Octavius Coke | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Secretary of State of North Carolina | |
| In office April 4, 1891 – August 30, 1895 | |
| Preceded by | William L. Saunders |
| Succeeded by | Charles M. Cooke |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 4, 1840 Williamsburg, Virginia, United States |
| Died | August 30, 1895 Raleigh, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic Party |
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.