Rufus King (1)

Rufus King was a Brigadier General in the Union Army.

Antebellum

Born in New York, New York, named for grandfather Rufus
Well known in Milwaukee
Graduated from Columbia College and enrolled in U.S. Military Academy - finished near top of class in 1833
First assignment is Lieutenant in the Engineer Corps under Robert E. Lee
Later duty post was Lake Erie where he was engaged in a topographical survey of Toledo Bay
Resigned from army in 1836 to work as associate editor for New York newspapers Albany Evening Journal and Albany Advertiser
Served briefly in Albany Burgess Corps, militia organization in Albany
Left New York in 1845 to become proprietor and editor of Milwaukee Sentinel and Gazette (soon Milwaukee Daily Sentinel) until 1859
Became active in education - served as regent for University of Wisconsin and superintendent of Milwaukee Public Schools
In spare time, served in Milwaukee Light Guard militia group
Served as foreman of engine "No. 1" of Milwaukee Fire Department
Organized in/took part in first 3 baseball games ever played in Wisconsin
March 1861 Lincoln appoints King Minister to the Papal States
Still celebrating goodbye parties in Madison and Milwaukee when the news of Fort Sumter reaches Milwaukee
Quits appointment, tenders service to Governor Randall
Enlisted from Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin

Helped organize several regiments in different capacities before being commission Brigadier General by Randall
Commissioned Brigadier General by Lincoln in Regular Army around Washington, D.C.

Grandfather: Rufus King, Massachusetts delegate to Continental Congress and Constitutional Convention
Father: Charles King, former president of Columbia College

Wisconsin. Adjutant-General's Office. Roster of Wisconsin Volunteers, War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865. Volume 1. (Madison, 1886). (Page ???)