Tribute To Samuel A. King

March 16, 2011

            Born in Bakerton, Cambria County, Pennsylvania, son of a Doctor, Sam proved early in life his many talents.  Painting, writing, sketching, and his generous sense of humor combined to make him a popular cartoonist and at the early age of sixteen he was published in a boy’s magazine.

            He is being honored here for his tremendous contribution to preserving the early history of the area and his writings on modern day history of the area.  His collection of records of obituaries, wedding dates and other data were the impetus that allowed the local Historical Society to have a great start for its Genealogy Department.

            Mr. King began his advanced studies in 1932 resulting in a B. A. degree in 1936 from the Pennsylvania State University, College of Education with a major in Social Studies.  In 1937 he received his Masters Degree from the same University with a major in History and a minor in Sociology.

            He arrived on the DuBois scene in 1942 as an instructor at the DuBois Campus of his Alma Mater.  From October of 1943 to April of 1946, he served as a Seabee in the United States Navy.

            Returning to the DuBois Campus following his discharge from the service, Mr. King served the Campus until his retirement in 1977.

            During his teaching career, he served the University and the DuBois Campus in several capacities.  He was a member of the University Faculty Senate, the Intra-University Relations Committee, and the Tenure Committee for the Department of History, the DuBois Campus Hearing Board, the Campus Planning Task Force, the Campus Scholarship Committee and Faculty Advisor for Delta Mu Sigma, the Campus Honorary Society.

            His popularity goes beyond his being an authority on the history and folklore of DuBois and the surrounding area and during his tenure at the campus he was much in demand as an after dinner speaker.  Yet most people outside the area throughout Pennsylvania when they hear the name Sam King think of yet another accomplishment . . . his map making.  This all began in 1951 during a short layoff from his campus duties.  The maps of which nearly a quarter of a million were sold were the favorites of hunters, fishermen and the general public.  Bearing such names as More of God’s Country, Cornplanters Kingdom, Heart of the Alleghenies, Timber Trails in McKean County, Lore of the last frontier in Pennsylvania and Land of Leisure they remain popular and in demand even today.

            Yet through it all, Mr. King had time to serve his community.  Active in Red Cross he was presented the National Red Cross award in 1973 “In Grateful Appreciation for Outstanding Volunteer Service.”  Serving on the Centennial and Sesquicentennial Celebration Committee, he wrote and furnished pictures for the entire 1954 issue (32 Pages) of the Courier-Express Sesquicentennial Edition.

            On August 23, 1961, the local radio station WCED, DuBois, declared “Sam King Day” in honor or his many contributions to the local area.

            He holds a Life Membership in the DuBois Area Historical Society and the Society has been honored by his service as its first Vice-President.

            Surely Samuel A. King need not worry that he will be remembered, for he shall always be held in high regard in the hearts and minds of all who know him for his many contributions to humanity.

 

FOOTNOTE:  This is the first of a series of tributes to deceased members who have played a large part in the success of the DuBois Area Historical Society.  This tribute to Sam King appeared in the Offical Publication of the DuBois Area Historical Society, Inc., Quarterly Historical Newsletter, Volume 2004-1, Issue 22-1. 

- - - Written by Evo G. Facchine, President

Tags :

PREV NEXT September 2015
SMTWTFS
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30

LANTERN WALK ATTRACTS 143 PARTICIPANTS

October 28, 2011
0 comments
.....

Penn State Volunteers Service Time

September 08, 2011
0 comments
.....

Photos from inside Historical Society

August 30, 2011
0 comments
.....

Railroads & Trolleys

July 06, 2011
0 comments
.....

Henry Shaffer

July 06, 2011
0 comments
.....

.....

.....