THE TAMPA TRIBUNE (TAMPA, FLORIDA) 8/22/1954

THOMAS B. KING, PIONEER DESOTO CATTLEMAN, DIES;

ARCADIA, Aug. 21 ---(Special)---Thomas Butler King, 82, widely known as "Buck" King, one of the last of Florida's old-time cattle barons, died here Friday night after several months of failing health.

He was a son of Judge Ziba King, recognized in his day as the "cattle king" of South Florida, who was one of the founders with Peter O. Knight of the Exchange National Bank of Tampa.

Mr. King was born at Fort Ogden, Nov. 10, 1871, and married Miss Ira Parker, member of a prominent South Florida family, who died in November, 1913

Survivors are two daughters Mrs. Thomas M. Lykes and Mrs. Carl P. Fish, and a granddaughter, Mrs. Sirman Marvil, all residing in Tampa. They were at his bedside when he died.

Until his health began to decline several years ago, Mr. King was a leader in civic, business and political affairs. He was one of the most influential figures in South Florida.

EMULATED FOREBEARS;

In attaining this distinction he emulated his distinguished forebears, listed among the earliest settlers in DeSoto County and who for generations have played a part in the history of this section. His Mother, Florida Brewer King, was a prominen; member of a pioneer family of Columbia County.

Mr. King, like his Father, was of a philanthropic nature and the success of many of the pioneer projects involved in the early progress of DeSoto County was due in a large measure to his generosity. He gave of his money and himself to the up-building of his section of the state and was responsible for the relief of many needy people.

Mr. King was a staunch suporter of the Democratic Party and by his generous and able contributions became one of the most important leaders of the organization in South Florida.

INFLUENCE INCREASED;
Public honors did not appeal to him personally, but for years he played an important part in the selection of public officials in this section of the state. Although his active political career came to a close several years ago, his influence increased steadily and his major contributions to the progress of Arcadia and DeSoto County are so well known that he was known to thousands as one of the foremost citizens of South Florida.

He was for years president of the First National Bank of Arcadia, and also served for many years on the State Board of Control in which position he was responsible for much of the ground-work that resulted in the University of Florida reaching its present proportions.

For several years Mr. King was inactive in business, due to advanced age and failing health. He lived at the Arcadia Hotel/

Mr. King died at Arcadia General Hospital. His funeral will be held at the Robart Funeral Home Sunday afternoon at 4 o'clock. Burial will be in Joshua Creek Cemetery near Arcadia.