He was for a time postmaster there, and in 1834-'7 a member of the state assembly. He was a representative in congress in 1843-'7 and in 1849-'53, having been elected as a Democrat, but in 1854 joined the Republican party, was its candidate for secretary of state in 1855, and in 1857-'63 served as United States senator.  

Early in 1861, in the debate on the naval appropriation bill, Mr. King said that the Union could not be destroyed peaceably, and was one of the first to give his opinion thus plainly. In closing, he said: "I tell these gentlemen, in my judgment this treason must come to an end--peacefully, I hope; but, never, in my judgment, peacefully by the ignominious submission of the people of this country to traitors--never. I desire peace, but I would amply provide means for the defense of the country by war, if necessary." 

After the expiration of his term, Mr. King resumed the practice of law in New York City. He was a warm friend of Andrew Johnson, and, as a member of the Baltimore convention of 1864, did much to secure his nomination for the vice presidency. After his accession to the presidency, Mr. Johnson appointed Mr. King collector of the port of New York. Financial troubles and the responsibilities of his office unsettled his mind, and he committed suicide by jumping from a ferry-boat into the Hudson river.

KING, Preston, senator, born in Ogdensburg, New York, 14 October, 1806; drowned in Hudson river, 12 November, 1865. He was graduated at Union in 1827, studied law, and practised in St. Lawrence county, New York he entered politics in early life, was a strong friend of Silas Wright, and an admirer of Andrew Jackson, and established the "St. Lawrence Republican " at Ogdensburg in 1830, in support of the latter. He was for a time postmaster there, and in 1834-'7 a member of the state assembly. He was a representative in congress in 1843-'7 and in 1849-'53, having been elected as a Democrat, but in 1854 joined the Republican party, was its candidate for secretary of state in 1855, and in 1857-'63 served as United States senator. Early in 1861, in the debate on the naval appropriation bill, Mr. King said that the Union could not be destroyed peaceably, and was one of the first to give his opinion thus plainly. In closing, he said: "I tell these gentlemen, in my judgment this treason must come to an end--peacefully, I hope; but. never, in my judgment, peacefully by the ignominious submission of the people of this country to traitors--never. I desire peace, but I would amply provide means for the defence of the country by war, if necessary." After the expiration of his term, Mr. King resumed the practice of law in New York city. He was a warm friend of Andrew Johnson, and, as a member of the Baltimore convention of 1864, did much to secure his nomination for the vice presidency. After his accession to the presidency, Mr. Johnson appointed Mr. King collector of the port of New York. Financial troubles and the responsibilities of his office unsettled his mind, and he committed suicide by jumping from a ferry-boat into the Hudson river.