Biographies and Obituaries
In loving memory
Thomas J. King
FAMILY:
Spouse: Eliza J. Johnson
The children of Abraham and Susan were:
Rose, Floy, Willard and Arthur.
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Obituary:
Contributed by:
Biography:
One of the successful farmers and a citizen always held in high esteem was the late Thomas J. King, who died at his home in Pipe Creek township, March 10, 1912. The late Mr. King was a man of thorough industry, knew how to apply his energies to the complicated tasks of farming, with the best results, and in all his relations he stood honorably toward his community.
The late Thomas J. King was born in a log cabin on the home farm which he occupied at the time of his death, on January 30, 1858. He was a son of Washington and Elizabeth (Howard) King. The Howard family came to Indiana from North Carolina. Washington King, the father, was a son of William King, who came to Indiana from the state of Ohio. The parents had the following children: William, Joseph, Rinda, Catherine, Barry, and Frank, (who were twins), Thomas J., Margaret, Jonathan, Daniel, and Ozro.
Born in the old log house which before the war was the home of the King family in Pipe Creek township, Thomas J. King grew up in this locality, and for his education attended what was known as the King school house. His attendance at school was alternated with work on the farm, and he was a farmer all his life.
On the day he was married he moved his residence to a portion of the old homestead farm, renting land, and thus beginning his career. Mr. King married March 8,1883, Miss Eliza J. Johnson, a daughter of Penn and Eliza (Wilborn) Johnson. The father came from North Carolina, and for many years was a farmer near Elwood. The seven children in the Johnson family included Mrs. King, the oldest; Willliam, Lewis, Harley, Rindy, Catherine and Eliza.
The four children born to Mr. and Mrs. King are mentioned as follows: Rose, who wedded W. R. Johnson, is the mother of four children, Hessel, Russell, Lucia and Helen, the last named being deceased; Floy, who is single and lives at home; Willard, and Arthur, who is a school boy.
The son, Willard, manages the home farm of one hundred and twenty-three acres, and has his home in a house located a short distance below that of his mother. He rents the place and is a very progressive and industrious agriculturist. Willard King wedded Miss Flossie Little April 5, 1913. She comes from one of the good families of Madison county and received a good education, both in the public and high school.
The King family is one which commands the respect and esteem of all who have the pleasure of their friendship. Their home is in a pretty cottage and is the abode of hospitality. The late Mr. King was affiliated with the Masonic Order and the Knights of Pythias, and the family all worship in the Methodist church.
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Extracted from History of Madison County, Indiana, Vol. 2, p. 628. - Forkner, John,
(Submitted March 21, 2002 by Eugene F. Gray.)