My Genealogy Hound

EBENEZER A. KING, a leading farmer of Amherst, was born in North Amherst, March 1, 1839, son of Cyrus and Achsah (Adams) King. Mr. King’s grandfather, Peter King, was born in Groton, Mass., in 1757. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, serving under General Matoon. He first settled upon a farm in Pelham, Mass., which he cleared from the wilderness, and resided there until 1820. He then moved to Amherst, locating on what is known as Flat Hill; and his farm is now owned by his grandson. He was a liberal supporter of the Methodist church and a Democrat in politics. Peter King died in Amherst, aged ninety-eight. His wife, Abigail Ingram in her maidenhood, became the mother of six children: Ebenezer, Peter, Cyrus, Appleton, Abigail, and Dency.

Cyrus King, Mr. King’s father, was born in Pelham, January 9, 1803. He was a school-teacher in early manhood, and also learned the trade of a stone-cutter. He resided at the homestead for some years, and, selling that property, bought a farm in the eastern part of the town of Amherst, which is now occupied by his son Isaac. He was an industrious and a highly respected man, a Republican in politics, and served as a member of the School Board. He attended the Methodist church, and presented the society with the land on which its present house of worship stands. Cyrus King died in 1880, aged seventy-seven years. His wife, Achsah Adams, who was born in Shutesbury, September 23, 1809, became the mother of six children, as follows: Edward P., who became a Methodist minister, and died nearly fifty years old; Woodbridge A.; Ebenezer A., the subject of this sketch; Isaac N., a prosperous farmer of Amherst; Ella C., wife of J. L. Lowe, a professor in the university in Lincoln, Neb.; and Emma, wife of Addison R. Jones, a resident of Amherst. The mother, who still survives, resides with her children.

Ebenezer A. King was educated in the schools of Amherst. He grew to manhood in the King homestead at North Amherst; and in 1860 he purchased a farm of one hundred acres, situated on East Street. After residing there for one year, he sold the property, and purchased the farm which he now occupies. He conducts a dairy, keeping thirty Jersey cows, and has reached his present state of prosperity through his energy and good judgment. Mr. King is a Republican in politics, was a Selectman for three years, and has held other town offices.

On April 11, 1860, Mr. King was united in marriage to Clara J. Hawley. She was born in Amherst, daughter of Justin and Melinda Hawley, who were old residents of the town. Mr. and Mrs. King have two children, namely: Hattie J., wife of Abram W. Chase, who resides with her parents; and Frank A., a clerk in the employ of J. H. Prindle, Northampton. Mr. and Mrs. King are members of the Congregational church.