JOHN
S. KING, deceased merchant, son of Phillip and Susanna King, was born
in Charlestown Township, Chester Co., Penn.. April 26, 1813, and died
at Sharon. Penn., December 4, 1804. In early life he held responsible
positions as a salesman in mercantile establishments in his native
county, anti prior to reaching manhood he became proprietor of a
general store at Port Providence, Montgomery Co., Penn. While thus in
business he was joined in marriage January 30, 1834, to Catharine,
daughter of Peter and Rachael Young, of his native township. She was
born February 18, 1812, and died April 11, 1835, leaving one son,
Ambrose M., who died four months afterward. Soon after the death of his
wife Mr. King disposed of his business and engaged in superintending
the building of bridges, etc., on the P. & R. R. R., and at
Petersburg. Va. After building one lock and bridge on the James River
Canal, near Lynchburg, Va., he returned to Chester County, Penn.,
during the fall of 1838. Mr. King was again married, at Norristown,
Penn., September 16, 1841, to Mary C. McFarland, a native of Montgomery
County, Penn., born November 20, 1813. He again engaged in the
mercantile business at Milford Mills, Chester Co., Penn., which be
continued until 1846, when, in company with James McFarland, he removed
to Mercer County, locating at the Big Bend, on the Beaver & Erie
Canal. He here engaged in the manufacture of iron from the native ores,
and as a consignor of merchandise. This enterprise having resulted in
financial loss to its owners, he engaged in superintending an iron
furnace near New Wilmington, Penn., and continued in this business
about one year. He then removed to Sharon, and in partnership with A.
L. and George Cochran, of New Castle, engaged in mining and shipping
coal from their mines in Hickory Township, which he continued up to the
time of his death. By his second marriage the following children were
born to him: Kate Y., wife of W. O. Leslie, of Sharon; Mrs. Myra S.
McMartin, of Raton, N. M.; Arthur M., of Arkansas; Mary W., wife of G.
D. Davitt, of Sharpsville' one daughter, deceased, and one died in
infancy. His wife died December 1, 1854, and he survived her ten years,
dying December 4, 1864. Mr. King was a prominent and active Republican
politician during his residence in Mercer County, and was a candidate
for congressional nomination once or twice in the Republican district
convention.
History of Mercer County, 1888, pages 733-734
|
|