Martin M. King

Rev. Martin M. King, b. in Hilltown, Bucks Co., Dec. 5, 1824 [to Peter and Catherine Moyer King]; mrd. Sarah L. Warford, of Kingwood, N. J., Dec. 25, 1855. P. O. Bellefonte, Mo. Farmer and minister. In 1850 he was baptized by Rev. Joseph Mathias and united with the Hilltown Baptist church, and by that church was licensed to preach the Gospel. In 1852 he entered upon a course of study preparatory to the university, and entered the University of Lewisburg, Pa., class of '58. In 1860 he was ordained to the ministry at the Baptist church of Solebury, Bucks county, and was duly installed pastor of that church, which he served for three years. He then removed to Mercer county, Pa., and became pastor of the Fairview Baptist church, over which he presided until 1866, when he removed to Pulaski county, where he secured a home under the Homestead law. On their arrival at their home in Missouri he received an appointment from the American Baptist Publication Society, of Philadelphia, as missionary colporteur, in which service he labored nearly two years, after which he entered upon a voluntary self-supporting missionary work, subject to all the trials, privations and self-denials incident to pioneer missionary work, with but little pecuniary compensation. At intervals, in the meantime, he put up a cabin to shelter his family and opened up and cultivated a few acres of ground from which to secure a living for his family. During his residence of 29 years in Missouri his labors have been confined to the section known as the "Ozark Mountains." He has taught several terms in the public schools. He has raised and educated six children, three of whom have qualified themselves as successful teachers. Mr. King, through the blessing of God, has secured a comfortable home wherein to repose in old age. In his earthly pilgrimage he has passed his three score and tenth milestone, and is waiting and looking forward to enter that bright mansion of our Father in Heaven. Children: Rosetta, William, Lizzie, Annie, John, Sallie.