KING’S EARLY YEARS & EDUCATION

William King was born in Londonderry, Ireland on November 11, 1812. His parents were William King Sr. (of English descent 1760-1850) and Elizabeth Torrence (of Irish descent, 1768-1839). The King family lived on a farm, William was the youngest of seven children. His siblings were:

> James King, born 1792; died 1879.
> John King, born 1796; died 1865.
> Elizabeth King, born 1801; died 1876.
> Jane King, born 1806; died 1842.
> Catherine King, born 1809; died 1891.
> Mary King, born 1810; died 1885.
> Reverend William King, born 1812; died 1895.

William was given a “liberal education”. He attended local public school between ages 6-13, where he was taught by a Roman Catholic Priest.

At age 14, he attended an academy near Colerain, Ireland to prepare for college and was taught by Rev. Mr. James Bryce (Presbyterian minister).