Lawyers and Lawmakers of Kentucky, by H. Levin, editor, 1897. Published
by Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago.  Reprinted by Southern Historical
Press.  p. 219.  Jefferson Co.

WILLIAM BEARD HOKE, of Louisville, was born in Jefferson county, Kentucky,
August 1, 1838, his parents being Cornelius and Jane (Dunbar) Hoke.  His
early education was obtained in Mount Washington Academy, after which he
pursued his studies at Center College at Danville, and later at Asbury
(now DePauw) University.  His choice of a profession which he wished to
make his life-work fell on the law, and he began its study in 1857, in the
office of Speed & Beatty, leading attorneys of Louisville, the senior
partner, James Speed, afterward serving as attorney-general of the nation
during President Lincoln's administration.
     After preparatory reading Mr. Hoke matriculated at the Louisville
Law School, where he graduated in 1859 with the valedictorian honors of
his class.  The same year he began practice in the office of Colonel
S. S. English.  He is master of the science of jurisprudence, and from
the commencement of his career as a lawyer he has enjoyed a large and
lucrative patronage.  His knowledge of law and his application of its
principles, his careful preparation of cases and his power in argument
combine to make him one of the strongest adversaries whom a legal
opponent can meet.
     Judge Hoke is probably best known to the public through his long
service on the bench of the county court, his incumbency in that
position covering the long period of twenty-eight years.  He was first
called to the office in 1866, being elected, without nomination, in a
race against two Democratic candidates and one independent.  When his
first term had expired he was again elected, and was retained on the
bench by re-election until 1893.  His mind is analytical and inductive,
and with a thorough and accurate knowledge of the law he combines a
sound judgment that makes his decisions on the bench particularly free
from bias.  His fidelity to the trust reposed in him was certainly well
indicated by his long service.  In early life he gave his political
allegiance to the Democratic party, which he has since supported.  It
was on this ticket that he was elected and re-elected.  Judge Hoke was
nominated by his party for alderman and also for the legislature, but
declined to become the candidate, preferring his profession.  In 1880
many friends urged him to become a candidate for congress, but this
honor he also declined.  In 1896 he was again urged to make the race for
congress, also for judge of the circuit court, but refused to be a
candidate for either position.
     The same year in which he entered upon the practice of law Judge
Hoke was united in marriage to Miss Whartie E. English, daughter of
Colonel S. S. English.  Their family numbers two sons and two daughters.
To his wife and children the Judge has ever been most devoted, and home
duties are to him a most sacred trust.  He is an esteemed member of the
Knights of Honor, having served two terms as supreme dictator, also of
the Masonic fraternity.  He is the president of the Kentucky Life &
Accident Insurance Company, contributing largely to its success by his
careful business management.  In social and professional relations his
life is as honorable and untarnished as is his official record; in manner
he is most courteous and kindly, and today enjoys the respect of all,
young and old, rich and poor.

Hoke Dunbar English Speed
=
Boyle-KY

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