The Murder of Joseph J King (1867-1935)

Joseph J “J. J.” King was born in Chattahoochee County, Georgia to William Nathan King and Georgia Ann Dennard in May of 1867. He was a lifelong bachelor but stayed close to his extended family members. His nephew Frank Jones even lived with him for a while.

J. J. co-owned a grocery store with his brother-in-law Benjamin Franklin Barge until Barge retired in September of 1896. J. J.’s brother William Henry King then helped him run the store.

Americus Times-Recorder September 18, 1896

In September of 1909, tragedy struck the King brothers’ store. A fire of unknown origin sent the store and the entirety of their stock up in flames. The store was a complete loss as they had no insurance. A young man sleeping in the store was also badly burned before he could escape and later succumbed to his injuries.

Americus Times-Recorder September 30, 1909

J. J. rebuilt the store and continued to run it until tragedy struck again in 1935, this time in a much darker manner. On the night of January 3, 1935, J. J. was murdered at his place of business. His death certificate listed the cause of death as “murdered by being struck on head with a hickory stick” and cites “violent blows on head with hickory stick” as the manner and nature of injury.

The Butler Herald of January 10, 1935 reports that Columbus detectives had been brought in to help track down the “party or parties” responsible for his murder, and further reports that they tried to cover up their crime by burning the body.

Butler Herald January 10, 1935

By February 14, the guilty parties had been apprehended and tried for the crime. It came out in the trial that J. J. King had attempted to collect debt owed to him by Willie S. Grimes, and had been slain in revenge. Grimes, D. Brown, Kid Wilbourn, and possibly one other assailant had attacked J. J. King in his own store and beaten him to death.

The Butler Herald of February 21, 1935 reports that all three men had been found guilty and sentenced to execution by electric chair, to occur on the 6th and 7th of March. One additional suspect had been arrested but not yet indicted.

Butler Herald February 21, 1935

Joseph J. King (May 1867 – 3 January 1935) was buried next to many other members of his family in the Weston Methodist Church Cemetery, Weston, Webster County, Georgia.

Dr. Allen Davis Binns Obituary

From the Atlanta Journal-Constitution on December 7, 2006.

Dr. Allen Davis Binns, 63, died Monday evening at his home after being diagnosed with glioblastoma in August of 2005. Dr. Binns, a Columbus native was born on August 9, 1943, the son of Alice King Binns and the late Dr. Joseph Marion Binns. He was preceded in death by his father, his only son, Allen Davis Binns, Jr. and his niece, Erika Marie Binns. He attended Columbus schools and graduated from Darlington School in Rome, Georgia in the Class of 1961. After graduating from Emory University in 1964, he entered Emory University School of Dentistry from which he graduated in 1969. He served as a Captain in the United States Army Dental Corp during the Vietnam War. Upon completing his military service he returned to Columbus and in 1971 established the dental practice to which he dedicated the next 35 years of life. Dr. Binns continued a lifetime of learning and became a specialist in the treatment of Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction. He cared for each of his patients and loved the opportunity to meet and serve so many. In 1979, Dr. Binns came to faith in Christ and from that time devoted his life to the service of others through many regional and international mission trips. Dr. Binns was involved in numerous organizations including The Columbus Quarterback Club, Young Life of Columbus, and United Way. His professional memberships included being a member and past president of the Western District Dental Society, a member and past president of the Georgia Academy of General Dentistry, a lifetime member of the American Dental Association and a long time member of the Georgia Dental Association and its’ House of Delegates. He was a staff member at the Medical Center and served on the Advisory Board of Columbus Technical Institute’s Hygiene Program and Indigent Care Program. He was both a Fellow and a Master of the Academy of General Dentistry. He was a faithful member of Wynnbrook Baptist Church. The enjoyment of fishing, which captured him at a very young age, continued to be his passion until he became disabled. He loved spending time with his family and friends at his lake home on Lake Harding. Dr. Binns said he would like to be remembered as a good Christian, a good dentist, and a good family man. Dr. Binns is survived by his mother, his wife of 27 years, Susan Nevels Binns of Columbus, Georgia, his daughters Elizabeth Binns Henley of Columbus, and Mary Railey Binns of Charleston, South Carolina, son-in-law Michael Nebinger Henley of Columbus, and his only grandchild, Michael Nebinger Henly, Jr. Dr. Binns is also survived by his siblings, Joseph Marion Binns of Atlanta, Georgia, Cathy Binns Johnpeer of Columbus, and Dr. Michael John Binns of Marietta, Georgia, two sisters-in-law, Carol Mobley Binns and Susan Black Binns. He is also survived by his father-in-law, William Harold Nevels of Columbus, four nephews and a niece. A visitation will be held on Thursday, December 7, 2006 from 6:00pm until 8:00pm at the Conference Center at Wynnbrook Baptist Church. The memorial service will be at Wynnbrook Baptist Church on Friday, December 8, 2006 at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Dr. Allen Davis Binns Memorial Mission Fund, c/o Wynnbrook Baptist Church, 500 River Knoll Way, Columbus, Georgia 31904. Dr. Binns’ family expresses gratitude to Vincent Smith, Christina Farley, Clarice Boden, the wonderful staff of Columbus Hospice, the physicians and staff of the John B. Amos Cancer Center and the Duke University Brain Tumor Center. Arrangements by Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, Columbus, GA.

