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ALVIN O. KING was born in Leoti, Kansas on June 21, 1890. His education was attained at Lake Charles High School, the Parsons Business College, and Tulane University, where he earned an LL.B. degree in 1915. King entered politics in 1924, serving as a member of the Louisiana State Senate, a position he was reelected to in 1928. He also served as president of the senate from 1930 to 1931. After Governor Huey P. Long was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1930, a power struggle arose over who was to succeed him. Lieutenant Governor Paul N. Cyr contended he was governor. However, Governor Long had all the political clout at the time. He issued a disclaimer that Cyr's actions were fraudulent and he should forfeit his position as lieutenant governor. King, who was president of the senate at the time, consequently was elevated to lieutenant governor, and then assumed the duties of the governorship. He served in this capacity from January 25, 1932 to May 16, 1932. During his tenure, he continued to carry out the policies of the Long administration. After leaving office, King retired from politics and returned to his law practice. He later served as president of the Louisiana Bar Association, and was a member of the Louisiana Mineral Board in 1948. Governor Alvin O. King passed away on January 21, 1958, and was buried at the Graceland Cemetery in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

Sources:

Dawson III, Joseph G. The Louisiana Governors: From Iberville to Edwards. Baton Rouge: Lousiana State University Press, 1990.

Louisiana Secretary of State: The Governors of Louisiana

The Political Graveyard

Sobel, Robert, and John Raimo, eds. Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789-1978, Vol. 2, Westport, Conn.; Meckler Books, 1978. 4 vols.