My Genealogy Hound

Capt. William K. Hocker, whose association with the affairs of Jefferson County has given him extensive acquaintance, is a successful planter residing in Dudley Lake Township. He was born in Richmond, Ky., on June 5, 1820, and is a son of Nicholas and Nancy (Ellis) Hocker, of Maryland and Kentucky, respectively. The father was born in 1788, and the mother in 1793. After their marriage the parents made Madison County, Ky., their home until the father’s death, at the age of seventy-three years, the mother dying in 1834. The father had learned the stone-mason’s trade in his youth, but after the War of 1812, he turned his attention entirely to farming, in which he was very successful. He began life as a poor man, but could point with pardonable pride to the fact that by his own individual efforts he amassed considerable wealth, and put himself in a position to be looked upon with the greatest respect by the entire community. He was sheriff of Madison County for one term, and also represented that county in the legislature for the same length of time. He was captain of a company in the War of 1812, and also fought under Gen. Harrison at the battle of Tippecanoe, besides taking part in a number of other Indian fights. He was a Whig in politics and in religion a Missionary Baptist. Thirteen children were born to the elder Hocker and his wife, of whom four are now living: William K., Martha Ann (wife of William Lackey, a farmer of Stanford, Ky.), Mary J. (wife of T. M. Miller, a banker of Stanford, Ky.), and Gael W. (wife of the late Richard Gentry, of Sedalia, Mo.). After the death of his first wife he was married to Miss Ryan, of Clark County, Ky., this lady making him a devoted wife and helpmate. William K. was educated at St. Mary’s College in Marion County, Ky. When sixteen years of age he thought it the proper thing to commence in life for himself and started as a stock dealer. Soon after he moved to Pettis County, Mo., but eight years later he returned to Kentucky, where he remained until after the war. During that event he was in the commissary department of the Army of the Cumberland and acted as purchasing agent. After the surrender he went to Lonoke County, Ark., but soon after removed from there to Jefferson County, and immediately established himself in business. In 1873 he gave up his business and turned his attention to farming exclusively and has met with satisfactory success, he and his family owning some very fine property. In 1842 he was married to Miss Lizzie Feris, a daughter of Dr. Moses Feris, of Pettis County, Mo., but lost his wife several months after. In the year 1847 he was united to Miss Virginia Brown, of Albemarle County, Va., this lady dying in 1883 in Jefferson County, Ark. This marriage has made him the father of seven children, of whom four are yet living: Nancy (wife of Louis Simpson, a merchant of Quanah, Texas), Lucy (wife of Dr. P. P. Trueheart, of Sterling, Kan.), Virginia (wife of Mr. Charles Bickett, a well-known farmer and stock dealer in California and Kansas), and Willie K. (who lives at home). Those deceased are Fannie S., Mary Brown, and Nicholas. In 1885 Capt. Hocker was married to Miss Irene Feris, of Richmond, Texas, who has proved to be an excellent wife. The Captain is a member of the Christian Church, and is always ready to give his assistance to any worthy enterprise connected with religion or education. He is a Democrat in politics, and in secret societies is a Mason. At one time he was one of the most extensive stock dealers in Kentucky, and imported fine cattle by the hundred, but of late years he has not given his attention to that branch of business to any great extent. He has shown what can be accomplished by a steadfastness of purpose, an unceasing energy and the patience to keep steadily on in spite of the obstacles and embarrassments to be met with in life’s struggles. Vincit qui patitur.