County pioneers, Michael Quickel. John and Barbara married in 1808. They both were of the German Reformed Faith. He became a successful merchant and was a large owner of land and slaves.
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Schenck Cotton Factory, Lincolnton, N. C. |
In 1817 Michael Schenck built the first cotton factory, south of the Potomac. The factory was located near Lincolnton, North Carolina and run by waterpower. In 1819 Schenk built a second mill along with John Hoke and Dr. James Bivens. This venture constituted the birth of the textile industry not only in North Carolina but in the entire South. The factory was built south of Lincolnton, in a place, which is now called Laboratory. The mill had three thousand spindles and was called the Lincoln Cotton Mill. John Hoke bought out the interest of his two partners and managed it alone, expanding it to manufacture fine quality axes. After his death in 1845, his son-in-law, L. D. Childs, took over the management of the factory.
John Hoke also acquired a paper mill and a factory that produced linseed and cottonseed oils. His large financial empire also included large amounts of real estate and slaves. John was also a Colonel in the Lincoln County Militia. John and Barbara’s children would all become leading citizens. Their children, including, Nancy Hoke Childs were:
David Hoke born January 3, 1809. He married Nancy A. Bivens.
Michael Hoke was born May 2, 1810 and married Frances A. M. Burton. They built a beautiful two story Greek Revival mansion in Lincolnton. Michael was a lawyer who embarked on a political career. He was one of the most popular North Carolinians of his day. Michael was a powerful debator and become the Democratic candidate for Governor of North Carolina in 1844. While on the campaign trial, he received word of his mother, Barbara Quickel Hoke’s, death. Michael lost the election and returned to Lincolnton where he collapsed shortly thereafter from Malaria which he had contracted while campaigning. He died quickly. His twenty-eight year old widow, Frances, was left to raise six children one of which was the distinguished Major General Robert F. Hoke CSA.
Marcus LaFayette was born June 2, 1813 and married Harriet Eliz Smith. In 1837 he was killed in a quarrel (see story below).
Sarah Elizabeth Hoke was born December 19, 1816 and married Andrew Barry Crook.
