The history of the King family may be commenced by making a brief mention of Rev. Samuel King, who was born in Iredell county, North Carolina, on April 19, 1775. In 1791 he moved to Cumberland county, Tenn. In 1795 he was married to Miss Anna Dixon of Wilson county. In 1824 or '25 he came to Missouri, and made his home in Clay county; then in 1833 came to Johnson county. In 1801 he was licensed a minister of the Presbyterian denomination, and in 1804 assisted in organizing the
Cumberland Presbytery. During most of his life Mr. King was identified with the spreading of the gospel in newly settled countries, and had seen an active, toilsome life. He died in 1842. He was the paternal grandfather of our subject, Rev. S. Finis King, who is a son of Richard M. King, who was the fourth son of Rev. Samuel King. Rev. Richard M. was killed by guerrillas, May 22, 1864. Rev. S. Finis was born Sept. 29, 1848, and when about 20 years of age, began preparing for the ministry, and has since been actively engaged in ministerial labors, in the Cumberalnd Presbyterian church. He was married in 1867, to Miss Mary A. Burton, a native of North Carolina. Three children have been born unto them, Lizzie A., Robert M. and Mary A. Mr. King is a gentleman, highly respected and esteemed by the people for his many genial qualities and sterling Christian virtues.

[Source: The History of Johnson County, Missouri-Biographies for Post Oak Township, Kansas City Historical Co. 1881]

The following telegram from Urich, Mo., January 25, will be a leaden message to many hearts that were fond of one of God's noblemen: "Rev. S. Finis King passed into eternal rest Friday night.--J. Noble." Every man among us is richer thereby if he has even been able to call this man friend; for his was a character abounding in wealth and generosity. Our acquaintance with Rev. S. Finis King began in the summer of 1890, when we occupied the same office in the New York Life Building in Kansas City, where he was the corresponding secretary of the Board of Church Erection and we the Western representative of the Publishing House. The association was short, but it was still long enough to enable us to discover the sterling, sturdy worth of his giant soul. He was always and altogether a man. Virility characterized all his faith and his service. We cannot avoid wondering why God has not given us more men of the mold of Finis King, and why this one was taken from us when such men seem to be most needed. When you wanted to find him you had only to look on the right side, and having discovered him there you could be sure he would be there forever. He spurned dishonorable policy methods of doing even what needed to be done, choosing the honest and candid course instead, at whatever cost to himself. He stood for the peace, unity and purity of the church, but if either of these had to be sacrificed to save the last he hesitated not a moment about making the offering. More than many a man with showier gifts and loftier personal ambition and greater fame abroad--and he had enough of all these--he will be missed because his seat will be empty--in homes he has helped, in churches he has inspired to stalwart labor for Christ, and in church courts, where he was at his best, always loyal, laborious and dauntless.

[Source: The Cumberland Presbyterian, January 30, 1902, page 141]

KING.--Resolutions of condolence and respect adopted by Walnut Grove church session for their beloved pastor, Rev. S. Finis King: Whereas, it has pleased the all-wise Creator and Supreme Ruler of the universe to remove from the walks of this life our beloved brother and pastor, Rev. S. Finis King; therefore be it resolved that in his death our church has lost a useful brother and the congregation a loved and noble pastor, the community a good and honored citizen and upright Christian gentleman, whose example it would be well of all good men to seek to imitate; therefore be it resolved that we extend our sincere sympathy to the bereaved wife and children in the loss of an affectionate husband and father, and commend them to the mercy and protection of that God whom he graciously served and in whom he ever trusted. Resolved that a copy of these resolutions be spread on the minutes of the church record, a copy be sent to the bereaved family and a copy furnished the church paper for publication.

J. M. SHELTON,
WM. WINEGARDNER,
JOHN WINEGARDNER,
P. H. HOOVER

[Source: The Cumberland Presbyterian, March 20, 1902, page 382]

Born near Warrensburg, in Johnson county, Mo., September 29, 1848. Born again when 17 years old. Received a candidate for the ministry in Lexington Presbytery, April 2, 1868. Licensed October 1, 1869. Ordained September 29, 1870. Was pastor at Mt. Hebron, Harrisonville, Shiloh, Mt. Zion, Shawnee Mound, Pisgah, Columbus, Odessa, Warrensburg, Urich and Walnut Grove. Was Corresponding Secretary of the Board of Church Erection until it was united with the Board of Missions. Was Stated Clerk of Lexington Presbytery from October 1, 1895, and Treasurer from March 30, 1898. Died January 24, 1902, after an illness of little over three weeks, and was buried January 27, at Odessa, Mo. A Presbyterial Memorial Service was held April 2, 1902.

"Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth."

[Source: Minutes of Lexington Presbytery, April 1, 1902]