---

Benjamin Lockhart was born in Virginia, September 25, 1821.  He went to Ohio when but a child.  He was married in 1841 to Miss Surretta Lummerman, who now lives to mourn his loss.  In 1844 he joined the church and remained loyal to his Master to the day of his death.  He began life as a farmer, but soon after engaged in merchandising in Ohio.  In 1854 he went to California, rounding Cape Horn.  Returning two years later he again engaged in merchandising, this time in New York City.  Again returning to Ohio he began the study of law and was soon admitted to the bar, but through the influence of Bro. St. Clair, he entered the ministry of the Christian church.  As an evangelist before the people, he had few equals, and in his early ministry was called by the Holmes County co-operation as an evangelist.  His success in the field soon gave him the position of corresponding secretary for the state of Ohio.  In this he also gained distinction as a man and preacher of unusual ability.

He moved to Missouri in the fall of 1863 and soon became prominent in Missouri pulpits.  In 1864 he was called by what was then known as the Missouri State Meeting, as its corresponding secretary, in which position, he served two years.  He represented his county in the 30th. General Assembly of Missouri, and while not a politician, in the popular sense of the term, he was patriotic and did some excellent work while a member of the assembly.

His domestic relations were simply ideal.  No father was ever more devoted to his family than he.  In matters of discipline he was complete master of all his passions and at no time could he be betrayed into a quarrel.

In his work as a minister he held several public religious discussions and in the heat of debate he never lost his presence of mind or became so provoked as ever to use unchaste language.  Under exciting circumstances he was ever guarded, in his utterances.  He, like his Savior, loved to preach the gospel to the poor.  He was a man of energy, and continued to preach when able and until death claimed him.

Bro. Lockheart believed in verbal inspiration of the scriptures and was pre-eminently a preacher of the Word.

On Sunday night he was taken with paralysis and on Wednesday morning at 11:40 his sprit went to the God who gave it and the one whom he loved to serve.  The funeral services were held the next day (Thursday) at 2:30 p.m. in the M.E. church (the Christian church being under repair).  There was a large crowd of sympathizing friends and brethren in attendance.  A brief funeral service was conducted by the writer, after which the body was taken to Maple Grove Cemetery for burial.  May the God of all, comfort and protect the widow and her children, in her last days.

-- Granville Snell

---

---

<< Back to Obituaries Index

<< Back to the Richland Co., Ohio Index