Thomas KING, merchant, post-office Mormontown [present-day Blockton], was born in the Buckeye State [Ohio] in 1836. [He] came to Iowa Territory when three years of age, and to Taylor county in 1855. He was educated in the common schools, and shortly after coming to this county he engaged in the mercantile business at Platteville. He opened up the first store in that place, and remained there two years; he then moved to Kansas where he resided four years, after which he returned to Taylor county. He was the first postmaster at Platteville. In 1867 he came to Mormontown [present-day Blockton] and in company with his brother built the Mormontown Mills; since then he has made this place his home and has engaged in milling and the mercantile business. [He] was first married in 1855 to Miss Louisa J. MOORE, of Appanoose county, by whom he has two children: Albert E., now practicing medicine at Redding, Iowa; and Dora, wife of F. M. WISDOM, of Mormontown. In 1862 Mrs. KING departed this life, and two years later our subject was united in marriage to Miss Villiara PROPST of this [Taylor] county. They have two children: Sumner E. and Zollah. Mr. KING is an enterprising business man, and a worthy citizen. He is connected with the I. O. O. F. [Mr. KING] and wife are members of the M. E. Church.

SOURCE:  EVANS, Lyman &nspb;Taylor County, Iowa History   p. 732. 1881.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, 2008