Ezra King, son of Richard and Elizabeth Reams King was born
in the Raum community, Pope County, Illinois June 29, 1875. Mr.
King was only six months of age when his father passed away and
only four years old when his mother died, therefore being an orphan.
His maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. John Reams raised Ezra
in the sincere environment of religion and Christianity. He departed
this life October 16, 1959 at the age of 84 years.
Mr. King was married to Hettie Lauderdale, daughter of the late
Jasper Newton Lauderdale, February 26, 1899, here at the New Liberty
church. This union was blessed with five children: Loy, Johnston
City; Mrs. Lawrence Imhoff, Washington, D. C.; Ray, Herrin; Mrs.
Curtis Benard, Glendale and Mrs. Arvel Phillips, Herrin.
Mr. King was converted early in life and joined the Baptist church
at Ozark, Ill. later moving his membership to Pope county and
then in later years moved his membership to the Herrin First Baptist
Church.
Mr. King, with "Mother" as he affectionately called
his wife, reared their family in the true Christian spirit of
love and devotion to God. As the children recall, there are so
many endearing memories of Dad, but some of the fondest memories
were taking the family to church, rain or shine; holding a family
altar in their country home while Dad led in prayer. Such heritage
is the priceless gift of God, that shall live on forever in their
hearts. He was also a great student of the Bible. Even though
his education was limited, his sagacity and wisdom often seemed
parallel to that of a theologian.
His teachings of Christ and his many wonderful prayers were not
limited to his home. Many times he was called to the sick bed
of neighbors and friends for miles around to pray with the stricken
families. His great deeds of kindness were many _ his friends
could never be counted, His enemies, if any, were few. He has
lived a good life all these many years and as the Lord calleth
him at this hour, the voices of the angels seem almost audible
to the scripture _ "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."
Mr. King mentioned many times he did not wish his family and friends
to grieve, that he would be in a Better Place _ but wanted them
all to be prepared to meet him there.
His wife preceded him in death September 5, 1945. Since then,
he has made his home with all the children, but mostly with his
daughters, Mrs. Curtis Benard at Glendale and Mrs. Arvel Phillips
at Herrin. He often said he loved his sons-in-law and daughters
- in- law as his own children and showed this love and affection
many ways.
______copied Herald-Enterprise, Golconda, Oct. 23, 1959.