Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1897-05-25

Hon. Horatio hing died in Washing
ton Thursday morning, May 20ih. lie
was In his eighty-sixth year and died
from the effects Of an attack OF grippe.
His sons, General Horstio C.. Ming Of
New York and Henry King Of Boston,
were at his bedside when he passed
away.
Horstio Ming was the son OF Samuel
and Sarah Hall Hing, aud was born In
Paris, Maine. (it was then MassachG-
setts), June II, 1911. His grandfather,
George King, and three brothers served
In the war for independence. Like most
of the country-resred young men Of the
period, the subject OF this notice was
brought up on the farm aud had per-
sonal knowledge OF what life upon the
farm Is, or rather what il was at that
time, for IL Is somewhat different now.
He received such an education as the
common schools afforded. and, in the
spring OF ls29, entered the office OF the
Jeffersonian, q paper then printed 10
Paris. 20 learn the printers art One
year afterwards he became part owner,
and six months thereafter sole owner,
and, IN 1882, editor OF the paper, and In
May, l>S3, moved il TO Portland. On
the first Of January, lSSS, he sold out
10 the Standard. and that paper Was
finally merged with the Eastern Argus
In March, 1899, he was appointed by
Postmaster General Amos Kendall, 10
position in the Post Office Department at
Washington. ID. c., where he has ever
since resided. He received promotions
from time 10 time until 1850, when he
became connected with the foreign mail
service, in which capacity he originated
and perfected certain postal arrange
ments OF great importance to the service.
In March, ISL, he WAS appointed by
President Pierce, First Assistant Post
master General, an office of great re-
sponsibility, but for which his long ex-
perience well fitted him. He held this
position until the first Of January. 1851.
when he became Acting Postmaster
General, and on the 18th Of February he
was nominated by President Buchanan
and confirmed by the Senate, as Post
master General, serving in that capacity
until the Inauguration Of President Lin
coin and the appointment of his sue
cessOr, March :, 1851. He filed all
these important places with fidelity and
distinguished ability.
lie was Postmaster General during the
latter part OF Mr.. Buchsnau's adminisira-
tiOn, when treason stslked With bold
front through the streets of the National
Capital. Though lifelong Democrat,
Mr.. King was loyal 70 the core, and re-
NAMED so during the entire struggle.
Though exempted by law from the per-
formance Of military duty, he furnished
a representative recruit who was duly
mustered in and served In the Union
army. This exhibition Of patriotism and
public spirit received official Acknowledge
ment from the government.
After retiring from the Post Office
Department, Re was appointed one of a
board of commissioners TO carry out the
emancipation proclamation in the Dis
triet OF Columbia. This position was
tend,red him by President Lincoln, un-
solicited, and doubtless on account Of
his valuable services near The close of
the vreyi"us administration. The service
OF this commission was limited 10 nine
months, ana on finally leaving Office, Mr..
King went into quiet business as an at
tornev before the executive departments
and international COMM sions, which he
followed for some years. finally retiring
as far as practicable from active BUSH
ness.
Mr.. Ming has twice made the tour Of
Europe. first in 1867 and again in 1876.
The last one was somew hat more extend
ed than the first, and on his return he
published book entitled sketches Of
Travel. or Twelve Months in Europe"
He has written much aud upon a great
variety of topics, and has also lectured
on various occasions. He also originated
a series of Saturday evening literary en-
tertainments at his private residence,
which became very popular. He was
for many years contributor 20 newspa-
pers and magazines, on historical and
literary subjects, sometimes translating
articles from the French.
MIR. King married May p. 1888, Ann
Collins of Portland, BY whom he had
seven children, only three of whom-one
daughter and two sons-survive. The
others died young. His first wife died
September %, 1859, and be married
February :, 1875, Isabella G.. Osborne of
Auburn, n. Y.
Mr.. hiOg's somewhat eventful life has
been one Of usefulness. Ia sll the posi-
tons he has filed, he has inaugursted
important improvements, including that
of the official Penalty Envelope
convenient, economical device; and by
his literary efforts he has contributed
much TO elevate the tone Of society at
the National Capital.
He was tall and Of slender proportions,
with strong and rugged profile and |
white hair. A remarkable figure,
straight and erect, for his eighty-five |
years. Since the expiration Of |
Buchanan's term, or since he went out |
Of office rather, for he served three days
under lincoln, Mr.. King has been con-
tent TO straighten out historical matters |
when he knows the rights Of them, to do |