Arleen King Beasley Obituary

I am so sad to report the death of Arleen King Beasley, a cousin who was of great help in my genealogical research. Cousin Arleen was always full of stories and knowledge, and would chat for hours about family history. She was a wonderful lady with a sharp wit, and I will miss her. I am so glad I had a chance to get to know her before she passed away.

Arleen’s maiden name was Patricia Eleanor Arleen King, daughter of Big John King and Mary Elizabeth Powell.

Arleen King Beasley died on Monday, July 23, 2018 in Chester, MD. She was 75 years old.

A memorial service will be held 2:00 PM Tuesday, July 31, 2018 at the Chapel of McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, GA 31907. Arleen will be buried near her parents and family in Riverdale Cemetery in Columbus, Georgia.

Arleen was a Columbus, Georgia native born on September 28, 1942. She was the daughter of the late B. John and Elizabeth (Powell) King of Columbus and Chattahoochee County, Georgia. She was the paternal granddaughter of the late Dr. Gary Wood King and his wife Catherine Alice. Dr. King was known as the cotton king of Georgia. He owned thousands of acres of land until his death in 1925. A large portion of that land and the King Cemetery are now part of the Ft. Benning Army Post. Arleen’s paternal great-grandparents, Henry and Elizabeth (Lee) King, were pioneer settlers of Chattahoochee County. Elizabeth Lee King, born July 8, 1795, was one of the Lees of Virginia. Arleen was the maternal granddaughter of the late William Everett Powell and his wife, Alma Virginia (Jackson) of Alexander City, Alabama and Georgia.
Arleen was the mother of Beth Beasley from Brunswick, Georgia and John Beasley and his wife, Monica (Smith) Beasley of Chester, Maryland. She is also survived by 3 beloved grandchildren, Ryan Beasley of Richmond, Virginia, Ashley Beasley of Corning, New York and Jessica Beasley of Chester, Maryland. Arleen also has 3 great grandsons, Cayden, Everett and Camren.

She was predeceased by half-brothers Wood, Dean and Jack King (former Georgia representative) and half-sisters Mary Allen (King) Thomas, Alice (King) Binns, Pat (King) Jefferson and a nephew, Gary King, all of Columbus. She is survived by a half-sister, Shirley Long of Columbus, Georgia and a half-brother, Henry Lee (Harry) King of Dunedin, Florida and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Arleen was an honor graduate of Cusseta High School. She was president of the honor society, secretary of the senior class, a member of the student council, safety council and center forward on the basketball team. She was also selected to be a National Merit Scholar. She was an alumnus of Columbus College and Georgia Southern College. She was a member of the college newspaper and yearbook staffs, the Wesley Foundation and glee club. While at Columbus College, she wrote a column entitled, “Campus Chatter” for the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer newspaper. She was also a contestant in the 1961 Miss Columbus Pageant.

In 1962, she married Fenn Coffin Beasley, a U.S. Naval Academy graduate and member of a Richland, Georgia family. For over 20 years, they lived in Florida, Mississippi, Texas, Georgia, California and finally ending up in Virginia Beach after 18 moves in 12 years. After divorcing, she continued her career with the Virginian Pilot and Ledger Star for over 30 years.

Arleen’s extensive vacation travels took her to Japan, Hawaii, France, Germany and Austria. In addition to traveling, her interests included playing the piano, reading, gardening, photography, genealogy and going to estate sales.

It was Arleen’s desire that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made in her memory to the Living Grace United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 6099, Columbus, GA 31917.

Civil War Letter of John Rufus King (1834-1905)

Dear Nephew-

I received your welcome letter on the night of the 16th, dated 31st of May. I was very anxious to hear from you and you seem anxious to hear from us. We are all up, but not well, except G. W. King.

You wanted to know the results of this skirmish at Jackson, Miss. There were only five companies of the 46th Ga., in it. They were the first five. I know but little about any but Co. D. – which was as follows. Killed, Lt. Gunn, wounded, Lt. L. D. Monroe, severely in the hip and thigh, the ball striking near the hip joint and passing down the bone to the knee joint. Brother G. W. King in the left arm about two inches below the shoulder joint, passing through the flesh three or four inches. I don’t think the bone is effected – very little if at all. Jas. P. Lunsford in the leg a little below the ankle, J. L. Pollard in the left thumb.

Prisoners, Jas. Lawson, Thos. Guy, Lt. L. D. Monroe was taken. The fight lasted but a little while, but was very hot for the time. Men transferred from the 10th Ga. and the 2nd Ga. to this Regt. represent it to be the most desperate fight they were ever in.

The Yanks were on three sides of us when we retreated. We scattered very much from the fact that it was the only chance to escape. There were only seven or eight hundred on our side engaged, while the Yanks had ten or fifteen thousand.

Gen. Johnston did not intend to hold the place, but merely to give the citizens time to leave the town and to move a few of the Government stores, or what he could.

This is a bad country for soldiering. It is a badly watered country. We have to use pond water. It is hot enough for dish water.

I expect we will start towards Vicksburg in a few days, But whether we will get there or not, I can’t tell. We have no direct news from Vicksburg, but what we have is favorable. The report is that Grant has been strongly reenforced.

You don’t say how you are getting along with your music, or anything about your last fight.

I forgot to say how the wounded boys were doing. They were doing finely the last time I heard from them, which was about a week ago. I have not heard from home since I have been in this state.

Nothing more at present.

J. R. King

Co. D. 46th Ga.

Walker’s Division

Gist Brigade

Direct your letters to Jackson, Miss.

John Rufus King was one of three brothers, the three youngest sons of Henry King and Elizabeth Lee, that joined the Confederate Army during the Civil War. Of these, only two would return – John Rufus King and Garry Wood King. The youngest son, Jesse Stephen King, was wounded in the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain and died of his wounds a few days later.

It is said that his body was returned home where his mother dressed him in his Confederate uniform and buried him beneath an apple tree. Family history has it that she never recovered from her broken heart, and she died only two years later, many years before her husband passed away.

In the King family cemetery, located on the ancestral King lands on what is now Fort Benning, a beautiful white marble ledger stone is laid in the same plot as Henry King and Elizabeth Lee. This illegible stone almost certainly marks the grave of Jesse Stephen King.

Hal Foster King’s World War II Flying Tigers Memorabilia

World War II Flying Tigers Pin
World War II Flying Tigers Pin

This is a Chinese made silver pin with a painted detail of the Flying Tiger emblem of the 23d Fighter Group. It was made during World War II and brought back from China by Hal Foster King.

World War II Flying Tigers Patch
World War II Flying Tigers Patch

This shoulder patch depicts the emblem of the Fourteenth Army Air Force, established in 1943 in China. It appears to be hand embroidered. Country of manufacture is unknown.

Hal Foster King's Military Dog Tags
Hal Foster King’s Military Dog Tags

These are the dog tags of Hal Foster King from his service in the military. They list his name and military number, his father’s name and address as closest kin, and his blood type and religion.

All of these artifacts belonged to Hal Foster King and are now in the King-Fisher Sister’s Collection.

 

Hal King and Jeane Fisher Wedding Announcement

Hal King and Jeane Fisher Wedding Announcement
Hal King and Jeane Fisher Wedding Announcement

Unknown date in 1944; unknown newspaper. From the King-Fisher Sisters’ Collection.

Miss Fisher Weds Lt. Hal F. King

SENATOBIA, Miss. – Mrs. Eudina C. Fisher, of Senatobia, Miss., announces the marriage of her daughter, Miss Ora Jeane Fisher, to Lieutenant Hal Foster King, son of Mr. and Mrs. G. W. King, of Cusseta, Ga.

The ceremony took place June 4 at the home of the bride’s grandparents, the Rev and Mrs. A. T. Cinnamond, of Senatobia, Miss., with Mr. Cinnamond officiating. The bride wore a tailored ivory two-piecesuit with matching accessories and a corsage of sweet peas and babybreath.

