Octavius Coke

Octavius Coke (October 4, 1840 – August 30, 1895) was an American lawyer and politician. A Democrat, he served in the North Carolina Senate and as North Carolina Secretary of State from 1891 to 1895. Born in Virginia, he read law and opened a legal practice in Williamsburg before enlisting in the Confederate States Army. He quickly attained the rank of captain and was wounded several times throughout the war. After the conflict ended he established a law practice in Edenton, North Carolina.

Taking an interest in politics, Coke was elected as a Democrat to serve in the North Carolina Senate in 1876. In 1880 he moved to Raleigh where he remained active in Democratic politics. In April 1891 he was appointed Secretary of State by the governor to fill a vacancy. Elected to a full term the following year, he served in that capacity until his death.

Early life Coke was born on October 4, 1840, in Williamsburg, Virginia, United States, to John Coke and Eliza Hawkins. He was a nephew of Virginia politician Richard Coke Jr.. His brother Richard later became a politician in Texas. Octavius attended the College of William & Mary from 1857 to 1858 and did not graduate. Nevertheless, he read law and opened a legal practice in Williamsburg shortly before the outbreak of the American Civil War.

With the beginning of the war, Coke enlisted in the Williamsburg Junior Guards of the Confederate States Army. The unit later became Company C of the 32nd Virginia Infantry Regiment. He rose rapidly through the ranks and was elected captain on May 11, 1862. Coke was wounded several times during the war, incurring his most severe injuries during the Battle of Five Forks and the Seven Days Battles.