Biographical Note

Hinkle was born in Franklin County, Missouri on October 20, 1864, the son of Miles and Sarah (Sappington) Hinkle. He attended rural schools in Missouri and the University of Missouri before moving to Lincoln County, New Mexico in 1885. Hinkle married Lillie Roberts on December 14, 1892, and they had four children. His employment included: manager and part owner of the Penasco Cattle Company; manager of South Spring Cattle Company; and vice president of First National Bank of Roswell. A Democrat, Hinkle's elected offices included: County Commissioner and County Treasurer of Lincoln County; Member of the Territorial House of Representatives, 1892; Member of the Territorial Senate, 1901; Mayor of Roswell, 1904-1906; and Member of the State Senate for three consecutive terms beginning in 1912. He was elected Governor of New Mexico in 1922, and died in Roswell on March 26, 1951.