My Genealogy Hound

Amos D. King. The name borne by the subject of this sketch is one well known in this section of country, and consequently needs no formal introduction to the readers of this volume. He was born within one-half mile of where he now resides, his birth occurring in 1837, in what was then Pulaski County. Amos D. and Elizabeth (Saunders) King, his parents, were natives of South Carolina, coming to Arkansas in 1833 from South Carolina, where they were reared and married. They traveled to this section in a wagon, and while experiencing many inconveniences, never became entirely discouraged, for this was to be the land of their adoption, and their determination overcame all obstacles. Mr. King settled in Pulaski County on what was afterward the birthplace of the subject of this sketch. The home was laid out in a dense wilderness, but by his energetic and industrious spirit, it was soon transformed into a habitable and comfortable place of residence. He was a school-teacher, carpenter and surveyor, and took an active part in the development of the country, until the dread destroyer, Death, cut him down in the prime of his life. He was only about forty-three years old at that time. Mrs. King survived to the age of eighty-six years, living at her home at the time of her death. They were the parents of six children, two of whom now survive: Tennie C. (who lives in Faulkner County) and Amos D. The latter has resided on his present place from the time he was seven years old, gaining extended and honorable acquaintance. He was educated by his father, who was a cultured and finely educated man, and when nineteen years old he married Miss Martha Whitley, a native of Arkansas, who died in 1865, leaving four children: Abagail, Zachariah, Sabinna and Martha E. Mr. King chose for his second and present wife, Miss Ann Smart. Her birth occurred in Tennessee in 1847, she having come to Arkansas when seven years old with her parents George A. and Rachel Smart, natives of Georgia and Alabama, respectively, who died soon after locating here, having contracted the fever, of which disease they and four of their children were victims. To Mr. and Mrs. King have been born eight children: Jehu, Amos S., Mary M., James M., Aaron A., George A., Tennie C. and Charles C. In politics Mr. King is a Democrat. His war record is one of which he may be proud. Always in the thick of battles, he seemed to know no such thing as fear, and his courage and spirit of daring equaled that of the bravest officer. He served in the regiment of Col. Wheat (now living in Lonoke County).