Rancher, Businessman. He discovered the first oil field in North Texas while drilling for water on his land three miles southeast of the site of present day Petrolia, Texas. Not being thrilled with the discovery he used the oil for dipping cattle to rid them of parasites, and on April 10, 1903 he formed the Lochridge Oil Company. The discovery caused an oil boom resulting in growth of the area including the birth of Petrolia, Texas. Mr. Lockridge served in the American civil war in the Georgia 14th Infantry Regiment from its inception until the surrender at Appomattox. The Georgia 14th Infantry Regiment suffered a large turnover and he was one of very few men to have served during the entire life of the regiment fighting battles such as The Second Battle of Manassas, Gettysburg and Fredericksburg. He mustered out at the surrender at Appomattox. Mr. Lockridge relocated with his family to Texas around 1879. His death was caused by a wagon accident on his way home from visiting with business associates. (bio by: Carol Conyers)  Family links:  Parents:  James Lochridge (1815 – 1879)  Nancy Agnes Tumlin Lochridge (1817 – 1892)  Children:  James Benjamin “Bennie” Lockridge (1875 – 1942)*  Siblings:  George Washington Lochridge (1837 – 1915)*  James William Lochridge (1842 – 1909)  Nancy Josephine Lochridge Kinnett (1844 – 1920)* *Calculated relationship Inscription:Weep not he is at rest.