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Benjamin Kenelm “Ken” King

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Benjamin Kenelm “Ken” King

Birth	:	26 Dec 1881 West Point, Cuming County, Nebraska, USA
Death	:	2 Sep 1906 Fort Worth, Denton County, Texas, USA
Burial	:	Mount Hope Cemetery, West Point, Cuming County, USA
Coordinate	:	41.8450012, -96.6994019
Description	:	Obituaries Stricken in the South Tidings of the death of B. Kenelm King at Ft. Worth, Texas, Sunday, reached this city early Monday morning and shocked the people greatly. It was so utterly unexpected, not even an intimation of his sickness having been received. Death resulted from Typhoid fever, after a brief illness. Funeral services will be held at the home of his grandmother, Mrs. Uriah Bruner, at 2:30 o’clock this afternoon. Obituary next week. Source: The West Point Republican, September 7, 1906 Life’s Count Closed Great was the shock to this community,... Read More	Obituaries Stricken in the South Tidings of the death of B. Kenelm King at Ft. Worth, Texas, Sunday, reached this city early Monday morning and shocked the people greatly. It was so utterly unexpected, not even an intimation of his sickness having been received. Death resulted from Typhoid fever, after a brief illness. Funeral services will be held at the home of his grandmother, Mrs. Uriah Bruner, at 2:30 o’clock this afternoon. Obituary next week. Source: The West Point Republican, September 7, 1906 Life’s Count Closed Great was the shock to this community, occasioned by the death of Kenelm King, the only child and son of Mr. and Mrs. John J. King, which occurred at Fort Worth, Texas, Sunday evening, September 2. It seemed that, but a little while before, he had left this city in health and good spirits to join his parents in Oklahoma City, and, his death came when, according to worldly calculations, we seemed the least prepared for it. But a short month before the hour of dissolution, he bade father and mother “goodbye” and journeyed southward in search of a position for the exercise of his talents and the display of his powers, finally reaching Fort Worth, Texas, where he sought and obtained a position on the “Fort Worth Star,” probably the largest and most influential paper in that section. From an official statement in that paper it is learned that, he “Made good” in less than a week and was assigned the responsible position of city editor. But, it was not given him to long enjoy his new and splendid opportunities; just long enough to anchor himself in the affections of his associates, to merit and receive the approval of his superiors and to win his way to public favor, then, like a shadow thrown softly and sweetly from a passing cloud, death fell upon him. For several weeks he struggled with what he called “the process of becoming acclimated,” then, utterly weary and in the hope of speedy relief he entered a sanitarium. There he was given the best of medical aid; and there, blessed be that knowledge, loving, tender-hearted friends rose up about him and ministered to his every want and need. There is infinite comfort in this thought for the stricken parents the knowledge that, though far from home and kindred, their beloved boy lacked nothing that human aid could give and that loving hearts and hands sustained and soothed him throughout his affliction and in the final hour. They will never forget the kindness and devotion of these friends, nor the large-heartedness of the Southern people. Benjamin Kenelm King was born in the city of West Point, December 26, 1881. He entered the public schools of this city and graduated from there with honor in 1897. Subsequently, he spent three years at the Nebraska state university, one year at Columbia University, New York, and a portion of a year at the Nebraska University, fitting himself for journalistic career. During the following years he engaged in newspaper work with the Omaha Bee News, Chicago Inter Ocean, Norfolk News, Daily Oklahoman, his labors closing while with the Fort Worth Star. A few testimonials from his late newspaper associates may not be inappropriate. L.J. Wortham, editor-in-chief of the Fort Worth Star, in the issue of September 3, says: “You ask me to give you my impression of our dead city editor, Kenelm King. In the hope that it may lighten the sorrow of the living, but with sore heart and rebellious mood I comply. There is something in King that appealed to me from the first. That something I was not long in understanding. It was the spirit and manly bearing of the well-bred gentleman in him. Then, by a subtle process which none of us can explain. I know that King was that rare being in our calling – a born newspaper man. When you gave him his first assignment for a Friday paper story, and he “made good,” I knew that intuition had made no mistake in its revelation of Kenelm King’s aptitude for newspaper work of the first quality. When one day I answered the phone and the voice at the other end proved to be that of a man prominent in the affairs of Fort Worth who said: “Send me a good man to handle an item that requires judgment – send King, he’s a little gentleman and knows how.” I knew we had a reassure in the gentle mannered boy who had appeared in our office but ten days before this incident and asked for a try-out.” It is with difficulty that I can write of this youngster’s taking off in the full morning of his day of fine promise without rebellion; but when I recall the bright smile with which he greeted me when I called just an hour before his death, which the dying boy showed that he was the “Finest thing on land or sea,” a brave man, I felt that after all there was an inscrutable wisdom in the message “30” that the Great Master had flashed to him from out the mysterious beyond, for