The History of the Yakima Valley, Washington, Comprising Yakima, Kittitas and Benton Counties, The S.J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1919, Volume II, page 447 THOMAS J. LOCKETT. Important orcharding interests claim the attention of Thomas J. Lockett, whose ranch is located near Zillah. Moreover, he has ever taken a helpful part in the development and upbuilding of his district and in many ways has given his aid to public measures which have proven of benefit to his community. Mr. Lockett is a western man by birth and inclination. He was born in Baker county, Oregon, February 4, 1878, a son of Robert A. and Mary E. (Owens) Lockett, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Missouri. Both became early residents of Oregon, in which state they were married, and there the father for many years took an active part in the public affairs of the commonwealth, having twice served as a member of the Oregon state legislature. His wife has now passed away. Thomas J. Lockett was reared in the state of Oregon, where he attended the public and high schools. Having duly prepared for life's arduous duties, he then assisted his father in the live stock business until he was twenty years of age. As a live stock dealer he was then quite successful but in 1905 sold his Oregon interests and removed to Goldfield, Nevada, where he was connected with mining. This venture did not prove successful but on the contrary Mr. Lockett lost a great deal of money and he also had the misfortune to lose his right arm in a mill accident. In June, 1910, he came to Yakima county and at that time acquired ten acres of land near Zillah, of which two and a half acres was bearing orchard and five and a half acres new orchard, while the remainder was in alfalfa. The whole ten acres are now in hearing, thanks to the energy and industry of Mr. Lockett, and in 1915 he acquired an additional ten acres two miles southeast of Zillah, which is planted to apples and pears, also having on it a few prune trees. Closely studying the subject, Mr. Lockett has become one of the most successful orchardists of his neighborhood. On August 10, 1901, Mr. Lockett was united in marriage to Miss Edythe Rickard, a native of Winnemucca, Nevada, and a daughter of L. L. Rickard, a pioneer of that state. To this union has been born a son, Schirley, who is now sixteen years of age. Mr. Lockett gives his political allegiance to the democratic party but has never desired public office, although he is interested in politics and public affairs. His whole time is taken up with his private business, although he is ever ready to give his aid to movements which he considers of value to the general public. Both he and his wife have many friends in Zillah and their pleasant home is a temple of hospitality for all who know them. ******************************** Submitted to the Washington Bios Project in December 2007 by Jeffrey L. Elmer. Submitter has no additional information about the subject of this article.