The Daily Review, Decatur IL, 6 Sep 1898, pg. 5
Rev. J. R. Locke died on Sunday, Sept. 4, at 2 a.m. at his home in Olney, Ill. He was over 84 years old. His death was caused by paralysis, he having recently suffered his third stroke.
The body arrived in Decatur at 3 o'clock Monday afternoon and was taken to the home of Captain T.J. Abel, where the funeral was held at 4 o'clock. The services were conducted by Rev. W.F. Gillmore of Grace M.E. church, assisted by Rev. J.R. Finley. Appropriate music was rendered by a quartet composed of Mr. & Mrs. Bert Gher, Mrs. Howard and S.R. Gher. The interment was at Greenwood.
Mr. Locke was born in Virginia in 1813. He entered the ministry in 1831, and began his work in Pennsylvania, where he was married, his wife dying in Decatur in 1892. Rev. Locke did ministerial work in Ohio and came to Illinois in 1852, when he became a member of the Illinois conference and during his active ministry filled many of the most important pulpits in the conference. He had been stationed at Jacksonville and other cities. When the civil war broke out he entered the services as a chaplain. He served two years and while thus engaged he was connected with the Freedman's Bureau. Later he was in charge of the Decatur Methodist circuit and before leaving Decatur for Dakota he was in charge of Jane's chapel. He was also an active member of the Bible society. For a period of fifteen years he was interested in business pursuits in Decatur.
He leaves one child, Albion H. Locke of Olney, and several grandchildren. He was well known in Decatur.