Kenelm King had taught his comrades how to die.” Through the kindness of A.J. Langer the following from the Daily Oklahoman of September 5 reproduced: “A telegram received here yesterday morning announced the death of Ben King, formerly city editor of the Post in Fort Worth, Texas, Monday night. The deceased resigned his position here several weeks ago and went to Fort Worth, where he was employed on an afternoon paper until a few days ago when he was taken ill and died Monday night. While here, Ben King endeared himself to the hearts of the local newspaper men and to his large circle of acquaintances by his gentlemanly manners and the spirit of fellowship and his untimely departure is deeply regretted. A telegram of condolences was sent to the bereaved parents by the local press boys and last night word was received by Fred Reisling from Mr. King, manager of the Continental Creamery company of this city and father of the deceased, stating that the remains would be taken to Beatrice, Nebraska for burial. Prior to coming to Oklahoma City Mr. King was employed on the Omaha Bee and also on the Chicago Inter Ocean and American.” The following is from the Fort Worth correspondence in the Dallas Morning News of September 5: “The funeral services over the remains of B. Kenelm King, late City editor of the Fort Worth Star, who died Sunday from typhoid fever, were held yesterday afternoon at the home of Louis J. Wortham, editor of the Star. Rev. Dr. Junius B. French, pastor of the Broadway Presbyterian Church, officiated at the services, while Mrs. Groome and Mrs. Cummings sang. While Mr. King had lived in Fort Worth but a month, there were present at the services men from every office that was on his “beat,” which included the Federal Building, the City Hall and the Board of Trade – all there to make their last sad offices and pay their tributes of sorrow. The floral offerings came from the fellows of King in life. The reporters of the city sent a pillow of red carnations, in which was worked in white roses the figure “30,” which, in the vernacular of a newspaper office, means farewell. The men of the composing room, the executive staff of the paper and the other employees also sent beautiful offerings. The remains were sent to West Point, Nebraska, the birthplace of the deceased. At an informal meeting of newspaper men of the city the following resolution was adopted as a just tribute to a dead comrade and in the hope that it might in some small and unobtrusive measure serve to lighten the sorrow of the boy’s father and mother. Resolved, That in the manliness of his daily life, the gentleness of his deportment and the excellence of his workmanship, we shall cherish the memory of B. Kenelm King as at once an example and an inspiration.” Lack of space prevents the reproduction of fine testimonials from the Omaha Bee, Norfolk News, and other papers. Kenelm King grew to manhood in this city. There are many people here, who watched his development from merry childhood to admirable manhood with kindly interest and who now regard his demise as almost a personal loss. There was a quality in his voice and a charm in his manner that won friends for him everywhere. He was always a genial, gracious, kind gentleman, who treat all who came within the circle of his acquaintance with rare and unfailing courtesy. Who shall say that in the last moment, when the celestial messenger came and touched his heart and made it rest forever, the kindly acts and courtesies of his life were not transformed into rays of living light, illuminating to the freed spirit the pathway to that realm, where all is day! He died upon the very threshold of usefulness and honors with the glorious vista of splendid possibilities before him. Brief services were held at the Bruner home last Friday afternoon, Rev. L.L. Lipe officiating. Various newspaper testimonials and resolutions by the West Point High School alumni association were read. The floral offerings were numerous and beautiful. Interment in Mount Hope Cemetery. The REPUBLICAN offer condolences. The following are the resolutions of the Alumni Association: WHEREAS, in the removal by death of one of our members, Kenelm King, the Alumni has sustained the loss of a most faithful and efficient member and one who has given it the benefit of his energy and support; A member who was born in this city and in whom we have been deeply interested from childhood to manhood, from the time he first entered the public schools of this city to his graduation from the same and later his pursuit of further educational advantages and his entrance into the business affairs of everyday life, and WHEREAS, we bow in humble submission to Him who doeth all things for the best, we join his many friends in mourning his sudden departure and while we will miss him, his pleasant countenance and cheerful disposition will ever remain a pleasant memory to us all. RESOLVED, That the West Point High School Alumni Association of West Point, Nebraska extend to the bereaved parents and relatives our heartfelt sympathy in this hour of affliction and sadness; that a copy of these resolutions be furnished the bereaved family, and that the same be spread on the records of the Association and a copy furnished the local press for publication. Dated: September 6, 1906 Emma R. Miller Committee Ida H. Melcher Charles Beckenhauer Card of Thanks We take this way, inadequate though it be, of expressing to kind neighbors and friends our appreciation of and gratitude for the kindly aid and comfort given us during the sad trial of the death and burial of our beloved son. We feel especially grateful for the many beautiful floral offerings, the many friends present at the funeral, and the many sympathetic words spoken. ~ Mr. and Mrs. John J. King

