Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1856-10-08
Aeme Snteuiaente.


Died, on Friday, September 18th, at the resi-
dence- of his scn-in-law, CHARLES BEowS, in
North Bloomfield, Hon. LEICESTER KING,
in the 6sth year of his age;
At the close of a life, eminent for goodness
and usefulness. it is proper to bear such a testi-
mony to its merits. as shall exhibit a grateful ap-
probation of the services rendered to society, and
at the same time present to the living, an exam
pie worthy of their imitation. In the present in
stance, justice demands a more extended notice
than can be furnished in the space usually allot-
ted to obituaries. But it is not designed to offer
more than a simple outline of the life and char
acter of a good and great man, leaving the task
ofa complete portraiture to some ADLER pen.
Judge KING was born in Sufield, Conn, May
LIST, l7s9, and was reared to manhood in a pious
New England home. In 1916 he came to Ohio,
and from that date, with the exception OF one
yesr spent at the South, was, until his DEATH, a
citizen of this State, his home being in Warren
for nearly the whole period. Possessed of great
intellectual yigor, uprightness of purpose, and
uneonqueraSle energy, he soon secured general
respect and confidence, and a widespread influ-
ence. especially in the commercial and political
circles in winch he moved. In mercantile pur
suits, his course was marked by prOmptness, en-
ergy and public spirit; and whether in privately
aiding meritorious young men in their struggles
for success, o. publicly laboring for such improve
ments as would aid in the development Of the
commercial resources of the West, there was the
same serupulous regard to duty, and desire to ae-
complish the greatest possible good. The sue
cess ofthe Pennsylvania d Ohio Canal, to which
Warren and Northern Ohio owe somuch of their
prosperity, was greatly owing to his persevering
energy. For Z years, he was Associate Judge of
the court of Common Pleas in Trumbull county.
Twice he was elected TO the State Senate, ana
as a legislator, was distinguished for a fearless
advocacy of the right, as well as faithfulness and
skill in the management of the interests commit
ted to his charge. His convictions of duty led
him to an early association with the Liberty par
ty, of whose principles in the days of It's feeble !
ness, he was an earnest and successful advocate.
He was the first eandidase of that party in Ohio
for the Governorship in 1912. He was re-nomin-
=ted in le44. Twice he trayersed the State as
the chosen champion of an unpopular political
creed. and gained a high reputation as a public
speaker. His political speeches were marked 10y
unusual dignity, intellectual strength and clear
ness, forcible utterance, cogency of argument
and earnestness of appeal. In 1871 he was nom-
mated for the Vice Presidency, in association
with John P. Hale for the Presidency. In 1850,
at the earnest solicitation of his friends, he ac-
cepted q fresh proof of the unabated confidence
of his political associates, in a nomination as
delegate to the convention to amend the State
Constitution. The party with which he acted
being for a long term of years but a feeble mi
nority, he could not enjoy such proof of public
confidence as are indicated by an election to
places of trust; but these were, perhaps, still
more complimentary tokens of appreciation in
his repeated nomination for important offices, . s
a worthy standard bearer, in a cause whose only
hope of success was in the superior worth and
influence of its leaders as representatives and
opponents of its principles.
He was distinguished for conscientiousness
beneTolenee and frmness; his labors and sacri-
fees, in every cause to which he devoted him
self, were earnest and generous and if some
times his unyieldiDg adherence to principle
brought him into conflict with popular prejudi-
ces, it was sure in the end to secure to himinereased
respect. In private, his life was as gentle and
loving, as in public it was firm and noble
The tenderness and devotion of a husband and
father were blended with the sterner attributes
which his public life revealed, in forming a
character of more than usual symmetry.
In an extensive course of theological inyesti
cation, he struggled his way through many
doubts-and in ls49 he made a public confess
sion of his faith in Christand was immersed. and
devoted his remaining years with q joyful faith,
to the cultivation and enjoyment of his religious
natura. As a Christian, he was marked by
deep humility, unaffected piety and active be-
nevolence. While carefully avoiding all osten-
tatiOus display of his religious feelings, he nevor
the open and firm avowal of his inter
est in the Gospel Of the grace of God. As be
approached Efe's solemn close, his faith and hope
grew constantly brighter-aH dread of death was
dissipated. The waters of Jordan divided as he
dew near; and with his eye of faith resting
camly on his High Priest, in the midst of the
stream bearing the ark of the covenant, he march !
ed joyfully over, singing songs of victory IS he
went-thankful that his pilgrimage was ended
.IopefLl that he would share in 'therestt that re-
for the people of God" The name of
Jesus was the last that fingered on his lips, and '
the feelings of his soul were expressed in the Z
verse of q hymn, which he repeated in /
his dying moments .
"1n thy fair book of life and grace, a
o may find my name i
Recorded in some humble place, $
Beneath my Lord the Lamb % {
May the memories of a useful and noble life. =