SETTLED THE LOUISIANA ESTATE

After a brief visit to his holdings in Louisiana, King headed to the Toronto Presbytery. During the winter of 1846-47, he preached at various locations in Canada. In the spring, he received word that the Phares family wanted to settle his father-in-laws estate. As the only surviving member of the Mary Phares family and a co-executor, his presence was required in Louisiana.  Dr. David Phares, Mary's uncle and close friend of William, was the other co-executor.

He had never informed Presbytery of his situation as a slave owner, but with the necessity of traveling to Louisiana, he was required to tell them.

In Kings words, "The secret that I had kept with regard to my position had now to be made known. I would have to resign my commission, and tell the Presbytery that I was the owner of a plantation and slaves in Louisiana. When the Presbytery met I informed them of my position. The news fell like a bomb shell on the members of the Presbytery."

King advised the Presbytery of his intention to free his slaves and bring them to Canada where they could be free. The Presbytery became excited by this news and granted him a leave.

In the fall of 1847, King headed to Louisiana, beginning what would become the great mission of his life. He kept his intention to free his slaves a secret, when offered the sum of $9,000 to sell his slaves he refused. Before concluding his affairs, William purchased a young child named Solomon for the sum of $150, so he could remain with his mother.