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Transcribed from "An Illustrated History of The Big Bend Country, embracing Lincoln, Douglas, Adams and Franklin counties, State of Washington", published by Western Historical Publishing Co., 1904.

     JOSEPH HOWARD KING has for twenty consecutive years shot the anvil on the Fourth of July in the Big Bend country, thus demonstrating him one of the pioneers of this country. He is a man of enterprise and ability, has done well his part to build up the Big Bend, and is now living a retired life in Reardan, having well earned this privilege by his long years of faithful labor.
     Joseph H. King was born in Boston, Lincolnshire, England, on December 26, 1840. His parents, John and Elizabeth (Foster) King, were natives also of England, where they remained until their death. The father was a soldier and a worthy man. They had five children, four boys and one girl. Our subject was the second one of the family and received a good education during his younger days, then was apprenticed to learn the blacksmith trade in which capacity he served for seven years, learning every detail of the business. In 1883 he left his native land and came to the United States, not stopping until he arrived in Spokane. He came out to what is known as White Bluff Prairie and established a shop at Deep Creek, whence, later he came to Mondovi. Here he was appointed postmaster, operated a blacksmith shop and conducted a hotel for three years. Then he moved into Reardan and took up a homestead just one half mile east of where the town stands. He built a blacksmith shop and conducted the same until 1901, when he sold out and retired to his farm.
     In 1871 Mr. King married Miss Saran Adams, a native of Derbyshire, England, and the daughter of Henry and Mary (Ordits) Adams, who are deceased. To this union twelve children were born, Ada F., Walter H., Rose, Garbutt, Bernard, Fred W., deceased, Elmer, Harry, Milo, Florence M., William, and Alfred P. deceased. Mr. King was one of the very first blacksmiths to enter the Big Bend country and remain, and he is well known all through Lincoln county. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and a man of excellent standing in the community. He and his wife are communicants of the Episcopal church and are highly respected people.

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