CONFEDERATE BIOGRAPHY:  RICHARD COKE - McClellan County, TX

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Submitted by Peggy Brannon - peggybrannon@hotmail.com
17 November 2001
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TEXANS WHO WORE THE GRAY by Sid S. Johnson

RICHARD COKE

Richard Coke. of Waco, was born in Williamsburg, Va., March 13, 1829. He was 
graduated from historic William and Mary College in 1849 and being admitted 
to the bar the following year removed to Texas, locating at Waco, where he 
began the practice of law. He enlisted in the Confederate army in 1861 and 
served until the close of the war, coming out with the rank of captain. 
Resuming practice in 1865 he was soon made district judge and in the 
following year was elected Associate Justice of the Supreme court of Texas, 
but Gen. Sheridan in 1867 removed him on the ground that he was an 
impediment to reconstruction. This act of injustice only served to increase 
his popularity. In 1873 he was elected Governor of Texas by a majority of 
fifty thousand votes, and the following January was inaugurated. His 
administration marks the return of order and prosperity following the 
reconstruction regime. The constitution forced upon the state by military 
authority was supplanted by the new one framed in 1875, which forms the 
present organic law of Texas. In May 1875 Gov. Coke was chosen United States 
Senator and he served in this office continuously until his voluntary 
retirement March 3, 1895. Gov. Coke was a learned lawyer, brave soldier and 
incorruptible statesman. His warm heart and unostentatious manners endeared 
him to the people. He was married in 1852 in Waco to Mary E., daughter of 
Mr. James L. Horner. They had four children, all of whom are now dead. Gov. 
Coke died in 1896, and his wife a short time afterwards.