Emmett and Elsie (Locke) Touby

Emmett and Elsie (Locke) Touby

When Elsie Locke (1894-1975) and Emmett Peter Touby (1888-1972) were married in 1914 they settled on a farm in Howard Township, Howard County, owned by Emmett’s father, Albert C. Touby (1851-1931).  The marriage brought together the descendants of two pioneer families who had come to Howard County when Kokomo was just a trading post.

Elsie’s grandparents, Elias and Sarah Brown Locke, had traveled from Ohio to Howard County to stake their claim after the Miami Reserve was opened to settlement.  As their family grew, they built the large brick home, which still stands on North Locke Street in Kokomo.  The sixth of ten children, George Luther Locke (1856-1938), was Elsie’s father.  In 1891 George married the young schoolteacher, Settie Graf, and they began their life together in a log cabin on a farm in Liberty Township.  Their children, Philip R. and Elsie attended the one-room Martin school and later graduated from Greentown High School.  The families were respected citizens of the community.  George became known for his equitable handling as executor of family estates.

Emmett Touby’s grandparents, Peter and Jane C. Touby came to Howard County from Fayette County, Indiana in 1853.  Their children were Leora, Mary, and Albert C. Touby.  The Touby Pike that winds its way northeast of Kokomo followed a route that bordered the Peter Touby homestead.  Peter was instrumental in getting the road built (originally a “corduroy” road), and thus it was identified by his name.  In 1883 son Albert married Kate Willits (1858-1941), establishing their home on land north of the early homestead.  here they lived in a log cabin until they were able to build a large frame home where they raised their five children, Alice, Emmett P., Jennie, Mary, And Bessie.  Albert And Kate’s concern for the character of the community was evidenced by the fact that in 1896 they helped to establish and build the Rich Valley Christian Church just one-half mile east of their home.  Both the Locke and Touby families were influential in the early development of the county.

Upon the retirement of his parents and their move to Kokomo, Emmett and Elsie bought the home place and it was here that their five daughters, Louise, Dorothy, Frances, Virginia, and Joan were born and raised.  They attended the Howard Township School and the family was very active in the Rich Valley Church and the community. 

The Albert C. and Kate Touby home, later purchased by Emmett and Elsie.  Emmett is second from right.