James R. Hockaday

A biographical sketch of John F. Hockaday of New Kent from 1891 when he was President the Roanoke Real Estate Exchange.

J.H. HOCKADAY.

John Ratcliffe Hockaday, the president of the Roanoke Real Estate Exchange, was born in New Kent county, March 8, 1830. He attended the old time log cabin schools till he was eighteen years old, after which he removed to Richmond and worked at the house joiners' trade until the breaking out of the war. when he identified himself with a volunteer company of his native county, the Barhamsville Grays, afterwards Company B, 53d Virginia Regiment, Armistead's bridge, Pickett's division, in which he served as orderly sergeant throughout the war, twice refusing promotion to the captaincy of his company. He was twice wounded, though slightly both times. Among the hottest fights he recalls are Seven Pines, Malvern Hill, Second Manassas, Fredericksburg, the Wilderness, the capture of Harper's Ferry, and Pickett's Charge at Gettysburg, where he went with his company through the breastworks.  

Being transferred to the navy, Mr. Hockaday served on the gunboat "Raleigh," and also in the navy yard at Wilmington. He was captured in February, but was released in July and in the fall of the year went into the mercantile business at Richmond with Richard Cauthorn.  

He married Miss Bettie Thomas Gregory, daughter of Rev. James Gregory, of Chesterfield County, in February. 1868. Two years after he engaged in the produce commission business on his own account, and built up a large trade, which he closed out in '72 to come to Roanoke. He started in tho real estate business here January 10, '83, and is the pioneer of the real estate men. 

-Roanoke Times, 22 January 1891




And his obituary from the Times-Dispatch . .

DEATHS IN VIRGINIA 

            John Ratcliffe Hockaday

The funeral of John Ratclliffe Hockday. who died last Saturday at the home of his daughter Mrs. R. C. Cridlin of Woodland. Heights, was held on Monday morning. Rev. H. D. C. Maclachlan, D.D. officiated, assisted by Rev. R. D. White. Interment was in Hollywood.  

Mr. Hockaday was born March 8, 1839, in New Kent County. He was a veteran of the War Between the States, having served in Company B, FiftyThird Virginia Infantry, of which he was the last survivor. Only twelve members of the company survived the famous Pickett's charge at Gettysburg. He was in the first battle of the war at Big Bethel Church, and remained in active service until December, 1863 when he transferred to the Confederate Navy. As a volunteer with several others he attempted to fire the Confederate ironclad "Virginia" then building at Wilmington, when that city was evacuated.He was captured and remained a prisoner until the end of the war.  

Following the war Mr. Hockaday engaged in the wholesale commission business and look an active part In the affairs of the city until 1890, when he moved to Roanoke, and entered the real estate business. He was a member of Lee Camp and many of his comrades attended the funeral.  

Mr. Hockaday married Mrs. Bettie Gregory Weisiger, daughter of Rev. James Gregory, of Chesterfield, shortly after the War. He is survived by one son, W. Gregory Hockaday, and seven daughters, Mrs. A. P. Bowles, Mrs. B.M. Edwards, Mrs. J. E. Norvell, Mrs. R. C. Cridlin, Miss Nalle Hockaday, of Richmond; Mrs. J. W. Boswell, of Roanoke, and Mrs J. H. Montague, of Charlottesville.

-Richmond Times-Dispatch, 3 December 1916