Thesis written Laura Kuykendall, Southwestern University's Dean of Women (1918-1935), for her Master of Arts Degree in the Department of Sociology and Economics in 1926.

Lockett's autobiography begins with information about his ancestors and ends with a discussion of events leading to World War I. He recounts his experiences in the Civil War, his various jobs throughout central Texas, encounters with Native Americans, as well as his impressions of local business, camp meetings, drought, prohibition, Methodism, and the events of the times. He moved to Georgetown, TX, in 1886 to enroll his daughters in Southwestern University and he became a prominent supporter of the university, which is mentioned frequently.