BIO:  William Thomas KING, Gettysburg, Adams County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Kathy Francis

Copyright 2005.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/adams/
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History of Cumberland and Adams Counties, Pennsylvania
Chicago:  Warner, Beers & Co., 1886
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Part III, History of Adams County, Page s 358-361

WILLIAM THOMAS KING, merchant tailor, Gettysburg, was born in Champaign County, 
Ohio, August 11, 1829, the only son of John and Violet King (the Kings not 
related before marriage).  The former was a native of Ireland and the latter of 
Pennsylvania, both being of Scotch-Irish origin, and strict Presbyterians.  John 
King was one of three children brought to America by their parents, and in early 
and middle life was engaged in teaching school, but for some years previous to 
his death was a farmer.  In 1830 he was accidentally killed by the running off 
of his team while hauling logs to aid his brother in the construction of a cabin 
on the frontiers of western Ohio.  Three years after this the widow removed to 
Adams County, Penn., where she had relatives, locating in Straban Township.  Our 
subject, then about four years old, was sent to the district school of the 
locality, at which he received the only schooling he got.  When thirteen years 
of age his mother chose for him the tailoring trade and place him in a shop as 
an apprentice, a proceeding he seriously objected to then, but has never had 
cause to regret since.  He served an apprenticeship of six years; then traveled 
three years, working as a journeyman.  In April, 1852, he embarked in the 
tailoring business at Gettysburg for himself, which he has since carried on, and 
at which he has gained the reputation of being a correct cutter and a fine 
workman, and to-day stands second to no other in the same line in his county.  
Starting business thirty-four years ago with small capital and limited resources 
he has, by good management and close application to business, together with the 
ability to please the public, built up a fine trade, and has been successful.  
Mr. King is an upright, honorable dealer, and a courteous, genial man.  May 18, 
1852, he was married to Miss Sarah B. Barrett, of Gettysburg, Penn., a lady of 
intelligence and refinement, and to whom Mr. King say he is largely indebted 
for the success in life he has attained.  She is of Scotch-Irish and French 
descent, and to this union have been born six children:  Ollivetta Jane, wife of 
W. G. Horner, of Emmittsburg, Md.; Emma Reed, wife of B. E. Snyder, of Chicago, 
Ill.; John Barrett, a railroad engineer; Fannie Violet; Mary Ellen and Thomas 
Starr.  Mr. King is independent both in politics and religion, affiliating with 
no religious denomination, but is identified politically with the Greenback 
party.  He served and was commissioned as first lieutenant and afterwards was 
acting captain of the Two Hundred and Ninth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers in 
the war of the Rebellion, and is a representative business man of Adams County.  
Three brothers, named King, and ancestors of Mr. King on his mother’s side, took 
up land and were among the first, if not the very first, settlers on Upper 
Conowago Creek, in what was afterward known as the “Conowago Settlement,” long 
before the county was formed and as early as 1735 or 1738.