frequently asked questions (FAQ):

Where is Benjamin Kenelm “Ken” King's memorial?
Benjamin Kenelm “Ken” King's memorial is located at: Mount Hope Cemetery, West Point, Cuming County, USA.
When did Benjamin Kenelm “Ken” King death?
Benjamin Kenelm “Ken” King death on 2 Sep 1906 in Fort Worth, Denton County, Texas, USA
Where are the coordinates of the Benjamin Kenelm “Ken” King's memorial?
Latitude: 41.8450012
Longitude: -96.6994019

Family Members:

Parent

John Johnson King

(1855 - 1908)

Ida May Bruner King

(1861 - 1950)

Siblings

Baby King

(1884 - 1884)

Flowers:

Nearby Cemetories:

1. Mount Hope Cemetery
West Point, Cuming County, USA
Coordinate: 41.8450012, -96.6994019

2. Saint Josephs Cemetery
West Point, Cuming County, USA
Coordinate: 41.8460999, -96.7011032

3. Saint Michael Cemetery
West Point, Cuming County, USA
Coordinate: 41.8288994, -96.7080994

4. Saint Charles Pioneer Cemetery
Saint Charles, Cuming County, USA
Coordinate: 41.8086800, -96.7532700

5. Saint Anthony Cemetery
Cuming County, USA
Coordinate: 41.7924995, -96.7491989

6. Greenwood Cemetery
Beemer, Cuming County, USA
Coordinate: 41.8821983, -96.7825012

7. Dewitt Cemetery
Cuming County, USA
Coordinate: 41.9089012, -96.7478027

8. Saint Boniface Cemetery
Monterey, Cuming County, USA
Coordinate: 41.7947006, -96.8041992

9. Peterson Pioneer Cemetery
Cuming County, USA
Coordinate: 41.7854900, -96.5933500

10. Pioneer Cemetery
Cuming County, USA
Coordinate: 41.8300018, -96.5599976

11. Blomgren Cemetery
Cuming County, USA
Coordinate: 41.7998400, -96.5650300

12. West Side Cemetery
Oakland, Burt County, USA
Coordinate: 41.8582100, -96.5512400

13. Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery
Beemer, Cuming County, USA
Coordinate: 41.9067001, -96.8264008

14. Salem Cemetery
Burt County, USA
Coordinate: 41.8008003, -96.5494003

15. Beemer Cemetery
Beemer, Cuming County, USA
Coordinate: 41.9334488, -96.8130188

16. Saint Johns Lutheran Cemetery
Scribner, Dodge County, USA
Coordinate: 41.7414020, -96.6085930

17. Manhattan Cemetery
Dodge County, USA
Coordinate: 41.7136002, -96.6836014

18. Zion Lutheran Cemetery
Bancroft, Cuming County, USA
Coordinate: 41.9772300, -96.6497000

19. Rock Creek Cemetery
Cuming County, USA
Coordinate: 41.9164009, -96.8602982

20. Saint Peters Cemetery
Snyder, Dodge County, USA
Coordinate: 41.7117004, -96.7893982

21. Saint Pauls Lutheran Cemetery
Burt County, USA
Coordinate: 41.7722900, -96.5213300

22. Saint Aloysius Catholic Cemetery
Aloys, Cuming County, USA
Coordinate: 41.8310700, -96.9034500

23. Saint Johns Lutheran Cemetery
Beemer, Cuming County, USA
Coordinate: 41.9165000, -96.8807000

24. Saint Wenceslaus Cemetery
Cuming County, USA
Coordinate: 41.7435989, -96.8546982