After conspicuous service in the New-York Legislature, he entered Congress in 1845 and remained until 1851.

When the South demanded the abrogation of the Missouri Compromise Mr.King followed his personal convictions, broke from his Democratic associations and aided in the organization of the Republican party.

He adhered steadily to the fortunes of the new party and brought with him a strong popular support--the large Republican majorities in Northern New York being originally due in no small degree to his personal influence and earnest efforts..