THOMAS KING J.P.
MAYORALTY:- November 9th 1894-1895.
PROFESSION:- Auctioneer.
FIRST ELECTED TO COUNCIL:- April 9th 1888.
WARD:- St Thomas
FIRST ELECTED ALDERMAN:- August 7th 1895.
OTHER CIVIC POSITIONS HELD:- Magistrate 1894.
RESIDENCE:- Pembroke House, 19 Pembroke Road.
DECEASED:- 8th August 1907 aged 66.
BURIED:- Highland Road Cemetery.
Gates comments, 'Whether as Chief Magistrate or in his business capacity, as auctioneer, he gained the highest esteem from all, not only for his good business ability, but more especially, in public affairs, for his whole-heartedness and love of fairness which always characterised his efforts.
King was a native of Gosport. On leaving school he became articled to Cook & Sons Auctioneers. In 1863 he came to Portsmouth joining the firm of Marvin & King in which he eventually became a partner to form the well known firm of King & King. Gates continues, "In 1882, when the depredations of the Fenians were causing a scare in the country many inhabitants of the town were sworn in as special Constables to help guard against any outrage. Mr King was duly appointed Inspector in Command of the Portsea Division drilling his men in readiness for emergencies." On the 31st March 1888 following the death of Cllr James Gieve (St Thos) the Portsmouth Times welcomed the candidature of Thomas King opining that he had all the right qualities required of a good councillor and was perhaps potentially a future mayor for the borough. Six years later they were proved right.
MAYORAL ELECTION 1894. (1)
As pre arranged Cllr R.W. Beale (St Thos) stood to nominate his ward partner Cllr Thomas King. This was seconded by Cllr James Bishop (St Mary) and was met with applause. Bishop commented that King was noted for his good sense and good nature. Bishop also reflected that King was the first bachelor to be nominated. He then quoted Bacon saying:- "Certainly the best works and greatest merit before the public have proceeded from unmarried men." However, it was mooted that King was planning to marry in the near future - but this was not to be. Meantime mayors' wives had begun to play a part in affairs with monthly 'At Homes'. Absence of female support could now be a handicap so to bridge the gap the sister of his business partner Alderman William D. King agreed to act as locum.
EVENTS OF MAYORAL YEAR 1894-1895
Though there were still problems with storm drains by now Portsmouth had become one of the healthiest places in the country in which to reside. 1895 was the year in which the boundaries of the borough were extended to encompass Great Saltems. The boundaries were now virtually commensurate with the shore line of Portsea Island.
Mayoral ceremonial duties began on January 21st 1895 with the opening of the Municipal Museum in the High Street and Technical Institution in Arundel Street - both on the same day. In July the General Election saw two Liberals returned:- ex mayor Sir J. Baker and W.O. Clough. In the same month the mayor entertained the Italian Squadron under the Command of HRH The Duke of Genoa. As a result King Humberto of Italy appointed King a Knight Commander of the Order of the Cross of Italy. The Honorary Freedom of the Borough was presented to Lord Macnaughton who had assisted the investors in the liquidation of the Portsea Building Society. He being the first to receive the Honour in Portsmouth under the Act of 1888.
King had diverse other interests. He was a director of the Water Coy, and of the Floating Bridge Coy. As a magistrate he specialised in licensing matters. He was also a member of the 3rd Hants Volunteers. Additionally he was a Freemason being a member of the Phoenix Lodge 257. He deceased still a bachelor and in his testament he Willed money to the borough for the benefit of the poor.
Norman Gordon
SOURCES.
Obituaries:- Hant's Post 9th August 1907. Portsmouth Times 10th August 1907.
1. Portsmouth Times 10th November 1894.