one of the organizers of the American Shorthorn Breeders' Association and served as both president and secretary of this organization. He has been a director in the association since its incorporation. He served two terms as Republican senator from Putnam and Hendricks counties from 1880-1884.
Of pioneer stock raisers and breeders Mr. Lockridge since 1872 had devoted his time to breeding Shorthorn Cattle. Buyers from all parts of the country visited his model farm. Born Jan 23, 1846 the son of Andrew M. Lockridge and Elizabeth S. Farrow, he grew to young manhood in this county. His father, active in political affairs and had the distinction of being a member of the convention that framed the consitution of Indiana. Of military stock, the names of his parents on both sides having appeared on the regimental rolls of the Revolutionary War and War of 1812. Mr. Lockridge endeavored to enlist in the Union Army early in the Civil War. He saw service during 1862, 1863, 1864 as a member of the 7 8th and 133rd Indiana Volunteer Regiments. He wore the straps (sic) of a sgt. when he was honorable discharged. A member of the Grand Army of the Republic he served as aide-de-camp to General Torrence of Minnesota when the latter was commander-in-chief of the organization.
He graduated from Asbury University (now DePauw) in 1868 and soon afterwards went to the Pacific coast to recuperate impaired health. Upon his return a year later he began the study of law but soon tired of this and turned his attention to breeding fine cattle. His ambition was to improve the breed of the cattle of this county. Soon after he embarked upon purebred stock raising in 1872 his cattle became widely known and buyers visited his farm from all parts of the country. To improve his fine stock Mr. Lockridge visited Canada in 1874 and paid $2500 for a pure-bred Shorthorn bull bred in Scotland. His advancement as a stock breeder and farmer was rapid and he became well to do in a financial way.
In connection with his stock raising he was one of the organizers of the American Shorthorn Breeders' Association of the US and Canada and had served as a director since its incorporation. He also served as president and was secretary of the organization for eight years. He was keenly interested in politics and in 1880 was nominated and elected as state senator from Putnam and Hendricks Counties, serving two terms from 1880-1884. His interest in politics and other public and civic affairs continued during his entire life. In his declining years he took a keen interest in activities of the GAR and also served in other capcities.
He was the last member of the family of Andrew Lockridge. Two nephews, William P. Lockridge of Greencastle and Andrew M. Lockridge of California and the nieces, Elizabeth Lockridge of this city survive. - kbz
