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Higher Office(s) Served: Representative

Military Service: Army

War(s) Served:  War of 1812

JOHN A. KING, the twenty-second governor of New York, was born in New York City on January 3, 1788. His education was attained in the schools of England and Paris. After returning to New York, he studied law, and then established his legal career. He also served during the War of 1812 as a lieutenant of cavalry. King first entered politics in 1819, serving as a member of the New York House of Representatives, a position he held two years. He also served as a member of the New York State Senate from 1823 to 1825; was the legation secretary in London in 1825; and served as the charge d' affaires in 1826. In 1832, 1838, and 1840 he won reelection to the New York House of Representatives; and from 1849 to 1851 he served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. He also chaired the 1855 convention that organized the state's Republican Party. King next secured the Republican gubernatorial nomination, and was elected governor by a popular vote on November 4, 1856. During his tenure, the New York agricultural society was formed; and educational improvements were lobbied for. After leaving the governorship, King served as a member of the 1861 peace conference in Washington, D.C. Governor John A. King passed away on July 7, 1867, and was buried in the Grace Church Cemetery in Jamaica, New York.

Sources:

Sobel, Robert, and John Raimo, eds. Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789-1978, Vol. 3, Westport, Conn.; Meckler Books, 1978. 4 vols.

Biographical Directory of the U.S. Congress

Wikipedia