William King

William King was a Republican politician who served as a U.S. Representative for Minnesota's 3rd congressional district from 1875 to 1877. Born on December 16, 1828, in Malone, New York, he had a diverse career that included journalism, business, and political service. His time in Congress was marked by allegations of political corruption, although he was ultimately cleared of wrongdoing. King did not seek re-election after his term ended in 1877.

Early life and career

William S. King was born to Reverend Lyndon King in Malone, New York, in Franklin County. His early life was marked by personal tragedy; he lost his mother at the age of 12, which led him to leave home and work as a farmhand. This experience in rural labor would shape his understanding of the agricultural community, which would later influence his political and business endeavors.

In 1846, King relocated to Otsego County, New York, where he began his career as a solicitor for mutual insurance companies. His foray into journalism began in 1852 when he became the editor of the Free Democrat, a campaign newspaper in Cooperstown that supported Free Soil Party candidates. During this period, he gained the title of Colonel while serving under General Burnside in the New York Guard, reflecting his involvement in both civic and military affairs.

In 1858, King moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he continued his career in journalism while also engaging in cattle raising. He founded the State Atlas, a weekly newspaper, in 1859, which became known for its strong editorial stance against slavery. His influence in the media landscape grew as he played a role in establishing the Minneapolis Tribune and became a significant stockholder in the Pioneer Press in Saint Paul. Additionally, he is believed to have been a principal owner of the Minneapolis Journal, further solidifying his presence in the region's journalism.

House tenure

King's political career took a significant turn when he became involved in the Republican Party, which was emerging as a dominant political force in the 1860s. He was an active member of the Wide Awakes, a political organization that supported the Republican Party and its candidates. His political involvement deepened when he served as postmaster of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1861 to 1865 and again from 1867 to 1873. This role provided him with valuable experience in federal operations and governance.

In 1874, King was appointed as the surveyor general of logs and lumber in Minnesota's Second Congressional District, further establishing his ties to the region's economic activities. The following year, he successfully ran for the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Minnesota's 3rd congressional district during the 44th Congress from March 4, 1875, to March 3, 1877. His tenure in Congress was marked by controversy; he faced allegations of political corruption related to a subpoena issued by a committee investigating a subsidy for the Pacific Mail Steamship Company. Although he was asked to resign by members of the legislature, he was ultimately cleared of any wrongdoing, as the House determined it lacked the constitutional authority to punish him for actions that occurred prior to his congressional service.

King's time in the House was brief, and he chose not to seek re-election after his term ended in 1877. His decision not to run again may have been influenced by the controversies surrounding his tenure, as well as a desire to return to his other pursuits.

Legislative focus and committees

During his time in the House of Representatives, King did not serve on any specific committees that are well-documented, but his background in journalism and business likely informed his legislative focus. His experience as a newspaper editor and businessman would have provided him with insights into issues affecting his constituents, particularly those related to agriculture, commerce, and infrastructure.

King's involvement in the railroad industry and his work with the lumber trade were significant aspects of his career outside of Congress. He was known to have been among the first individuals to lay streetcar rails in Minneapolis, contributing to the city's development. Additionally, he played a role in executing a contract for the construction of the Northern Pacific Railway, which was a major infrastructure project of the time.

In his later years, King continued to engage in various business ventures, including the establishment of a large pavilion at Lake Calhoun, which became a popular tourist destination. He was also involved in the founding of the Minneapolis Board of Trade and served on the Minneapolis Board of Park Commissioners, reflecting his ongoing commitment to civic engagement and community development.

King's legacy is also preserved in several locations named in his honor, including King Field, a neighborhood in South Minneapolis, and King's Highway, a section of Dupont Avenue. These designations reflect his impact on the community and his contributions to the development of Minneapolis.

William S. King passed away on February 24, 1900, at his home in Minneapolis. His contributions to journalism, business, and politics left a lasting mark on the region, and he was interred at Lakewood Cemetery. His life and career illustrate the complexities of 19th-century American politics and the evolving landscape of local governance and civic engagement.