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Clarence King
b. Newport, RI, January 6, 1842
d. Phoenix, AZ, December 24, 1901
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Commonly referred to as "Clare," a fifth generation Newporter- his father,
James, was involved in the family commerce of King & Talbot during
the "opium Wars."
Moves from Newport at age 6½ to begin formal education.
Long time King family residence, where he was born and spent much of his
life no longer exists. Northeast corner of High and Church streets,
presently parking lot of Hotel Viking.
Graduates with honors in 1862 from the Sheffield Scientific School
at Yale.
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Lies resting in Island Cemetery. His headstone was knocked over years
ago and lies imbedded within grass. His name is barely legible and the
inscription, "I am the Resurrection and the life, saith the Lord", has
long since faded.
Eventually journeyed west with a friend, ending up at the mines of the
Comstock Lode in Virginia City, Nevada, one of the richest gold and silver
deposits ever discovered. Remained there studying and working in
the mines until he left on foot over the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range.
Persuades our government into the most ambitious federal geological exploration
survey ever done, the exploration of the 40th parallel, (the King survey),
from 1867-1872. |
His work on the 40th parallel would make him famous as he and his men lifted
this whole region of our country out of the shrouds of myth. Up to
this time people had no idea what was out there.
During the survey he uncovers the "Great Diamond Hoax," an elaborate plan
to defraud investors by placing fake gems in the soil.
Work on the 40th parallel survey would be approximately ten years in the
making before its formal completion.
First Director of the United States Geological Survey (confirmed by Congress
April 3, 1879).
He showed great administrative skill; received annual salary of $6,000.00:
post held for two years.
Marries an African American named Ada in September 1888. Due to fear
of potentially embarassing situation and concern for social correctness,
this marked the beginning of a secret double life, which would include
separate residences and eventually five children.
The financial panic of 1893, monumental debt, the passing of his grandmother
and son, and mounting stress of his secret life may have contributed to
his involvement in a senseless street brawl in Central Park where he was
arrested. At urging of close friends, he was committed to an asylum.
Was eventually released.
Bibliography
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