His parents were the descendants of early settlers of the state and had been involved in local causes and politics in and around Itasca County, Minnesota.

He was raised on the family homestead in Itasca County and attended school in Deer River, Minnesota.

[1] During World War I King served in the army, first as an enlisted soldier on the Mexican border and later as a first lieutenant.

After the war he worked in a variety of state and local government positions and also became active with the American Legion.

During World War II he left his position on an unpaid leave of absence to serve as a lieutenant colonel with the United States Air Force.