General John Edward King

Text

Historical Marker #1403 near Burkesville in Cumberland County commemorates John Edward King, a War of 1812 general.

Born in Virginia in 1757, King fought in the Revolutionary War, serving in the 3rd Virginia Regiment. In 1780, he moved to present-day Bracken County, Kentucky. While in the Bluegrass State, his military service continued. King fought under Col. Isaac Shelby at the Battle of Kings Mountain, North Carolina, on October 7, 1780.

After the Revolution, King moved to present-day Cumberland County, where he built Melmont, a large house near Burkesville. He was active in politics and served as the clerk of the county and circuit courts.

Recognized for his broad military service, during the War of 1812 King was commissioned general. A veteran of the Battle of the Thames, where Shelby commended him for his leadership, the historical marker notes that he was an "outstanding military tactician." King died at Melmont in 1828, and was buried there.