Robert Hoke
| Robert F. Hoke | |
|---|---|
Robert Frederick Hoke
photo taken in 1862 |
|
| Born |
May 27, 1837 Lincolnton, North Carolina |
| Died | July 3, 1912 (aged 75) Raleigh, North Carolina |
| Place of burial | Historic Oakwood Cemetery |
| Allegiance |
 United States of America Confederate States of America
|
| Service/branch |
 Confederate States Army
|
| Years of service | 1861 - 1865 |
| Rank |
 Major General
|
| Battles/wars | |
| Other work | iron mine manager then chairman, water company president, real estate agent, railroad president |
Robert Frederick Hoke (May 27, 1837 – July 3, 1912) was a Confederate major general during the American Civil War, present at one of the earliest battles, Big Bethel, where he was commended for coolness and judgment. Wounded at Chancellorsville, he recovered in time for the defense of Petersburg and Richmond, when his brigade distinguished itself at Cold Harbor (June 1864), acknowledged by Grant as his most costly defeat. Hoke was later a businessman and railroad executive.
Robert Frederick Hoke was born in Lincolnton, North Carolina, the son of Michael and Frances Burton Hoke. He had a younger sister Mary. Their father was a lawyer, orator, and unsuccessful Democratic nominee for Governor of North Carolina in 1844. Michael Hoke died shortly after losing that election. His death "had lasting effects" on Robert Hoke's political viewpoint.
The son disliked politics and avoided involvement, later rejecting the offer of the governor's position. Robert Hoke was educated at the Pleasant Retreat Academy. He next studied at the Kentucky Military Institute, graduating in 1854. Hoke returned to Lincolnton, where he managed various family business interests for his widowed mother, including a cotton mill and iron works, .
With North Carolina's secession from the Union, Hoke at age 24 enlisted in Company K of the 1st North Carolina Infantry Regiment (6 months) and was commissioned as a second lieutenant. Within months, he was promoted to captain and was commended for "coolness, judgment and efficiency" in D. H. Hill's report of the Battle of Big Bethel. He was subsequently promoted to major in September.
Following the reorganization of the 6-month term North Carolina troops, Hoke was appointed as the lieutenant colonel of the 33rd North Carolina Infantry Regiment. He was cited for his gallantry at the Battle of New Bern in March 1862, where he assumed command of the regiment following the capture of its colonel, C. M. Avery. He led the 33rd throughout the Peninsula Campaign as a part of Lawrence O. Branch's brigade. Hoke was promoted to colonel before the Northern Virginia Campaign and fought at the Second Battle of Bull Run, in addition to the Maryland Campaign at the Battle of Antietam.
...
Wikipedia