James King [Sr.]

b 1752 London, England

Came to America when he was a young man. He was a Civil Engineer. First settled in Montgomery Co., VA, then moved to Sullivan CO., TN. There he became associated with Thomas Goodson in land transactions, and married his daughter Sarah.

His military service began in 1778 when he joined Gen. Andrew Lewis in the Dunmore War. Among the episodes of his military career was an expreience with Gen. Daniel Morgan. With others he was hotly pursued by a body of cavalry and so closely were they followed that they were forced to take refuge in Dismal Swamp. All were captured but King. One man was left to guard the Swamp,
but after waiting for some time and despairing of finding his man the guard mounted and left. King at once went in pursuit, overtook him and captured his horse, which he proudly conducted back to camp.

While a man of many peculiarities he was always humane. In consequence of his fair dealings with the Indians he exerted a great influence over them and Gov. Blount sought his services in treaties where diplomacy played an important part. He took part in the famous treaty of
Holston.

He was commander of the Fort at Knoxville from 1792-1795, and was associated with its founder, General James White in laying off the town. A military life of 7 years made King a rover. He owned 4 homes and whenever the nption struck he would move his family without notice.

James King died 17 Aug 1825, at the age of 73 years. The only inscription on his tomb, which is a coffin shaped slab of iron, is "A Patriot of 1776". This is to distinguish him from those who became partoits after the war was over, when the cause was more popular.

m 1778
Sarah Goodson
dau of Thomas Goodson.

Historic Sullivan Co., TN
by Oliver Taylor 1909