My Genealogy Hound

HENRY C. KING, an industrious and thorough farmer of Johnson County, is engaged in raising grain and stock on his farm in township 47, range 27. He is a native of Washington County, Va., and made his appearance upon the stage of this life February 28, 1854, He is the fourth child in the family of ten born to James A. and Miranda E. (Doran) King, of whom only four are now living. The father was born in the same county as our subject, in the year 1822, and there grew to manhood, being reared to the occupation of a farmer. He made that his life work, and remained in his native state until his death, which occurred in April, 1894. During the Civil War he entered the Confederate army, serving with distinction through that important epoch in our nation’s history. His genial, kindly nature won him many friends, and his death was sincerely mourned.

In the common schools of the Old Dominion, Henry C. King, the subject of this sketch, acquired the elements of a good education, and assisted in the cultivation of the home farm. On reaching man’s estate, for two years he followed agricultural pursuits in Virginia, when he decided to come to Missouri. In December, 1879, he turned his face westward and started for his destination. After his arrival in this state he followed farming for one year, and then embarked in the patent-right business, meeting with such excellent success that he resolved to become an agent. Securing a position with a Kansas City publishing house, he traveled for that firm for two years to the entire satisfaction of his employers, who made him a very flattering offer if he would remain with them; but his health having failed, he was advised by his physician to give up the work. Although a disappointment to him, with undaunted spirit he resumed farming, which he still continues.

The marriage of Mr. King was celebrated on the 3d of June, 1885, when Miss Martha N. Barnett became his wife. She is a daughter of Finley E. and Esculania (Rankin) Barnett, who are numbered among the valued residents of this state. Unto our subject and his wife have been born five children, but death has claimed two. Those living are Vera Katy, Sallie Van Lear and Arthur Lloyd, aged four and two years and eight months, respectively. They are charming little people and the joy and pride of the household.

For some eight years Mr. King operated rented farms, but in 1891 he purchased his present place, a valuable tract of one hundred and five acres, which he is placing under a high state of cultivation. He is industrious, energetic and progressive, and his farm already shows evidence of his skill. Personally and in a business sense he is popular among his neighbors and is considered a valuable addition to the community. Politically he is a supporter of the Democratic party and its principles, while religiously both he and his wife are consistent members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and rank among the representative people of the county.