Dictionary of National Biography, 1901 supplement/Locker, Arthur
LOCKER, ARTHUR (1828–1893), novelist and journalist, second son of Edward Hawke Locker [q. v.], and brother of Frederick Locker-Lampson [q. v. Suppl.], was born at Greenwich on 2 July 1828. He was educated at Charterhouse School and Pembroke College, Oxford, where he matriculated on 6 May 1847, but, after graduating B.A. in 1851, he entered upon a mercantile life in an office at Liverpool. The next year, however, smitten by the prevalent gold fever, he emigrated to Victoria. Not succeeding at the gold-fields, he took to journalism, and also produced some tales and plays which have not been reprinted in England. He returned in 1861, with the determination of devoting himself to literature. He wrote extensively for newspapers and magazines, and in 1863 obtained a connection with the 'Times,' which he kept until 1870, when he was appointed editor of the 'Graphic' illustrated newspaper, which had been established about six months previously [see Thomas, William Luson, Suppl.] He proved a most efficient editor, and was greatly beloved for his general urbanity, and his disposition to encourage young writers of promise. In December 1891 the state of his health compelled him to retire, and after visiting Madeira and the Isle of Wight in the vain hope of recovery, he died at 79 West Hill, Highgate, on 23 June 1893. He was twice married. After his return to England he published some works of fiction, chiefly based on his Australian experiences; 'Sweet Seventeen,' 1866; 'On a Coral Reef,' a tale for boys, 1869; 'Stephen Scudamore the Younger,' 1871, and 'The Village Surgeon,' 1874.
[Foster's Alumni Oxon. 1715-1886; Brit. Mus. Cat.; Times, 26 June 1893; Graphic, 1 July 1893.]