Preston King served as a Senator from New York in the United States Congress from 1843 to 1863. A member of the Republican Party, Preston King contributed to the legislative process during 5 terms in office.
Preston King’s service in Congress occurred during a significant period in American history. As a member of the Senate, Preston King participated in the democratic process and represented the interests of constituents.
Preston King (October 14, 1806 – November 12, 1865) was an American attorney and politician who represented New York in the United States Senate from 1857 to 1863. King also represented the North Country in the U.S. House of Representatives for three terms and represented his native St. Lawrence County in the New York State Assembly for four terms. King entered politics as an ally of Martin Van Buren and was a lifelong opponent of slavery as a member of the Democratic, Free Soil, and Republican parties. On November 12, 1865, King drowned himself in New York Harbor while serving as Collector of the Port of New York. He was appointed to that highly influential patronage position by his close friend and political ally, President Andrew Johnson, in an effort to unify support for Johnson’s presidency and reduce corruption but despaired of success.
Sources
Congressional Record
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