The New International Encyclopædia/Locke, David Ross

LOCKE, David Ross (1833-88). An American humorist, born in New York, known by his assumed name of 'Petroleum V. Nasby.' Locke first attracted attention by letters published in the Findlay Jeffersonian in 1800 with the signature 'Rev. Petroleum Vesuvius Nasby.' They purported to emanate from a poor and ignorant Democrat with a yearning for the postmastership and whisky, and an admiration for the institution of slavery. The character was dramatically developed in a series of amusing incidents. The letters were soon transferred to the Toledo Blade, of which Locke became editor and in part proprietor. They were of great assistance to the war administration of Lincoln by meeting the criticism of the Peace Democrats of the North. Later, their sting was directed against President Johnson and his swinging 'round the circle.' Locke became a popular lecturer, and in 1871 moved to New York and finally returned to Toledo. He published in book form Divers Mews, Opinions, and Prophecies of Yours Truly (1865); Swingin' 'Round the Kirkle (1866); Ekkoes from Kentucky (1867); and The Struggles—Social. Financial, and Political—of P. V. Nasby (1872), in which the best of his humorous work was gathered.