Below is the list of tables from the database along with their columns and datatype. Need to generate an accurate SQL query for the question.
Only use the columns present in the respective table. Only use the columns which are required to generate the SQL query. Only use table joins if required and not otherwise.

### Tables ###
TABLE: CREATE TABLE table_203_93 ( id number, "incumbent" text, "reason for vacancy" text, "appointed successor" text, "date of appointment" text, "elected successor" text, "date of election" text )

### Question ###
who was appointed before h.w. whillock ?

### Accurate SQL ###

SELECT "incumbent" FROM table_203_93 WHERE "date of appointment" < (SELECT "date of appointment" FROM table_203_93 WHERE "incumbent" = 'h. w. whillock') ORDER BY "date of appointment" DESC LIMIT 1