King, John

King, John

The master builder John King became a paying student of Thomas Nevell in 1766. Nevell recorded in his account book on 12 March 1766, that King paid him two pounds "to Instructions in the Art of Drawing Sundry Propositions in Architecture." King next appears in 1773 when he took one Richard Riddle as an apprentice. That same year he erected a house for Thomas Wharton on Second Street; and, according to John MacPherson's receipt book, he worked at Mt. Pleasant (designed by Thomas Nevell in 1763) off and on from 1775 to 1779. A resident of Dock Ward, King was elected to The Carpenters' Company in 1784. At the time of his death he lived on Lombard Street; his estate included "3 books of Architecture," a case of drawing instruments and 175 molding planes. Although King is not listed as an "Encourager" of the Philadelphia edition of Abraham Swan's The British Architect (R. Bell for J. Norman, 1775), the first book on architecture published in America, his inscribed copy is preserved in the library of The Carpenters' Company. Two drawings believed to be by King are tipped into the back of this volume.

Biography from Philadelphia Architects and Builders, a project of the Athenaeum of Philadelphia. Written by Roger W. Moss.

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King

John

1/1/1805

1/2/1784

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Worked on Mt. Pleasant (1775-1779)

Tatman & Moss Bio Dictionary Phila. Architects page 446. Became a student of Thomas Nevell (q.v.) in 1766. Nevell recorded in his account book on March 12, 1766, that King paid him two pounds "to Instructions in the Art of Drawing Sundry Propositions in Architecture." King next appears in 1773 when he took one Richard Riddle as an apprentice. That same year he erected a house for Thomas Wharton on Second St. and, according to John MacPherson's receipt book, he worked on Mt. Pleasant (designed by Thomas Nevell in 1763) off and on from 1775 to 1779. A resident of Dock Ward, King was elected to The Company in 1784. At the time of his death he lived on Lombard St.; is estate included "3 books of Architecture," a case of drawing instruments and 175 molding planes. Although King is not listed as an "encourager" of the Philadelphia edition of Abraham Swan's "The British Architect (R. Bell for J. Norman, 1775), the first book on architecture to be published in America, his inscribed copy is preserved in the library of The Company. Two drawings believed to be by King are tipped into the back of this volume. King was a student at Nevell's architecture school (see bio) and worked with him on Mount Pleasant. See Selected Bibliography in Tatman & Moss Bio Dictionary Phila. Architects. In Nevell's account book, Special Collections, Van Pelt Library, University of Pennsylvania. Also Mac Pherson receipt book at Philadelphia Museum of Art (for work at Mount Pleasant). --------------- Tatman & Moss Bio Dictionary Phila. Architects shows death date as 1804. -------------- See C.E. Peterson's book, "Robert Smith", page 14, Col 1, para 1 where King is charged two pounds for instruction in Thomas Nevell's school. --------------- Prime Directory: Listed as carpenter, 18 Lombard St. (1785-1800); also 237 S. 3rd St. (1798, 1800) and corner of 5th & Walnut (1799). -------------- Managing Committee Minutes-1784-3-49 John King elected. Managing Committee Minutes-1806-15-7, 23, 27, 40, 41 On considering the subject of re-insuring the property of John King and Silas Engles, it was on consideration agreed not necessary to make such insurance. The widow of the late member John King being desirous to place her property under the case of the Company for the present, therefore resolved: that George Summers and A.C. Ireland be requested to wait on her and receive a power of attorney to act on her behalf of the Company. Committee appointed to attend to the business of the widow King on behalf of the Company. The committee on widow King's case continued. $72.08 balance of principal & interest of a bond against the estate of John King. Managing Committee Minutes-1813-16-19 William Palmer reports he obtained the note drawn by R.Lyons endorsed by Mrs. King. Managing Committee Minutes-1821-18-43 Jesse Williamson having stated to the committee that Robert O'Neill is now in funds belonging to the estate of John King, deceased, but he does not think himself authorized to pay the same to the Carpenters' Company unless compelled to do so. Therefore, resolved: that the bond and mortgage of John King, deceased, due the Carpenters' Company be put in force immediately, unless the interest due thereon be forthwith paid, and the secretary was directed to furnish R. O'Neill with a copy of the above. Managing Committee Minutes-1824-18-169 John O'Neill reports having received $18 from John King's estate on account of interest. Managing Committee Minutes-1827-18-287 Michael Baker, Treasurer, reported he received the mortgageof John King to the Carpenters' Company, from James Smith, Esq. Managing Committee Minutes-1831-18-408, 410 Jacob Ballenger, collector, reports having received $93.16 interest from John King's estate $26.85 in favor of Ann King being the amount paid by William Duncan on account of interest from estate of John King.

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