Born in Toronto in what was pre-Confederation Canada West, Hocken had a media career as a printer, publisher and journalist.

He served on the Toronto Board of Control from 1907 until 1910 when he made his first unsuccessful bid for the mayor's office and again from 1911 until 1912.

Hocken's term also saw the distribution of free milk to children living in slums and the establishment of a public health nursing program.

The city, under his stewardship, also purchased an abattoir and cold storage facility to help keep small butchers from being driven out of business by "the great meat trust.

Hocken was appointed a member of the Senate of Canada from 30 December 1933 and remained in that office until death.