R. W. King, M. D

R. W. King, M. D., one of the old physicians of the county, was born in Columbiana county, O., in 1819. His parents, William and Elizabeth (Ware) King, were Virginians, who settled in Ohio about 1810, where both died. The father served in the War of '12, which resulted in the total banishment of the British from our coasts. Dr. King was educated in the early subscription schools of his district. In '45 he entered the study of medicine at Akron, O., under Dr. Bartges. He practiced in that city for eleven years, until coming to Peoria county in '56, where he practiced two years; resided at Brimfield two years, and in '60 established an office at West Jersey. In addition to his professional duties he served as school director for sixteen years, collector one year, and in '85 was appointed postmaster. He is also engaged in the drug trade there, his son, now of Toulon, assisting in the store. Dr. King was married in '39 to Miss Sarah Bartges, to whom six children were born, of whom two are living — Catherine E., now Mrs. James Jones, of Omaha, Neb., and Elizabeth, Mrs. George Slocum, of Ford county, Kan. A son, John W., enlisted in '62, but died at Port Hudson before muster-in. The mother of this family died in May, '56, and three years later the doctor married Miss Fannie E. Hunt. They are the parents of five children: Fannie E., deceased, Frank, Allen, Bert and Azora M. In political life Dr. King was decidedly Democratic up to a few years ago, when the fascinating goddess of Greenbackism won his allegiance.