Joseph King
Joseph King, deceased, was born March 6, 1811, in Pennsylvania, and when twelve years of age, with his parents, Henry and Catherine King, emigrated to Ross County, Ohio, where they remained five years. From Ross County they came to Pike Township, Madison County, and settled on the farm at present occupied by our subject's widow. In his father's family there were eleven children, including himself, three of whom are now living, viz.: Hannah, Sarah M. and Henry J. The subject of this sketch in his youth received but a rudimentary education, and on December 24, 1859, he married Miss Amanda M. Tarpenning, who was born August 27, 1826, in Union County, Ohio. She was the daughter of Lawrence Tarpenning, a native of New York State, and Mary A. Tarpenning, a native of Pennsylvania. This union was blessed with five children, viz.: Ellen, born November 28, 1865; Benjamin, born September 4, 1867, and one chld died in infancy. Mr. King had served as Justice of the Peace in the township, and also held other township offices. In him the needy found a warm friend, for he always extended to them his helping hand. Besides his benevolence, he was at all times hospitable, and treated his guests with courtesy and respect. In his death his children lost a loving parent, and his bereaved widow an indulgent husband. He departed this life June 27, 1879, beloved and respected by all who knew him. He left to his family 804 acres of land.
From HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY - W. H. Beers [Chicago, 1883]