THOMAS N. KING                          

The Sedan Times-Star, Thursday, Oct. 19, 1916, Pg. 1

Died:  Oct. 17, 1916

Tom King Dead.

  The entire community felt the loss of a friend and comrade Tuesday morning when the news was spread of the death of Justice T. N. King, soldier-citizen and old settler, who has long seemed a part of the tradition of the town.  At the first hour of the day he was breathing his last, answered to the call of taps, and passed to the great battlefield.  The men and women of Sedan who were its boys and girls of thirty years ago knew Justice King at his best, for he has been a conspicuous figure in his time.

  Forty-four years ago he came from his native state, Kentucky, to old Howard county, first locating at Peru in 1870.  Two years later he was elected district clerk of Howard county, which about that time was divided into Elk and Chautauqua.  In 1874, he was elected district clerk of Chautauqua county, serving two terms.  In 1882, he was under-sheriff.  He was elected police judge many times and was at the time of death a justice of the peace.  He has been for many years a pension agent for veterans and widows of the Civil war.

  Mr. King was born in Hart county, Kentucky, and he always retained many of the characteristics of the Kentuckian—warm hearted and most faithful to his friends.  In 1861 he enlisted in Co. B, 2nd Kentucky Cavalry.  He served his country faithfully three years in the Army of the Cumberland and in 1863 was captured by the Confederates, but escaped in a short time.  He retained ever the bearing of the soldier which distinguished him from other elderly men and even in death was stamped with dignity.  For Mr. King never surrendered to the vissisitudes of life.  Although he met reverses.  He never complained but faced life with courage and fortitude.  All summer he has shown marks of fast increasing weakness and the call that was soon to come but it had been hoped he would take a turn for the better.

  He organized Grand Army Post 74 and was its first commander, and since an active member.  He was a member of the Odd Fellow lodge and of Vesper Lodge A. F. and A. M.  At 10 o’clock yesterday morning at the family home in the west part of town.  The Masons were in charge and held a short ritualistic service, which was continued at the grave.  In honor of his soldier record a guard of honor from Stone River Post was part of the escort and conducted a service at the grave.  Interment was in Greenwood cemetery.

  The deceased leaves besides his faithful loving wife, seven children.  They are Mr. C. C. Rupert and Wayne King of Barber, Idaho; Mrs. Vera Lantz of Aberdeen, Washington; Mrs. Nellie Benson of Pawhuska; Terrance King of Drumright and Mrs. Sylvia Mattox and Mrs. Oscar Powell of Sedan.