BIOGRAPHIES

Source:
History of Noble County, Ohio
with portraits and biographical sketches of some of its pioneers and prominent men. 
Chicago:  L. H. Watkins & Co., 
1887

For Reference: Noble County was formed in 1851

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Wm. C. Okey

WILLIAM C. OKEY, familiarly known as Judge Okey, is entitled to a place in the first rank of the present lawyers of Noble County, not only by reason of seniority, but also because his achievements have won for him that position.  Mr. Okey was born in Woodsfield, Monroe County, Ohio, August 24, 1828.  His father, James Okey, was among the prominent citizens of that county, holding the office of magistrate for twenty-one years, and representing the county in the State legislature for two terms.  The subject of this notice spent his boyhood on a farm.  After receiving a common school and academic education, he engaged in teaching school during the winter months, devoting his spare tune to the study of the law.  In 1849, he entered the law office of Nathan Hollister, and two years later he was admitted to the bar.  In 1852 he opened an office in Sarahsville, then the county seat of the newly-formed County of Noble, as a member of the firm Hollister, Okey & Hollister, where he soon rose to prominence in his profession.  In 1855 he was appointed clerk of courts and in the following year was elected to that office.  He followed the county seat to Caldwell, thus becoming one of the first settlers of the village in which he has since resided.  At the expiration of his term as clerk he resumed practice of law, continuing until 1862 when he entered the service of his country in Company E, Ninety-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry.  Resigning in 1863 by reason of disability, he again took up his practice which he has followed assiduously ever since.  In 1866 he formed in co-partnership with Jabez Belford, one of the most prominent attorneys of Noble County, which lasted until the decease of Mr. Belford in 1882.      Mr. Okey has never been a politician in the ordinary acceptation of the word, yet he has taken a deep interest in all matters affecting the general welfare of the country.  He is a firm supporter of the Democratic party.  In 1870 he was nominated for judge of the court of common pleas in opposition to Hon. F. W. Wood,  of McConnelsville.  The district was largely Republican yet Mr. Okey was defeated by only a small majority, running ahead of his ticket in most of the district, and carrying his own county by 350 majority.      He is the oldest lawyer in Noble County and for many years has had an extensive practice.  He is diligent and industrious and conscientiously faithful to the interests of his clients.  As a lawyer he bears an unspotted reputation.  He is a man of decided views; a careful, cautious counselor, and a good judge of the law.  A gentleman who has known him intimately for twenty eight years, says of him:  "He is a gentleman, a good lawyer and an honest, straightforward and reputable citizen."  In him the younger attorneys of the county have a faithful friend, always willing to aid the deserving in securing a start in their profession.      Mr. Okey married for his first wife Miss Julia Ring.  His present wife was Miss Ruth Caldwell, daughter of the venerable Joseph Caldwell, elsewhere mentioned. Source:  History of Noble County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: L. H. Watkins & Co., 1887 - Page 178

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