Mercer County PAGenWeb

John S. King


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


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