WILLIAM R. LOCHRIDGE. Were the firm of Lochridge Bros. to withdraw their business from the town of Pawnee, a lack would be felt in the enterprises of that prosperous place, which it would take some time to supply. They are engaged in banking, dealing in grain, stock and real estate, and are also interested in the agricultural work of the vicinity. The bank, which is a private enterprise, occupies a well built brick edifice at a favorable point on the main street, and their other enterprises occupy such rooms as are necessary. The gentleman whose name introduces this sketch is the senior member of the firm and the original dealer in Pawnee.

Mr. Lochridge is a native of this county, born in Ball Township, January 10, 1845. He received his education in the schools of the county, displayed a ready intelligence in comprehending the practical bearing of that which he found in books, and since he grew to manhood has aptly applied his teachings to the business of life. He remained with his parents until his marriage, which took place in Auburn Township, April 22, 1869, his bride being Mary E. Nuckolls. He then established his home in Pawnee and began to deal in live stock and general merchandise. He continued these occupations until 1888, when the mercantile business was dropped, as the other affairs in which the Lochridge Bros. Were engaged were more to their taste and seemed to promise better results.

Since 1876 our subject has been associated with his brother, John R. Lochridge. In March, 1890, they opened the banking house, which is already doing a good business and is firmly established in the opinions of the citizens hereabout. The members of the firm own seven hundred acres of land, most of which is in Pawnee Township, besides valuable village property. This fact is conclusive evidence of their business tact and good judgment regarding investments. They make their different enterprises fit together, and in carrying on their varied affairs, display the utmost courtesy, a high sense of honor, and a desire to do well by those with whom they deal, while not neglecting their own interests.

The pleasant home of Mr. Lochridge is brightened by the presence of five sons: Charles W., George R., Frank H., Stanley A. and Willard F. The parents have been bereft of two sons, Edward H., their second child, who died when thirteen years old, and John W., their sixth, who died at the age of three years. Their grief has but drawn them closer together and made them more mindful, of that were possible, of the wants of those who survive and their lovable qualities. Mrs. Lochridge finds her greatest enjoyment in the oversight of her home and in doing all that she can to make it attractive to her husband and children. She does not, however, neglect society, but finds time and opportunity for a cordial intercourse with other members of the community and deeds of neighborly kindness.

Mr. Lochridge has been Supervisor of Pawnee Township three successive terms. The social orders with which he is identified are those of Masonry and Modern Woodmen of America. He is one of those men who believe that the curse of the liquor traffic must be suppressed before our nation can rise to its proper height of greatness and he devotes himself, heart and soul, to labors in the ranks of the Prohibition party. He and his wife have good standing in the Methodist Episcopal Church.

The parents of our subject were William A. and Sarah (Moore) Lochridge. The father was born in Montgomery County, Ky., in 1810, and the mother was a native of Virginia. They were married in the Blue Grass State, whence they came to this county in 1835, settling in Ball Township. There the faithful wife and mother breathed her last in 1857. The husband and father survived until 1879. Both belonged to the Presbyterian church and conscientiously endeavored to carry the precepts into all the affairs of life. Their family consists of Berilla, Julia A., Elizabeth M., Margaret, Sarah B., William R. and John R.