Bio of KING, William Dennis (b.1855 d.1922), Hennepin Co., MN
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EXTRACTED FROM: History of Minneapolis, Gateway to the Northwest; 
Chicago-Minneapolis, The S J Clarke Publishing Co, 1923; Edited by: Rev. 
Marion Daniel Shutter, D.D., LL.D.; Volume I - Shutter (Historical); 
volume II - Biographical; volume III - Biographical
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Vol III, pg 262-265
WILLIAM D. KING (William Dennis King)
William D. King, one of the pioneer druggists of Minnesota and also one of the
early merchants of that line in Minneapolis, conducted a drug store here for
many years and later continued as a manufacturer of drug preparations until his
death on May 12, 1922. He had ever been a model citizen, husband and father as
well as business man, so that he won many friends throughout this section of the
state and the news of his demise carried with it a sense of personal bereavement
into countless homes. Mr. King was born at Watertown, Wisconsin, May 24, 1855, a
son of James and Dorothea (Heffner) King, who on leaving Wisconsin removed 'to
Mankato, Minnesota, becoming pioneer residents of that place. Their son, William
D. was but eight years of age when he was obliged to go to work to aid in
support of the family, he being the eldest son. When a lad of twelve years he
entered a drug store at Mankato, where he was em­ployed for some time and there
largely acquainted himself with the trade, not only gaining knowledge through
practical experience but also reading all books of which he could obtain
possession. Through his industry and determination he was able to care for his
mother and younger brothers and sisters and he early learned the value of
service and of self-denial. Without any thought of return he was developing a
character that ever commanded for him the highest respect and regard of all who
knew him.
In 1870 Mr. King went to St. Paul, where he was again employed in a drug store
and in 1871 he removed to Stillwater, Minnesota, where he entered the drug
establish­ment of H. M. Crandall, one of the oldest merchants of the city.
Eventually the drug store at Stillwater passed into possession of his brother,
Ira E. King, and William D. King managed the high school drug store, in
Minneapolis, outside of what was then the city limits, its location being at
Twelfth street and Third avenue, South. This he conducted as senior partner in
the firm of King & Patterson and the building in which the business was carried
on is still standing, being now used as part of the old Central high school. For
many years thereafter Mr. King was closely associated with the drug trade of the
city and at all times progressive methods characterized his undertaking. His
stores were always carefully stocked and well appointed and his thoroughness and
his earnest desire to please his customers brought to him a liberal patronage
that made the business a profitable one. In 1914 he retired from the drug trade,
at which time his store was located on Lake street. However, he continued in the
manufacture of certain preparations until about three weeks prior to his death,
when he was stricken with his last illness.
In 1877 Mr. King was united in marriage to Miss Lillie E. Welch, a daughter of
Dr. Alfred and Sybil B. (White) Welch of Winona, Minnesota. They were natives of
Watertown, New York, but removed to Winona in 1859. Mr. and Mrs. King became
parents of a son and a daughter: William Alfred of Minneapolis; and Mary Grace,
at home. Fraternally Mr. King was a Mason, who attained the thirty-second degree
of the Scottish Rite and also became a member of the Mystic Shrine. When he
passed away one of the Stillwater newspapers said of him: "Will King was one of
the solid, reliable men whose word was as good as his bond. He was a devoted and
loving husband and father, always on the square, living a model, modest life,
having the respect, confidence and friendship of a large circle of relatives and
friends. There would be little trouble or sorrow in the world if all men were
like our old friend, Will King. He had made for himself a creditable position in
the business world and by his suc­cess was able to leave his family in
comfortable financial circumstances but he had gained more than prosperity; he
had won that untarnished name which is rather to be chosen than great riches.
His personal qualities made him a favorite wherever he was known and his
kindliness, his deference for the opinions of others and his genial manner,
gained him wide popularity among his constantly increasing circle of friends.