George Gordon King

For other people with the same name, see George King (disambiguation).

George Gordon King (June 9, 1807 – July 17, 1870) was a U.S. Representative from Rhode Island.

George Gordon King
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Rhode Island's 1st district
In office March 4, 1849 – March 3, 1853
Preceded by	Robert B. Cranston
Succeeded by	Thomas Davis
Member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives
In office 1845–1846
Personal details
Born	(1807-06-09)June 9, 1807 Newport, Rhode Island
Died	July 17, 1870(1870-07-17) (aged 63) Newport, Rhode Island
Resting place	Island Cemetery
Nationality	American
Political party	Whig
Education	Phillips Academy
Alma mater	Brown University Litchfield Law School

Early life

King was born in Newport, Rhode Island, on June 9, 1807.^[1] He was the eldest son of Dr. David King Sr. (1774–1836), and his wife, whose maiden name was Gordon. His three younger brothers were David King Jr., Edward King, and William Henry King (who owned Kingscote mansion in Newport), who each made large fortunes as traders by going to China with Russell & Company.^[2] His nephew and namesake, George Gordon King, was married to Annie McKenzie Coats, the daughter of Sir James Coats, 1st Bt. and Sarah Ann (née Auchincloss) Coats.

King pursued classical studies in Newport and at Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts. He graduated from Brown University in 1825. He attended the Litchfield Law School in Connecticut.^[1]

Career

He was admitted to the bar in 1827 and practiced in Providence and Newport.^[1]

He served as member and speaker of the State house of representatives in 1845 and 1846. King was elected as a Whig to the Thirty-first and Thirty-second Congresses from March 4, 1849, until March 3, 1853, as he was an unsuccessful candidate for reelection.^[1]

Personal life

King died in Newport, Rhode Island, on July 17, 1870.^[3] He was interred in Island Cemetery.^[1]