“Our community was grieved last Friday morning to hear that one of the oldest citizens and pioneers of Franklin County, Mr. Baker KING had quietly passed away at his residence, Thusday, Nov. 3rd, 1898, at the age of 83 years, 4 months, and 6 days. Mr. KING was born in Smith County, Tennessee, June 27, 1810. He moved with his father, William to the then Territory of Illinois and present county of Franklin in 1813. He lived a number of years 6 miles east of Benton and moved from there to Jefferson County, Illinois. He temporarily resided fro a few years in the state of Missouri. He again moved back to Franklin County and in 1846 bought a large tract of land, which was never under mortgage. He lived on this same farm at time of his death. He was charter member of Horse Prairie Missionary Baptist Church and the only one living at the time of his death out of 26, which was the number organized in 1857. He was married October 12, 1836 to Miss Julia Anne Clifford DALE. They lived together until the death of Mrs. King January 6, 1896. Four children were born unto them, two of which died in infancy and two living to be grown, both having families. Only one child is now living. Mr. KING has five grandchildren now living and seven dead, and 11 great grand-children. He was one of the oldest and most widely known of any citizen in Franklin County. He was a model of integrity and a home for the orphan. His doors were always open to the poor and his hospitality to the stranger was unbounded. Truly be it said that a great man has fallen among us, and we unite together and sincerely bemoaning his loss. Although being nearly deaf and blind, he was willing and ready to die. Written by Millard E. POLLEY. Given to Merretta GRAHAM by Dallas REA. The copy we have, the heading is not readable or the last five lines.” ****Source: Goode/Barren Hist. Gen. Soc. Newsletter, Sept. 1992 Pat Corona