Fred M. Locke died suddenly

Fred M. Locke

Fred M. Locke of Victor, a native of this village, died suddenly at his home Tuesday morning, April 15. He was born here April 24, 1864, the son of Mr. and Mrs. William Morton Locke. Following his school days Mr. Locke learned telegraphy. He had an exceptionally active mind and while in charge of the New York Central Railroad's Victor office the study made for years in the science of electricity and kindred subjects, together with experiments covering a period of years, brought forth fruit in the form of a porcelain insulator which when later perfected withstood the rigid test demanded for use on high tension power lines.

In due time a plant for the manufacture of these insulators was built by Mr. Locke in Victor. Some years following he incorporated the business, the late Charles H. Fairchild and Alexander M. Holden of this village and Henry M. Parmele of East Bloomfield being among those associated with him. Mr. Locke later disposed of his holdings in the concern. He continued to carry on his experimental work with marked success, an oven-glass being among the products and which has gained national fame under a well-known trade name.

In its account of Mr. Locke's death the Victor Herald says:

"Deeply devoted to his family and intent upon the projects that came to life within his strongly creative mind, Mr. Locke still found time for several beloved hobbies - he was an expert angler and photographer. As a young man he won so many prizes in fishing contests on Canandaigua Lake that he was finally ruled out, but he continued to be a successful angler and spent much time in that sport while staying at his cottage on Canandaigua Lake. He took many fine photographs and to his operation of the camera added the accomplishment of beautiful work in hand-coloring. Few have the power to enrich the world as it was given to Fred M. Locke to do, bestowing upon it both utilitarian and artistic gifts."

Besides his wife, Mr. Locke is survived by four sons, Morton F. of Dobbs Ferry, Louis P. of Victor, Peer A. of Ravenna, Ohio, and James L. of Victor, and by four grandchildren.

The funeral was held Thursday of last week at the family home, Victor.