My Genealogy Hound

BENJAMIN KING, one of the oldest residents of Seneca County, has passed his entire life here, and at the same time he has won the respect and esteem of all his acquaintances. He was born in the town of Covert, where he now lives, February 9, 1813, and is therefore eighty-two years of age.

Our subject is the son of Tertullus Kiug, who came to this county in company with his father, Brazilla King, as early as 1795. The journey was made overland during the winter from Dutchess County, N. Y., and proved a very tedious one to the little party of travelers. Upon locating in this county, the grandfather took up six hundred acres of uncultivated land, upon which he erected a log house, which sheltered the household for a great many years. The father of our subject was one in a family of seven sons and one daughter, all of whom lived to mature years and became the heads of families. At the time of his death the father was living in this town, and his remains were interred in the Trumansburg Cemetery.

The lady whom Tertullus King married was Miss Elizabeth Green. To them were born the following children: Mollie, Joseph, Lura and Asa, all deceased; Huldah, who died at the age of eighty-five years; and Benjamin, of this sketch. The latter was fairly well educated, and was thoroughly trained in farm duties. The lady whom he chose as his wife and helpmate was Miss Elizabeth Edwards, who was born June 9, 1812, in Wilkes Barre, Pa. Their union resulted in the birth of two children, Mary and Tertullus, the latter of whom is a local surveyor in this town, and is also engaged in the nursery and vineyard business. He married Miss Harriet P. Robinson, and their seven children are named, respectively: Elizabeth E., Alice C., Homer (deceased), Herbert P., Florence, Asa C. and Harry.

Our subject began in life for himself upon attaining his majority, and on the demise of his father formed a partnership with his brother Joseph, and together they carried on the home farm for several years. Now, however, Mr. King operates one hundred and twenty-four acres of this property on his own account, and has met with success in his farming ventures. Although his advanced years render it unadvisable for him to engage in active labor, yet he keeps himself in touch with what is going on around him on the estate. During his younger years he was a worker in the cause of the Republican party, although he was never said to be a politician, leaving that to men whose individual interests demanded less time than his own.

Upon the old homestead stands an apple tree which has been growing for many years, and which is known as the old “schoolhouse” apple tree, from the fact that the first schoolhouse erected in the district was built on that spot.