KING, Rufus (I814-76). An American soldier and journalist, born in New York City, son of Charles King. president of Columbia Col lege, and grandson of Rufus King. lie gradu ated at West Point in 1833, but three years Inter resigned from the army and became an assistant engineer on the New York and Erie Railroad. In 18:39 he went to Alhany, where he became editor of the Advertiser. and Adjutant General of the State of New York. in virtue of which hitter office he commanded the troops called out to suppress the Anti-Rent riots. In 1841 lie became associate editor of the Albany Evening Journal, but four years later relin quished this position to become editor and part proprietor of the Sentinel and tlazette, which during the sixteen years of his editorship became the leading newspaper in Wisconsin. He was appointed linister to the Pontifieal States by Lincoln in 1861, but just as he was about to embark for Rome came the news of the tiring on Fort Sumter, whereupon he resigned his post and applied for an appointment in the military ser vice. Ile was at onee commissioned brigadier
general of Wiseonsin Volunteers, and later was transferred with the same rank to the United States Volunteers, and was placed in command of the 'Iron Brigade.' Ms division mei two of Jackson's divisions at Groveton on August 28. 1862, and repulsed them, and on the following two days took part in the second battle of Bull Rein. He was compelled by ill health to resign on October 20. 18t 3. and was immediately reappointed Minister to the Pontifical States. a post which lie held until it was abolished by Congress in 1867. when he returned to the United States, and became deputy collector of customs for the city of New York.