Essex

KING, Charles W.

Men of Vermont: Illustrated Biographical History of Vermonters & Sons of 
Vermont. Ullery. Brattleboro: Transcript Publishing Company, 1894, p 235

Charles W. KING, late of Lunenburg [Vermont] was born 09 November 1832 at 
Lunenburg [Essex County, Vermont], son of Willard and Laura L. (LADD) KING. 
His father, Captain Willard KING, was an old resident of the place, 
industrious, frugal, conscientious, and ever a most zealous worker in the 
cause of temperance and religion. He [Capt. Willard KING] started in life 
with no capital but his hands and an axe, cleared for himself a farm about 
three and a half miles from the present village, and there lived, labored, 
and reared his family of eight children. Charles W. was early trained to 
labor, and his opportunities for an education in the district school were but 
meagre. After the crops were harvested he was able to attend school a few 
weeks, boarding at home and walking seven miles. But he had an insatiable 
desire for knowledge, and every spare moment was spent in reading and 
studying. He taught school at seventeen, and at twenty-one was elected 
superintendent, and for several years was an important factor in educational 
movements in his town and county. Mr. KING was bred a farmer, and to this 
occupation was given his chief attention, though he was also successfully 
engaged in other business. He was everywhere recognized as a man of keen 
insight, at once sure and rapid in his conclusions, and of excellent general 
ability. He was frequently trusted with the management and settlement of 
estates, invested funds for others, and occupied responsible financial 
positions in large enterprises.

On 18 January 1884 he [Charles W. KING] was elected treasurer of the Browns' 
Lumber Company, of Whitefield [Coos County], New Hampshire, and occupied that 
position until his decease. He was for a long time a director of the First 
National Bank of St. Johnsbury [Caledonia County, Vermont], and was in his 
last years its vice president. Republican; represented Lunenburg in 1874, 
and served on the committee on education; was influential in abolishing the 
board of education and electing a state superintendent. In 1878 was chosen 
to the state Senate from Essex County, and again served on the committee on 
education. Was trustee of Johnson State Normal School [Lamoille County, 
Vermont] and two years county road commissioner, also many years justice of 
the peace. In all of the varied and private trusts committed to his hands 
Mr. KING was a faithful, diligent and efficient, and earned the respect and 
esteem of all his associates. On 25 December 1860 he [Charles W. KING] 
married Jennie, daughter of Reuben and Fannie CHANDLER. Their children are: 
Charles C. and Willard G. On 12 August 1893 at Whitefield [Coos County], New 
Hampshire, Mr. [Charles W.] KING died, regretted by all to whom he had become 
known by his public, business and social life.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly