William Sterling King facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Sterling King
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| Born | October 6, 1818 Manhattan, New York County, New York, U.S. |
| Died | June 29, 1882 (aged 63) Roxbury, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Place of burial |
Forest Hills Cemetery
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| Allegiance |  United States of America
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| Service/ |
Union Army |
| Years of service | 1862–1865 |
| Rank |  Colonel Brevet Brigadier General |
| Unit | 35th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment |
| Commands held | 4th Massachusetts Heavy Artillery Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
William Sterling King (born October 6, 1818 – died June 29, 1882) was an important American officer during the American Civil War. He fought for the Union Army. After the war, he was elected to the Massachusetts legislature two times. He also became the very first Chief Constable of the Massachusetts State Constabulary, which is now known as the Massachusetts State Police.
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William Sterling King's Early Life
William Sterling King was born in Manhattan, New York, in 1818. His father, Elisha William King, was a lawyer and politician. His mother was Margaret Van der Voort.
William was a very bright student. He studied at Yale College and then graduated from Union College in 1837. He was the youngest person in his graduating class!
After college, King worked as a lawyer in New York City. Later, he moved to Roxbury, Massachusetts. He also served in the Massachusetts legislature, which is like a state government.
Serving in the American Civil War
When the American Civil War began, William Sterling King joined the Union Army on August 4, 1862. He quickly became a Captain in the 35th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment.
Key Battles and Injuries
King led his regiment in two major battles: the Battle of South Mountain and the Battle of Antietam. These battles were very tough. His regiment lost many soldiers. At Antietam, on September 17, King was badly wounded. Reports say he was hit many times, receiving seven injuries.
After he recovered, King was promoted. He became a Major in December 1862 and a Lieutenant Colonel in April 1863. He held several important roles during the war. He was a chief of staff and even a military commander in Kentucky. In 1864, he became a Colonel of the 4th Massachusetts Heavy Artillery Regiment.
Becoming a Brigadier General
On March 12, 1865, King was honored with a special promotion. He became a Brevet Brigadier General of Volunteers. This means he was recognized for his bravery and leadership. He left the army on June 17, 1865.
After the War: Public Service
After the Civil War, William Sterling King continued to serve the public. In July 1865, he was chosen to be the first Constable of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This job is now part of the Massachusetts State Police. He even helped design the first badge for the state police!
King also worked for the government in other ways. He was an assessor for United States Internal Revenue. Later, he became a Registrar of Probate and Insolvency. He returned to the Massachusetts legislature in 1875 and 1876.
William Sterling King's Family Life
William Sterling King married Ellen Grinnell in 1844. They had four children together. Sadly, all their children passed away between the ages of sixteen and twenty-one. King was a member of the Episcopalian church.
