George Gordon King


George Gordon King was a U.S. Representative from Rhode Island.

Early life

King was born in Newport, Rhode Island on June 9, 1807. He was the eldest son of Dr. David King Sr., and his wife, whose maiden name was Gordon. His three younger brothers were David King Jr., Edward King, and William Henry King, who each made large fortunes as traders by going to China with Russell & Company. His nephew and namesake, George Gordon King, was married to Annie McKenzie Coats, the daughter of Sir James Coats, 1st Bt. and Sarah Ann Coats.
King pursued classical studies in Newport and in Phillips Academy, Andover, Massachusetts. He graduated from Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, in 1825. He attended the Litchfield Law School in Connecticut.

Career

He was admitted to the bar in 1827 and practiced in Providence and Newport.
He served as member and speaker of the State house of representatives in 1845 and 1846. King was elected as a Whig to the Thirty-first and Thirty-second Congresses from March 4, 1849 until March 3, 1853 as he was an unsuccessful candidate for reelection.

Personal life

King died in Newport, Rhode Island, on July 17, 1870. He was interred in Island Cemetery.