Oliver H. Dockery graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and began his career in state politics, serving in the State house of representatives. During the American Civil War, he briefly served in the Confederate service but later advocated for sustaining the Federal Government. Dockery was elected to the U.S. Congress as a Republican, where he chaired the Committee on the Freedmen's Bureau. He also participated in the State constitutional convention and held a diplomatic post as the United States consul general at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Oliver H. Dockery's political identity is marked by a blend of regional loyalty and federal advocacy, evident in his support for the Federal Government during the Civil War while representing state interests. His ideological journey from Republican to Populist affiliations showcases a willingness to align with different factions based on policy rather than party. Dockery's legislative actions, such as challenging election fraud, highlight a commitment to electoral integrity that occasionally transcends party lines. His tenure as a U.S. consul general in Brazil adds an international dimension to his otherwise domestically focused career, suggesting a nuanced understanding of global affairs.