Samuel Ward King (May 23, 1786 – January 20, 1851) was the 15th Governor of Rhode Island from 1839 to 1843.

He first became governor in 1839 when the legislature failed to grant a majority of votes to the three leading contenders.

During his administration as governor, he took a strong stand against the expanded voting franchise that led to the Dorr Rebellion in 1841 – 1842.

President John Tyler refused to send in Federal troops at Governor King's request to suppress the uprising.

He is buried in the King family plot in Johnston near the intersection of US Route 6A and Killingly Street.