Mrs. King was graduated from Senatobia High School and attended Bowling Green, Ky., Business College, where she was a member of the Delta Theta.

Lieutenant King was studying electrical engineering at Georgia Tech when he enlisted in the Air Corps. He was a member of the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity. He received his wings at Jackson, Miss., Air Field and is now taking training as a fighter pilot in Tallahassee, Fla., where the couple will make their home.

Helen King Thompson Obituary

Helen King Thompson Obituary
Helen King Thompson Obituary

From the Albany Herald, July 25, 2001. From the King-Fisher Sisters’ Collection.

 Helen King Thompson

ALBANY – Helen King Thompson died of leukemia at her home at 1823 Robin Hood Road on Tueasday, July 24, 2001.

The funeral service will be Thursday at 11 a.m. at Crown Hill Cemetery. The Rev. Thad Haygood officiating.

Mrs. Thompson is a native of Cusseta, she was the daughter of the late Geronimo W. and Mattie Foster King. She had lived in Albany since 1956. She was a graduate of the University of Georgia, a member of the Arts Student League and Alpha Gamme Delta Sorority, A member of the First United Methodist Church and a former Sunday School teacher, she was a member of the UMW and the Elnora Hawk Sunday School Class. She was also a member of the Doublegate Ladies Golf Association.

She is survived by her husband, Bruce and her four children and their families; Michael Bruce Thompson and wife, Gail of Albany and their children, Hannah, Al, and Karrie; Martha Kimberly Seay and her husband, Bob of Roswell and their children, Robert, Helen, and David; Susan King Thompson and her husband, Bill Slugg of Albany and children, Casey Powell and Andrew Slugg; son, Hal Geron Thompson and wife Kimberly of Leesburg and their children, Jessica, Sarah, and Taylor. She is also survived by a sister, Virginia Robertson and husband, Paul of Albany; a brother, Hal King and his wife, Jeane of Leesburg; several nieces and nephews.

Those desiring please make memorials to American Cancer Society, Dougherty-Lee Unit, P.O. Box 1201, Albany, GA 31702.

Kimbrell-Stern Funeral Directors Albany 229/883-4152

Geronimo Way King Obituary

Geronimo Way King Obituary
Geronimo Way King Obituary

From the Albany Herald, September 23, 1964. From the King-Fisher Sisters’ Collection.

Ex-Cusseta Mayor Dies Here at 77

G. W. King, 77, of Cusseta died this morning in Phoebe Putney Hospital.

Born Oct. 24, 1886, in Chattahoochee County, he was the son of Catherine Alice King and Gary Wood King and had been a lifelong resident of Chattahoochee County. Prior to his retirement he had served for 26 years as county school superintendent of Chattahoochee County, was a former member of the Georgia House of Representatives from Chattahoochee County, served as state senator of the 24th District of Georgia and was a former mayor of Cusseta.

Mr. King is survived by his wife, the former Miss Mattie Foster of Chattahoochee County; two daughters, Mrs. Bruce Thompson and Mrs. Paul B. Robertson, both of Albany; a son, Hal F. King of Albany; a brother, B. J. King of Cusseta; two sisters, Mrs. E. W. Stephens of Columbus and Mrs. W. W. McCook of Shreveport, La., and 2 grandchildren.

The funeral service will be conducted Thursday at 2:30 p. m. in Cusseta Baptist Church by the Rev. D. P. Jenkins. Interment will follow in Mt. Olive Cemetery in Cusseta. The body will be placed in the church at 1 p. m.

Kimbrell-Stern is in charge of arrangements.

Jay Paul Hiers Obituary

From the Albany Journal, April 28, 2011.

Mr. Jay Paul Hiers, of Atlanta died Tuesday, April 26, 2011.

His funeral service Saturday 2 PM at First United Methodist Church with interment in Crown Hill Cemetery. Dr. Don Adams will officiate. The family will receive friends Friday 5 to 7 PM at Kimbrell-Stern Funeral Directors.

A native of Albany, he was a 1990 graduate of Albany High School and a 1994 graduate of Savannah College of Art and was a talented artist. Jay was a member of First United Methodist Church and was preceded in death by his grandfather Paul B. Robertson.

Survivors include his mother, Jill Robertson Hiers, Phenix City, AL, his father, Earl “Bubba” Hiers, Savannah, sister, Corrie Hiers Rooks and her husband Brian, Savannah, grandmother, Virginia King Robertson, Albany and numerous aunts uncles and cousins.